Tony Skeggs

Tony Skeggs Rocks New York City's Lower East Side

Mercury Lounge, NYC :: 15 October 2003

Until 1993, New York City's Mercury Lounge was a tombstone display vault. Today, this 250-person capacity performance venue on New York's lower east side has an antique bar and what the New York Times calls "the best sound system in the city." Over the past several years, this still-gritty area of New York has gentrified and is now home to an ever-growing selection of super-hip bars, clubs, boutiques and restaurants. What better place for Tony Skeggs to make his American debut?

Tony has spent most of his time post-Beatle Week in New York City putting together his first album of original material. The CD was produced by Fab Faux drummer Rich Pagano in his New Calcutta recording studio, also located in the New York.

Tony took the stage looking awesome in a suede jacket and cowboy hat. He was joined by Rich on drums, Fab Faux keyboardist Jack Petruzzelli and an assortment of young guitarists and keyboardists. Faux guitarist Frank Agnello was in the audience.

Tony opened with Can't Give Up, a high energy rocker that gave the audience a good taste of what he's all about. Suffice it to say that after several numbers, Tony ditched the heavy clothing.

Other songs he performed that evening included:
Closer to Her
Break the Chain: a personal favorite and a beautiful song that shows off Tony's superb voice and guitar work
Someone on Your Side
Too Close to You
Second Skin

The New York audience applauded enthusiastically after every number. Tony's songs are instantly likeable and didn't require multiple listenings to become favorites. However, after multiple listenings (we have a copy of the demo CD-thanks Tony!) they are positively addictive. Even Tony had to admit that he was pleased with the way the evening went. Our only complaint is that the 45-minute performance was way too brief. If you've seen Tony play live, you know that he's only just getting started after the first hour!

In his original work, Tony has developed his own unique style, which he blends with his 60's and 70's rock roots. We thought that in places, his songs evoke the Stones, Dire Straits, and Elvis Costello.

New York now knows what many of us have known all along: a performance by Tony Skeggs is a guaranteed great time!

-- Joyce and Joe Brazino, Philadelphia