Tommy Gunn (artist)

Tommy Gunn is an artist/promoter/fisherman who remains on the club scene in New York City.

Early club years

Gunn worked his way up through the club scene in New York, starting as a busboy and working his way up through bouncer to doorman and promoter.

After two years, Gunn decided to become a full-time magician, often performing at Studio 54 and dinner clubs. Promoting was always in the background and after a short hiatus he was back again, doing what he loved; working the doors of New York venues.

Music years

While working at The Cat Club, in 1983, Gunn received an offer from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five for a world tour. Gunn jumped at the offer and joined the band as the magician and backup singer in the group.[1] Right before the tour began The Grand Master Flash and the Furious 5 changed the band name to Grand Master Melle Mel and The Furious 5.[2] The tour lasted for almost 2 years and the band played in big arenas like the Checker Dome, LA Colosseum and the Super Dome.[3] Unfortunately, at the last show, Grand Master Flash and the Furious 5, while in Hawaii, decided to call it quits.[4]

Nightlife

After the demise of Grand Master Melle Mel and the Furious 5, Gunn returned to the New York club scene, working at Visage. Meanwhile, he was hired back at The Cat Club and secured a full-time position as Club Promoter. Wednesday nights became Gunn's metal night, where he handled all bookings and promotion. Focused on the Glam rock scene, the crowds grew larger and larger every week, with major bands on the scene such as Mr. Big, Extreme, Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam eager to either play the club or host an event for little or no money. Setting his sights on The Hamptons, Gunn once again took a head doorman position at Bay Street in Sag Harbor and held a party every week.

Gunn held shows on Saturday nights at The Sanctuary on 8th street and The Gunn Club in Queens on Mondays. This led to nights at many clubs across the city including The Limelight on Sunday, Ruff Sex, The Kitten Club, Jammin' on 42, Virgin Outlaw Club and The Michael Todd Room at the Palladium. Gunn was able to help spread out the bands that wanted to play at various clubs without overload.

Post-club life

In 1990, Gunn began working with The World Games. TDK hired him to find a well-known metal band to record the opening song for the games.

He soon went off to learn 3D animation. While involved with 3D animation, Gunn once again filled in at the door of Webster Hall. After a few weeks, he was offered the Director of Promotion role. While handling both responsibilities, Gunn strayed away from metal shows, leaving another employee to handle them; however after six months, he was given his rock party, featuring 30 hosts and 21 bands. 1,600 people showed up to see Gunn and all the bands slated for this last night. Gunn stepped on stage and said; "good night, take care", and left the scene.

20 years later

Gunn went back to 3D animation. His work eventually led him to BSA Advertising, where he was Senior Director of New Technologies for all 17 locations around the country for 5½ years. He quit BSA Advertising to become a Mate on a fishing boat called The Explorer and quickly moved up the ranks to become first mate and then crew boss for tuna trips. Gunn eventually got his 100 tons Captains’ license and became one of the captains of The Explorer. In 2010 Tommy hosted "A One Night Stand at the Bowery Electric in New York, NY. The event had over 1400 people in attendance with a line around the block. [5]

2013 Tommy is now working developing new drone technology. 2014 Developed the first working paper drone. [6]

References

  1. ↑ "Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five Discography at Discogs". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2012-11-02.
  2. ↑ "Grandmaster Flash Biography". Sing365.com. Retrieved 2012-11-02.
  3. ↑ "Tommy Gunn". Thafoundation.com. Retrieved 2012-11-02.
  4. ↑ "Clayton Savage". Thafoundation.com. Retrieved 2012-11-02.
  5. ↑ https://thefrogge.wordpress.com/2010/04/07/meeting-in-the-middle/
  6. ↑ http://flitetest.com/articles/first-origami-quadcopter-for-less-then-20-cent

External links

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