"Rush Tribute" Moving Pictures Interview
www.RushTributeBand.com
Interview by Roger Zee (05/06/22)
Roger Zee: Who inspired you to sing and pick up the drums? Do you play any other instruments?
Sean Minardi: Started singing and performing on the drums at age four. I played my first show at William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach, NY in front of 500 people where I sang "Squeeze Box" by The Who. From there, I would go on to play all over Long Island throughout my childhood including summer hot spots like Hot Dog Beach, Summers Beach Club, as well as various top Rock clubs in the Eighties.
My first drum instructor, Joel, predominately played Jazz. But I received a very well rounded education from him and learned all genres. After accomplishing that, I focused more on Rock and took lessons from one of my favorite drummers, "Guy Gelso"
of Zebra. I also play keyboards and a little guitar.
I come from a musical family. My Dad plays guitar and my brother the trumpet. My father performed in a Country Western band called Great Northern Rain and played in Long Island, NY in the Sixties and Seventies.
RZ: How did Moving Pictures - A Tribute to Rush come together?
SM: Moving Pictures got together through a simple Craigslist ad seeking a drummer posted in October 2013 by guitarist Vinny Manfredi and bassist Warren Kitt. At that time, the group called themselves something else. But we quickly rebranded it to Moving Pictures. Later on, I auditioned as the lead singer and thus became the lead singing drummer of the group.
RZ: Who manages the band?
SM: We all work together to try and book newer and bigger venues. One of our most notable and enjoyable shows occurred a few years back when we headlined the New York State Fair. We always love playing to people who enjoy Rush music as much as we do. We all work the social media.
The three of us get along quite well and share a huge respect for each other. That makes a big difference when working in a group. We all love to play a lot -- especially with people who love to do it just as much as us.
RZ: Where does the group usually perform?
SM: We play all over the NY-Metro area. On 5/14/22 we will perform at The Bayou, 58 Gramatan Ave in Mt. Vernon. On 5/20/22, at Finley’s of Green Street, 43 Green Street, Huntington. On 7/14/22 at Off Key Tiki, 31 Baker Pl, Patchogue. On 7/23/22 and 10/1/22, at Barney McNabbs, 600 Tuckahoe Road in Yonkers.
RZ: Does the band make any video and/or audio recording?
SM: I own my own sound A/V business, "Boardwalk Entertainment." Watch our promo video at our band website. We occasionally post live footage as well on social media. We record audio and video all of the time to critique our performance. We love bringing the entire show to perfection. I also do sound for many other tribute bands such as Captain Jack "Billy Joel Tribute," Street Fighter "Rolling Stones Tribute," and Petty Rumors "Fleetwood Mac-Tom Petty" Tribute."
RZ: How has the Pandemic affected you? What's on the horizon?
SM: Very sad to say we lost a lot of venues that we enjoyed performing at due to COVID-19. We also gave a helping hand to some venues in need. We look forward to performing out of state at some of the larger stages. Our telephone rings all the time with exciting opportunities.
RZ: Describe your most special and/or unusual gig.
SM: We played in front of 77,000 at The Great New York State Fair in 2017 on a wonderful stage. The day we performed, The Great NY State Fair reported they broke an attendance record!
RZ: How do you see the future of the music business?
SM: Everyone loves music because it's a large part of all our lives. And will always remain so... It's important to play the music that you love. And Vinny, Warren, and I love the music from Rush. We plan to keep bringing it to the fans as long as we can.
RZ: What advice do you give up-and-coming musicians?
SM: Our band rehearses once a week for several hours. That's what it takes to become "great." Practice makes perfect. But most importantly, just go out and have fun! If people watching you see you having a good time and enjoying what you do, it makes the show that much more enjoyable for them as well.
RZ: Do you live with any animals?
SM: My wife Ginger and I adopted a seven year old rescue Terrier named Charlee. Vinny and Jen rescued a dachshund named Darla Rose six years ago.
RZ: Anything else you'd like to add?
SM: Please visit our website: www.RushTributeBand.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/RushTributeBand
Instagram: www.instagram.com/RushMP
YouTube - "Distant Early Warning" - Moving Pictures at Great New York State Fair - Syracuse, NY - August 24, 2017
YouTube - "Working Man" - Moving Pictures at Great New York State Fair - Syracuse, NY - August 24, 2017
©2022 Roger Zee
