Denton, Laurie and Grunberg are in the Band from TV

Band from TV was created for two reasons. The first is to raise money - lots of money - for worthwhile charities. The second is for those of us in the band (I'm the non-celebrity on the far right) to have a blast playing music together. Sure, the band gets greater recognition than bands that play PJ. McDrunkerson's and the celebrities in the band get a lot more recognition than I do in spite of the fact that I graduated from the Studio Music and Jazz program the the University of Miami and spent years as a sideman, session musician, composer and music producer in Miami, Nashville and Los Angeles. While I've never played PJ. McDrunkerson's, I've played everywhere from large concert venues like The Fox Theater in Atlanta to the Moose Lodge in Corona, California. One of our other guitarists, Michael "Fish" Herring has played with Prince and Christina Aguilera and is also a highly respected record producer. But Fish and I are certainly NOT the reason why people are talking about our band and why TV Guide hired us to play at their recent Emmy Award party. It's all about the celebrities who are using their celebrity to raise money for good causes and have some fun.

Regarding our decision to play covers: Band From TV is not looking to become the next U2 or compete with talented up and coming bands for a major label recording contract. We're happy playing songs that we all know and like and having fun. The celebs are all happy with their day jobs and are not looking for new careers in music. And like the guys who played PJ. McDrunkerson's last Friday, when the Emmy Party and other celebrity gigs are over, I go back to my day job as a financial planner (www.winerwealth.com). So much for show biz.

Rich Winer

At least we know that Hugh Laurie is a consumate musician, able to play numerous instruments and play them well. I'd pay to see them! If nothing else than to see if they look as good in person as they do with makeup.

I'm sure some struggling artist out there are outraged at these celebrity bands popping up out of nowhere and getting the big record deals. And as for Band from TV, why don't they write their own songs? Cover songs are OK, but why sing/perform songs that we already know? They have a good band lineup, but they need to write their own songs to see if they can make it big in music outside their own TV and acting gigs. Bob Guiney did his own album, 3 Sides and wrote his own songs--he should continue that musical approach with his new band.