Lee Ving – Private Performance at Mark Mahoney’s Shamrock Tattoo – West Hollywood, CA

Sometimes you just get the feeling that you are in the right place at the right time! Such was the feeling I had Saturday evening. It was nearing the end of the Sunset Strip Festival. And while thousands were enjoying themselves, a feeling of disenchantment was looming over my head due to the large crowd, expensive booze, and on top of it all, the music just wasn’t my scene.

Smashing Pumpkins were due to come on the main stage next. As I was making my way to find the best spot to shoot pictures, a sound caught my attention. Like a rat to a piper…I was drawn in. As I entered the world famous tattoo shop, "Mark Mahoney’s Shamrock Tattoo" I looked over to realize who was playing. Instantly I felt butterflies in my stomach, my knees got weak, and the hair stood up on my arms. I knew that at this moment, while thousands were fighting for there spot in front of the main stage, I was experiencing something special. Legendary Punk icon Lee Ving was playing a special, secret, under the radar, solo performance for his good friend Mark Mahoney and a hand-full of friends.

I was in awe while Lee covered Jimi Hendrix’s  "The Wind Cries Mary". Never before had I seen him perform in this context. It was beautiful, I fought back a tear in my eye. A tear of joy, for the fact I would be leaving this festival with a completely unique experience from everyone else in attendance. That moment in time IS the reason that I do what I do. After Lee’s brief set, the Smashing Pumpkins started to play. The security lined the street with only a few feet of space between them and the local business. All who were in Shamrock’s, including Lee (because the security had no idea who he was) would be staying put for the remainder of the set. It gave me a chance to chat with Lee. He gave me some history on Shamrock and introduced me to the talented and hard working Mark Mahoney.

We talked of famous humble people such as Mark and compared them to some of the others who are jaded by fame and have long forgotten where they have come from. Very much like many other Punk icons right now, Lee expressed his love for acoustic music and the creative freedom that comes along with playing a different genre of music than what people are expecting. I felt like I was talking the Lee Ving that his friends and family know. It was if I was hanging out with a friend. The truth is, he is just that down to earth. By this time, my feeling of disenchantment had dissipated. I had been so bummed out by Billy Corgan’s diva request for no cameras within 50 feet of the stage, but I was now completely refreshed by Lee Ving’s demeanor. His humble attitude was a tall drink of water after shooting a commercial event all day. The music scene needs more people like him. Cheers to Lee Ving, Mark Mahoney, and to being in the right place at the right time!
Mark Mahoney’s Shamrock Tattoo
9026 West Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-271-9664     www.shamrocktattoo.com

-J. Moncrief-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 
More photos of the private show can be seen HERE

 
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