To conclude our full day of God Street Wine posts in honor of today’s announcement that GSW will reunite for two shows at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City on July 9 and 10 benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, we spoke with drummer Tom “Tomo” Osander about how these shows came together, the group’s plans for the future and just how much the members of the band have kept in touch over the past ten years.

[Photo Courtesy of Tom "Tomo" Osander]

Scott Bernstein: Can you describe the events that led to this reunion?

Tomo: That would go back to the memorial we played for Paul Ducharme in May of 2009. Paul was an early fan, friend and taper who passed away last year. The band got together, without any rehearsal, and played four sets of music that day. It was a pretty amazing day in honor of very special man and everyone there, especially those who stuck around till wee small hours, found themselves in a pretty agreeable place.

I wouldn’t want to pour over any recordings of that day but it was one of those situations where the power and energy of the day took over when our musical memories may have lapsed. For the five band members, I think it rekindled a bit of that spark from our early days and we went away from the experience with the mindset that we’d keep the door open to the possibility of getting together again to make some music.

When Mike sent around an email at the beginning of last October inquiring as to whether we’d be into the idea of doing something in 2010 for the anniversary of Paul’s passing, and perhaps having it coincide with the annual Multiple Sclerosis Walk, I don’t think there was a moment of hesitation for any of us. In my mind it very quickly became, “Where do we do it, under the best possible circumstances, to bring maximum enjoyment for ourselves and everyone involved?”. After that it was just about logistics. Very much like playing Paulie’s memorial, it was a no brainer.

READ ON for more of our chat with GSW drummer Tom Osander…

SB: After the Ducharme memorial, have you guys played together at all before deciding to go public with the decision to reunite?

TO: Nope, not a note. I promise though, that we will be rehearsing for these Gramercy shows!

[Photo of Tomo rehearsal @ SOJ, NYC 1988 courtesy of TO]

SB: What are the odds GSW will play more shows after the Gramercy dates?

TO: Are you taking bets? The odds of us playing more shows after the Gramercy dates are actually pretty good, as long as you’re not in any hurry but really there’s no way to know when we’ll do this again. Already there have been some very interesting offers streaming in. The reality is that all the guys have very different lives now then we did 10,15 or 20 years ago; jobs, kids, proper responsibilities. There’s a pretty strong pull to stay at home with my family now since I’ve spent most of the years since GSW broke up touring with various projects. So it’s not as simple as booking a tour and heading away for six weeks…or more. Additionally, the fact that I live in Ireland does not make getting together such a simple thing.

Most importantly, I think we’ve all got to really want to play together. It’s got to be fun first and foremost. The five of us are really looking forward to these shows in July and we’ll keep the door open to future possibilities. Anything’s possible as long as it’s fun.

SB:  Have you all kept in touch over the last 10 years since the “Good to the Last Drop” shows?

TO: Sporadically. My touring schedule has brought me to the states a lot over the years so I’ve tried to hook up with the fellows when I play in New York. We’ve had dinner once or twice and they’ve come to some of my gigs. Then there’s the ease of email to drop a quick note about this or that so yes, we’ve kept in touch. As much as you do when you’ve got a new life filled with work and family!

Scott Bernstein

Scott Bernstein co-founded Hidden Track in October 2006 and was managing editor until taking over as EiC in January 2008. Scotty also writes for Relix Magazine and curates YEMblog.com.

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