You would think that a group of guys starring in hit television shows would already be living the dream. But according to Bob Guiney (The Bachelor, GSN Live) and Greg Grunberg (Heroes, Alias) from Band From TV, this isn’t always the case. “Actors always want to be a rockstars,” Guiney says. “And vice-versa.” Rocking for a good cause, it seems, is even better.
Recently, Guiney and Grunberg were kind enough to set aside time and' chat with me by phone. We talked about their recently reissued CD, Hoggin’ All the Covers-Unleashed!, their goals for the band, and the fun they have doing good work while making great music.
A few years ago, Grunberg decided to form the band after participating in a charity event in Dallas, Texas where he played drums in an all-star group. There he met vocalist Bob Guiney. They had such a great time making music and seeing the proceeds going to worthy causes, Grunberg thought, “Why not form a band of our own and donate what we earn to charities close to our hearts?”
From there, Grunberg recruited stars such as Hugh Laurie (House), James Denton (Desperate Housewives), and Bonnie Sommerville (Cashmere Mafia, The Ugly Truth) to join them and Band From TV was born.
Originally released in 2008, Hoggin’ All the Covers is currently the band's only album, recorded live in front of an enthusiastic crowd, who were no doubt familiar with the group's members from their acting work. A big surprise was in store for those who doubted the band’s musical acumen, because these guys can really rock.
They chose their set list wisely. Yes, there are versions of such classics as “Mustang Sally” and “Lean On Me”, which are not only expertly rendered but performed with enthusiasm and respect for the material. But a couple of surprises are thrown in as well, most notably an upbeat bluesy treatment of Leadbelly’s “Goodnight Irene”, featuring Hugh Laurie on piano and vocals.
Article comments
1 - sdemar
Great interview, Mindy. I have been enjoying your musical reviews. They are lots of fun to read. Keep up the good work.
As far as BfTV, I really hope they make the time to cut a new album so the newest members, who are all very talented, are showcased.
2 - Mindy
Thanks so much! I think the band really wants to do another album. It's just a matter of getting time to do it (at least that's the gist I got from talking with them).
3 - Martha Lee
I have seen BFTv in concert many times the past 3 years in Los Angeles and Chicago and they are a great and talented group. I do hope they do another CD real soon with the new band members.I was in the audience for the making of the original DVD in 2007 and it was awesome. I love the covers of songs that they do, especially Hugh Laurie's choices of songs.
4 - Orange450
Mindy, thanks for a great interview! I think yours is the most detailed and informative view of BfTV that I've ever read :)
I also hope they come out with another album soon. What a talented bunch of people. And they're very lucky to be able to support a list of worthy causes while having as much fun as they obviously do!
5 - Mindy
Thank you. The guys were very forthcoming and spent an hour on the phone with me. They impressed me as being extremely devoted to the band and their charities.
I'm sure there will be another CD/DVD release eventually. With their growing fanbase there really has to be.