Veteran New York rocker Bill Popp will plunge himself into the world of being a full-time musician. Commemorating the occasion with a new single, “Flushing This Plumbing Job Down The Drain,” a party, and a live performance on Thursday, October 1st, 2015 at The Parkside Lounge (317 Houston Street New York City).
It’s no secret to anyone on the New York music scene that Popp survived financially through the years doing plumbing. He even used his trade to earn brownie points at many New York night spots, including the “legendary” bathrooms at CBGB’s, right up until the closing days of the club. “The first job I did for Hilly (the owner) was in 1981, replacing the toilet that was smashed off the wall in the men’s room. As I opened the door, a rat jumped out of the garbage can and ran across my feet! The last thing I did for Hilly was removing the bathroom fixtures, including the famous urinals. One of them was put on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex.” Popp was shown in the final scenes of Mandy Stein's 2009 documentary "Burning Down the House: The Story of CBGB," kicking the flush valve, flooding the floor.
In the early days, while showcasing his newly formed band, The Tapes, Popp worked for a non-union plumbing shop, where he often found himself close to being fired. He’d work through lunch breaks to get out on time to make it for sound checks. He would get home in the wee hours, set the alarm and wake up to a ringing phone and the foreman’s voice saying “Willy, are you coming to work? Move your ass!”
Popp found his way to the plumbing trade because of his flunking attitude towards school. His guidance counselor got him enrolled in Thomas Edison Vocational and Technical High School, where he majored in plumbing. “The last thing I ever wanted to be was a plumber,” Popp says “but taking a trade was the easiest way out of high school.” Like many artists, Popp was hoping for that record deal that would propel him into stardom. Despite the favorable press, occasional airplay, TV spots and years of performing live, the break never came.
In 1988 a friend coaxed Popp to take a job working as a plumber for the city of New York and for the last 24 years has worked as a plumber for New York City Parks and Recreation. Now 62, he is able to receive a city pension and is finally, “Flushing His Plumbing Job Down The Drain." To commemorate the occasion, Popp is throwing a good riddance to plumbing party at The Park Side Lounge located at 317 East Houston NYC, on Thursday October 1st, 2015.
Guests will receive, at the door, a free copy of Bill Popp and The Tapes' new CD, titled “Popp’s Last Flush,” and are invited to eat, drink and be merry, complements of the host Bill Popp. This event is open to the public and will kick off at 6:30 PM. A live performance by the band “Bill Popp and The Tapes” is set for 8:00 PM, followed by two special guest bands. Sea Monster at 9 PM and The Bowery Boys at 10 PM. There’s no cover charge. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.
Bill Popp and The Tapes have been a New York music institution for over 34 years and counting. Over the years the band received praise from publications such as Billboard, NY Daily News, NY Post, The Village Voice, The All Music Guide and many others.
For more information visit www.billpopp.com or call 121Street Records at 718-359-4110