The Rockbottom Remainders

The Rockbottom Remainders played The Gypsy Tea Room in Dallas tonight.

According to guitar player and Pulitzer winning columnist Dave Barry, “We play music as well as Metallica writes novels.”

The Remainders are a band comprised mostly of writers. The lineup changes from show to show (because they play only once or twice a year) but for this gig it consisted of Dave Barry, Amy Tan, Mitch Albom, Scott Turow, Greg Iles, Ridley Pearson, and a few ringers who fancy themselves as “real” musicians. Tonight they were joined by Dave’s brother Sam, Mitch Albom’s wife, drummer Josh Kelly, saxophonist Erasmo Paulo and Monte Montgomery, who honestly may be the best guitar player I’ve ever seen live. I’ve seen him four or five times now, and every time it has blown me away what he’s capable of pulling out of that guitar.

Anyway, it was a helluva lot of fun, and went to benefit a good cause. Here are a few pictures from the show:

Mitch Albom sings Billy Joel’s “You May Be Right”

Scott Turow singing a Wilson Pickett song or something.

Amy Tan doing “Leader of the Pack” may be the funniest thing I’ve ever seen!

I take it back. Amy “Joy Luck Club” Tan in a dominatrix outfit whacking Mitch “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” Albom across the ass with a cat o’ nine tails is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen.

Dave Barry. I think he’s blinded by the light, wrapped up like a deuce, another roller in the night.

Captain Picard has been stealing from Guinan’s wardrobe. And taking saxophone lessons.

Yes, that was a Trek joke, Thankyouverymuch. Actually, that’s Erasmo Paolo.

The band had a ringer, Monte Montgomery, who never fails to astound me every time I see him play.

Expect a sequel: Wednesdays with Elvis.

Scott Turow as Ziggy Stardust.