Hello! It's been a long time huh? I have actually been working. What a concept. I have been doing some promo for the new Tears For Fears record. We went around the east and west coast and played at a lot of different radio stations. It looks like the record will be officially released on Sept. 14th. So keep an eye and ear out for it. Go to www.tearsforfears.net for more info.

Right now I am writing you from my hotel room in beautiful Bethlehem, PA. I am here with the Mike Keneally Band for the Nearfest festival. We play in a couple of hours. I'm looking forward to the set today. I played this festival with SB in 1997. That was the very first Nearfest. It was a great gig then and it has grown to become a very popular festival over the years.

On the SB front, we have been on a short hiatus because of schedules but are going to resume recording next week. We are getting close to the end though. I have a bunch of songs to sing and there are a few extra overdubs but that is about it. Al has done most of his guitars and everything is sounding amazing. We are still going to try for an October release and a tour to follow but I will keep you updated because things always change a bit. But as of this moment we are very excited about this new record. I feel it is going to rank as one of our best ever. Yes I am slightly biased but I have also been in this band from the very beginning and know very intimately all the great music we have made. I feel this new SB effort is very strong and can't wait for all of you to hear it.

OK y'all, I am off to my gig. Wish me luck that I don't forget how to play that part in 15/8. - NDV

Hi Y'all, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that the Spock's Goatee gig at The Baked Potato on June 24th is NOT going to be happening now. Bryan Beller is still playing that night and you should all go see his show. More info at: www.bryanbeller.com. It will be awesome I am sure. The reason Spock's has to back out of the gig is that I will be going back to work for Tears For Fears!!!!! YEAH!!! They have apparently got a new deal for North America. I don't what is going on for the rest of the world, but I am sure that will come soon also. We will be going out to do radio promo for the last two weeks of June and that is why I have to miss that gig. I apologize to everyone who made plans to go. I will try and make it up to you all. Since the TFF gig went away a few months ago things have been tight as...well, you think of something really tight and that is how tight it has been with work. So, I cannot say no. Me, Al, and Jimmy were very pumped about this little gig, so we will just have to book another sometime soon. The 2 Mike Keneally gigs at CalProg and at Nearfest are not in jeopardy.

So for now it is into the studio today so Al can put down some guitars for the new record. That is still going on as planned. There was a little lull in recording after Ryo was done, but now we'e getting back into it. -Thanks for the understanding and rock on y'all!! - NDV

Hello Beardies, NDV here. We finished some initial recording over a Rich Mouser's studio last Wednesday. I should really say Thursday morning, because Dave, Rich and I got out of the studio at 2:30 in the morning. That's after starting at about 11:00... THE PREVIOUS MORNING! Oh well, we were delirious but it turned out great. We have 18 pieces recorded, which includes all six pieces of the new epic. I don't think we have ever had that much material to choose from for a new record before. We are going to put out a single disc. I know some of you would like us to release a four CD set but...you will have some really great bonus songs!!!

photo by Jim Harrel

The music is running the gamut from true PROG (in my opinion) to full on ROCK. There is a heaviness to the new Spock's that is just coming out naturally and with the drum and bass sounds Rich got at his place, this CD will slam. There are times when my drums sound like John Bonham's. No kidding. I used an old Ludwig 26" kick drum that Rich has lying around his place. Coupled with his big room, the drums sound amazingly huge but clear and punchy. So much fun.

So, now I have to go through everything and get it all ready for me, Al and Ryo to do overdubs. That is always a tedious process, but it is a labor of love. If all goes well and there are no setbacks, we should be able to release this new CD in October or November and then...TOUR!!! I hope everywhere. I always wish for that, although my wishes never come true. Either way, we will be playing live somewhere. So, I will keep you all updated on the progress of the record and all the happenings.

On another note, I will be playing with Mike Keneally, Rick Musallam, and a most amazing bass player named Doug Lunn at the Baked Potato (here in LA) on May 8th. Go to www.keneally.com for more info. It's going to be a different kind of gig. Since Brian Beller can't be there, we are changing things up a bit. The first set is going to be acoustic with some Keneally, NDV, Spock's, and whatever else we can think of music.

The second set will be electric and all cover songs. I'm sure with MK leading the way, there will be some crazy fun things going on. If you have never seen or heard Doug Lunn play bass, you should make the trip out. He is a amazing and unique player. I met Doug through Kevin Gilbert years back and have done a few things with him over the years.

Alright peoples, take care. I will be in touch again very soon. - NDV