Rock promoter, Punkin Pie threw an outstanding NAMM party 1/17 at Backstage Café in Beverly Hills which featured Grammy winner Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) with his side project cover-band "Chevy Metal" and legendary drummer/producer Tal Bergman (Billy Idol) performing jazz fusion numbers with his side project. Hawkins previously drummed with Alanis Morissette before replacing William Goldsmith who left the Foo Fighters late 1996 due to creative differences. When the Foo Fighters aren't touring, Taylor Hawkins stays busy with "Chevy Metal" and various side projects to keep drumming nonstop.

Bergman also has a nonstop schedule with his sessions work and as a music producer. Tal Bergman has performed various styles of music from hard rock to R & B to jazz fusion with multiple artists including Billy Idol, Simple Minds, Chaka Khan, L.L. Cool J, Joe Zawinul, and Rod Stewart. Bergman has written scores for movies and was both a drummer and a producer for Stewart's "It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook" that went platinum and was Grammy nominated.

Since everyone was back in town for NAMM, the Backstage was filled to capacity with tons of both Indie and major label musicians in attendance. Showing up to pay homage to their Pie and get a "Slice" were Mike Inez (Alice in Chains, Heart), Whitey (Iggy Pop), another legendary drummer Robin DiMaggio (Paul Simon, David Bowie, and Steve Vai), Glen Sobel (Beautiful Creatures), singer/guitarist Richie Kotzen (Poison) who now has success as a solo artist, Stevie Salis (legendary guitarist), Jimmy Dunlop (King of Guitar Picks), Sean McNabb (Quiet Riot), and Native Wayne of Indie 103.1 (Pie's favorite radio station) was representin, and guitarist genius Steve Jones was a no show as he was too knackered after his soccer game. The crowd was enthusiastic and impressed with the bands, and many old friends reunited with guest artists joining in. The excellent live music and industry crowd that attends makes Pie's Tuesday nights the "in night" for attending Backstage Café which is owned by Ian, Miles, and Stuart Copeland all of The Police fame. The no cover policy and reasonable food and beverage prices, considering the neighborhood, make coming back frequently affordable.

Backstage Café is located at 9433 Brighton Way in Beverly Hills, Ca. 90210. For more info: www.backstagecafe.com or call 310-777-0252