Our Fan of the Month for April is an illustrious and very loyal long-time
fan in Pennsylvania, Dave. He has enjoyed, helped out and even entertained
members of Our Favorite Band for nearly eight years, making him extremely
deserving of the Fan of the Month crown! Let's welcome Dave... |
Fan of the Month! |
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For the record, what is your name?
David Korbobo, alias Commraddavid
Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
West Coast of New Jersey
What were your main interests, entertainment and otherwise, growing up? Any obsessions you don’t mind people knowing about?
Fishing and hunting (took Zhenya trout fishing at my home). Interests growing up, saving everything – obsession until I die..
Tell us about your musical endeavors and any musical instruments you play…
My grandmother played the organ in a movie theater for silent movies, my mother played the organ at night clubs. I tried the guitar (still trying) and got many lessons from the best, Zhenya.
What accomplishments are you most proud of at this point in your life?
I got out of Vietnam alive and retired from the United States Postal Service without going postal.
What are your favorite movies?
“Casablanca,” “Austin Powers,” “Wayne’s World,” Clint Eastwood’s old cowboy movies and Steven Segal’s karate movies.
Do you have any favorite books?
I use the dictionary a lot lately.
What music are you into, in addition to Red Elvises?
Jimmy Buffett, Toby Keith, Green Day, Elvis (grew up with the 40s, 50s, 60s, blah, blah, blah, to 2005, liked most of it).
When, where, how, etc. did you first hear and experience Red Elvises?
First heard about the Red Elvises in ‘97 at the Bethlehem Musikfest, worked backstage with them in ‘98 (as a volunteer for the Musikfest). Worked for them when they came to Allentown and Bethlehem for the next five years doing sales of CDs and t-shirts.
About how many times have you seen them?
Probably twenty times, back stage, side stage, before and after the show, lunches, parties, finally got to see them from the audience. It all was great.
What is it about Red Elvises that draws you to them, that you like the most?
If I could have four sons, I would have wanted them to be these great guys. Zhenya calls me Dad and the others show me their appreciation, too. I see them before the show, Igor is sleepy most of the time, the others are busy with fans etc. I don’t know if it’s the shoes, the stage, the fans or the fact that these guys love what they do, but when it’s show time, every part of them goes into putting out a great show, the body language, smiles, flirting -- did I mention music? -- goes 110%. The songs touch everyone in a very special way, cute Russian influences, corny love sweet talk and humor that hits everyone. I love watching the crowd reaction to the REs. Seems like everyone knows the words and dances for the entire show. The dancing and singing Harley guys, old ladies, people in wheel chairs, wow, what a party! Then they spend the after show time with the fans and hope everyone had a good time. After all their music over all these years, it’s amazing that on their latest album “Lunatics and Poets” the last song says it all: #12, ”This Music is Wasted if We Don’t Dance” (one of my favorite songs, too).
What’s the farthest you’ve traveled to see them? And do you have a good story around that?
After work one day I drove two plus hours to see my boys at a college the show was good but the people at the college had spent all day doing things (Parent’s Day) and many walked out and never got to enjoy a really great band. After the show, they offered me a place to stay as I was really tired, I passed up the offer and on the way home slept on the turnpike for awhile, great guys and friends I should taken their offer.
Which show is your favorite of the RE shows you've seen?
The first show has to be the one that changed my life, I never had such a good time as did everyone. The next ones were great and saw many changes over the years, some good, some so-so, but they still managed to put on the “Greatest Show On Earth.”
Any other standout, all time great memories of shows you’ve seen so far?
Flying into ABE Airport on a Saturday, their flights got cancelled two times, luggage was on plane #1 [and the] 7:00 PM show was being shown live on local TV. I already had t-shirts and CDs sent to my home. Several phone calls later, met them at the airport, drove them to the show with twenty minutes until show time, they actually had to run through the crowd to the stage, the show went on in time, sales were nuts, finally got packed up and got to take a break. Sat down, ordered food and beers, high fived, finally got to take a deep breath. Wow, show biz!
What are your favorite Red Elvises songs?
I especially like the ones that get the audience jumping – “Love Pipe,” “Rocketman,” “Closet Disco Dancer,” “Scorchi Chornie,” “Love Rocket,” “Sad Cowboy Song,” “200 Flying Girls,” “Gypsy Heart.” Plus, “Don’t Stop the Dance,” “Harriet,” “Colors of Rainbow,” “Winter Reggae,” “Sex in Paradise,” “Telephone Call From Istanbul” and the one that says it all – “This Music is Wasted if We Don’t Dance.”
What would you like to see them do in the future? Any ideas? Anything you’d like to say to the band?
Reunion tour with 6 – 8 of the members (original four), sax and brass, four-hour show, soup for everyone. You guys know how we love each other, thanks for making my life something special and being a big part in it.
Okay, last question… Do you have anything you’d especially like to say to all the fans?
I hope you realize how lucky you are to have enjoyed “The Greatest Show On Earth.” Please share this experience with as many people as you can. Hope to see you at the next show!
And here's a little blast from the past straight from Dave's photo album:
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