01/28/2022
WP jazz alum Tom Brislin shares a touching story about working with rock legend Meat Loaf who sadly left this Earth but left behind his art and a massive impact on people and musicians alike, including Tom. Read his story.
It’s hard to believe the man is gone. Meat Loaf believed in me; he was the first one to put me on the big stages, in a role more demanding than most rock bands. Night in and night out, he gave everything he had and showed us what it meant to perform.
I joined Meat Loaf’s band in 1998. Thanks to the recommendation by Glen Burtnik (thank you Glen), I auditioned for Musical Director Kasim Sulton, who brought me in (thanks Kasim) along with fellow newcomers to the band Ray Andersen(guitar/keys/vocals) and Damon LaScot (lead guitar). Kasim along with band veterans John Miceli (drums), Patti Russo (vocals) and Pearl Aday (vocals) worked us up to the highest level for several weeks before the big guy joined the new lineup. When Meat Loaf showed up, there was anticipation in the air. He was gracious to us all and even took us newbies out to the movies after rehearsal.
After only 3 or so rehearsals with him, we filmed VH-1 Storytellers. From there it was off to the UK and Europe for more TV appearances. 1999 began with “The Very Best of…” tour in Europe with a lot of time spent in London for rehearsals and more TV performances. As I’m thinking of this I’m reminded of the impact Meat Loaf had on my life simply from all the incredible friends and memories I’ve gained thanks to the opportunity he gave me. This is especially true for the Storytellers tour in North America, which capped off a big tour year. We had a lot of laughs on the road; playing video games on the tour bus and talking about his role in the film Fight Club, which had been released that year.
Following the tours, Meat Loaf brought me into the studio to play on his album “Couldn’t Have Said it Better”. He had a way of bringing out the best in me no matter what the setting. Life as a touring musician would take me other places after this experience, yet I still feel the influence of these sessions and tours to this day.
It was an unexpected turn to be called in to tour with Meat Loaf one last time, in 2016. Filling in for Justin Avery, there were some new faces in the band: Paul Crook-guitar, Cian Coey-vocals, Randy Flowers-guitar, David Luther -sax, guitar, keys) as well as familiar faces from my first go-around (John Miceli still manning the drum kit, guitar/bass tech Charlie Milton and drum tech Eric Anderson). And of course, the boss himself. Meat Loaf spoke to me as if no time had passed since we last worked together, let alone 15 years. He was even thinking of creative ways to keep me around once Justin was to return. Sadly, he would not tour again, Time may have been catching up to him, but it never stopped him from giving his all to the audience.
I had the pleasure of working with great bandmates, and great techs who kept my keyboards working: Tony Geranios, Russ Ryan, Bruce Hendrix, and Robert Dorion). They helped me stay focused on the man himself, as Meat Loaf would often throw us curveballs onstage. He could pause for dramatic effect at any time, and we had to be ready to stop on a dime, bring it down, or pump it up.
Meat Loaf was an epic performer, and I’m grateful to have been a part of the circus. He ended every show by saying “Don’t ever stop rockin’”, and I intend to follow that call as long as I can. Rest in peace, Meat Loaf.
(photo by Damon LaScot, London 1999)
