All Images copyright Dan Williams Photography PA
If we find ourselves blessed with good fortune, many of us will have opportunities to catch our favorite singers and/or groups in concert, with an additional delight being a seat close to the action. Two weeks ago today, Damian MonteCarlo fared far better than a conventional devotee, as the longtime allegiance holder for Guns N’ Roses joined his MACH22 peers in opening for the rock royals at Lincoln Financial Field, 1020 Pattison Ave.
“I’m still at a loss for words,” the 38-year-old resident of the 2600 block of South Sartain Street said of the July 14 experience made possible through his rock outfit’s triumph in a 93.3 WMMR Philadelphia contest. “It all came full circle for me because of my admiration for Guns N’ Roses, and I’m always going to think of that night as proof that hard work can really pay off.”
The Lower Moyamensing dweller and his mates took to the stage roughly two hours before the main attraction made its local Not in This Lifetime tour stop. Having devised a set list, MonteCarlo reveled in the occasion, especially when the quintet was able to play for a tad longer than its original 20-minute allotment.
“When I went out there, I had so much energy and excitement racing through me,” the drummer said of his eagerness to excel. “I think we played an awesome set, and I can definitely say that we hit them hard.”
In applying its aptitude before its largest crowd, with MonteCarlo noting that as many as 10,000 people caught the act, MACH22 took a huge step toward accumulating more followers. His inspections of Facebook have bred evidence of increasing adulation, but he knows that as late summer and fall approach, resting on laurels would throw their momentum into discord.
“Beyond Lincoln Financial Field, we definitely have to double our efforts,” MonteCarlo said. “I’ve been at it with MACH22 for four years now, and the great songs and the excellent musicianship make me so proud to be with these guys. We believe that bigger things are ahead for us, so we need to do the legwork to keep getting better and making more connections.”
Those urges to enhance their reputation as consummate professionals will result in the recording of a single by the end of the summer and the release of an extended play come the fall, both moves that are in line with MonteCarlo’s desire to bring MACH22’s sound “to the masses.”
“It’s an interesting business, to say the least,” the percussionist pronounced. “I’ve been in it long enough to know you have to be your biggest advocate and your most dedicated supporter. I’m with great people right now, so that makes everything that much more compelling to chase.”
The native of the 2800 block of South Marvine Street gravitated toward music by age 4, with the walls of uncle Sal LaBruna’s basement studio space serving as his initial audience. Loving the freedom that drumming allowed him, he found the pulse of his pursuit to be an incredible motivator and once he turned 11, a certain hard rock band proved pivotal in his formation as a musician.
“I discovered Guns N’ Roses on MTV, and I really wanted to become immersed,” MonteCarlo said, noting that he never looked at music as a hobby when a child and has never deemed it a job as an adult, preferring to tab it “a way of life.” “I wanted to find a band immediately because I had this feeling that I shouldn’t suppress this part of my soul.”
Holding that a drummer is “the conductor of the train” and “the backbone,” the enthusiastic learner joined his first band by 15 and as he became more ambitious and curious, he sought out older practitioners to help him to bring to life the notes that steadily beat inside his head.
“Guys liked to take me under their wing, and that was incredible because I wanted to improve and see where I could fit in this world,” MonteCarlo, whose edification included studies at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, 901 S. Broad St., said. “Especially, coming from this city, there was such a rich history of success to make myself aware of, and that pride of being a musician with Philly roots was pretty compelling, too.”
With groups such as Heaven’s Edge and Cinderella having emerged as successful Philly-bred bands and with a massive distaste for the word “no,” he continued to actualize his vision through the Delaware County-based Midnight Angel at 20. Opening for acts such as Quiet Riot and Ratt, the unit helped MonteCarlo to believe even more in his passion, which came to include the 2008 founding of Juliet’s Vice, for whom he expanded his acumen by playing guitar. Feeling he needed more potency as part of his progression, he auditioned for MACH22 shortly before going on a vacation in ’12 and enjoyed an incredible end of the year, as he group welcomed him, had him record tracks immediately, secured him for its participation in the Made in America Festival, and rejoiced with him when they played with Guns N’ Roses lead guitarist, Slash, at the House of Blues.
“These guys are what I’d wanted to be a part of for so long,” MonteCarlo said of his chums, with whom he has done regional tours and enjoyed many fond memories, including interactions with Steel Panther at the Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St., and time in Oklahoma with Kid Rock. “We’ve had some wonderful moments as we’ve formulated our identity, and that’s only going to grow stronger.”
No matter what amazing recollections the musicians have about their earlier efforts, nothing presents a challenge to their Guns N’ Roses affiliation, which they learned they would have only two days before the show.
“I initially started out nervous over it all,” MonteCarlo said of the honor. “Then I progressed to acceptance and was finally able to summon a huge sigh of relief. The exposure was beautiful. Now, it’s time to ride that enthusiasm to the next chapter.” ■
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Contact Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
