July 28th, 2017-New York, NY- 80’s tribute band Rubix Kube was scheduled to appear at Irving Plaza to commemorate their 10th anniversary. Based on their preview and YouTube videos, one can see that their show includes 80’s song covers complete with costumes. It looked like a night of nostalgia was certainly to be had.
On July 14th, 2017, Rubix Kube got word that their co-founder and bassist David Z, touring with the band Adrenaline Mob, had sadly lost his life in a traffic accident. They announced they would still do the Irving Plaza show as scheduled in his memory. Eric Martin of the group Mr. Big, was already confirmed as a special guest for the anniversary show. As the day approached, Rubix Kube announced other artists had reached out to them requesting to perform tributes to honor the late David Z. Among the early additions were David’s brother (and ZO2 bandmate) Paulie Z, his sister-in-law Lucia Marco, and his friend Chris Jericho. Other names to follow would include: Constantine Maroulis, Sean Altman of Rockapella, Jen Cella and Angus Clark of Trans-Siberian Orchestra(TSO) with whom David Z had performed for 15 years, Adrenaline Mob's lead singer Russell Allen, and Paulie and David's brother Brian.
The show was very entertaining. Rubix Kube brought to the stage renditions of 1980's classics with enthusiasm. Their MTV-style entrance to the stage included a "moonman" and band members entering from a telephone booth a la "Bill and Ted". They got right into their set by performing Van Halen's "Jump" and Journey's "Anyway You Want It".
With the crowd now engaged, The tribute portion of the show got underway. Frontwoman Cherie Martorana welcomed those gathered in Irving Plaza and said a few words about David Z. The majority of the night was organized by him, and would include songs he had always liked to perform (including a medley of Mister Mister songs). They had guests lined up who would come out to tell the audience about him. When mentioning the many things he wanted to do, Cherie made it clear Rubix Kube would work to make those ideas a reality.
While the show was somber in some spots, it was a fun night of 80's rock and memories. Videos of David Z were shown on the screen behind the stage showing the creative and silly side of the late bassist. His brother, Paulie Z, factored heavily into the show as a performer on multiple songs that night including "Jukebox Hero" by Foreigner and Rush's "Limelight". Fozzy frontman-and WWE superstar-Chris Jericho came out with guitarist Rich Ward to perform Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" and drifted around the stage the rest of the show. TSO members Jen Cella and Angus Clark were greeted with an ovation when they came to the stage. Eddie Ojeda of Twisted Sister came out to play guitar for Twisted Sister hit songs "I Wanna Rock" and "We're Not Gonna Take It". Special Guest Eric Martin of Mr.Big conveyed his kind words before beginning his 3 song set. ZO2 drummer Joey Cassata showed up after that night's production of "Natasha Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812" (where he is a member of the orchestra) to assist on a performance of the theme from Rocky III, Survivor's "Eye of The Tiger", while a video of David Z played showing him running towards, then up, the steps of the Philadelphia Museum.
Those that came out to honor David Z spoke really well of him. One could tell he was well-liked and respected in the music community On stage, the announcement of the David Z Scholarship Fund was met with applause. With the proceeds from that night's concert as a beginning, the fund would assist the talented in culinary and musical arts. Also, webmasters were hard at work on the site "What Would David Do?", a creative space meant to inspire; the band threw out stickers promoting the site.
Rubix Kube took time out to address the Adrenaline Mob colleagues of David Z, who were also involved in the traffic incident on July 14. Cherie dedicated a song to that group's tour manager Jane Train, who is still recuperating. At the end of the night, the lead singer Russell Allen slowly came out to join the entire ensemble of guests and Rubix Kube; their version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" was the perfect way to end the evening.
On July 28th, 2017, The 80's tribute group Rubix Kube celebrated 10 years as a group. Their show at Irving Plaza entertained as well as paid respects to their fallen comrade. Those in the crowd turned out to honor him as well, and to sing along to their favorite songs. Some went home with a token of appreciation-be it a drum stick from Rubix Kube's John LaSpina or Joey Cassata, a guitar pick from Eddie Ojeda, a sticker, or a tribute poster of the late David Z.
To quote Rubix Kube's postcard, allow me to say in closing:"Rock In Peace, David Z!"
Sources:http://test.rubixkube.com/portfolio-item/about-rubix-kube/; Rubix Kube's Facebook Page
