S2 E12: Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie Sings the Action News Theme, Reminisces on Meeting President Obama and Explains Why He Destroys Pianos

Summary: Adam Weiner is the heart and soul of South Philadelphia-based rock 'n' roll boogie band Low Cut Connie and may be one of the most charismatic performers in music today. He graduated from Cherry Hill East High School and admits he didn't have a "plan B" - he was going to be a rock star. With a hugely talented voice and a ceremonious devotion to being the best piano player he can be, Adam can be found in rock venues across the country jumping around the stage, rolling around his piano and undressing the crowd with his mind. He is flamboyant, sensual, unpredictable - and a Philadelphia treasure to behold. Low Cut Connie's latest album, "Dirty Pictures (Part 2)" was released in 2018. It boasts great tracks like "Beverly" (which is featured in this podcast) "All These Kids Are Way Too High" and "Master Tapes." Adam's band has received accolades from Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and President Obama, whom Adam met personally. Join us as we descend into Adam's lair, the Low Cut Connie Studios in South Philadelphia and capture a glimpse of what is going on in the mind of a Philadelphia rock star who is currently on the top of his game. Recorded December 10, 2019 in South Philadelphia. In this podcast: Excerpt of "Beverly" by Low Cut Connie (0:22); Adam offering his spontaneous rendition of the Action News Theme and his thoughts on the iconic song (3:07); on why hard work is an essential component to being a successful band (4:10); Low Cut Connie's mission statement and why the world needs more boogie (4:37); how he describes Low Cut Connie's sound to new listeners (5:28); on the band's latest album "Dirty Pictures (Part 2)" and how Philadelphia seeped into the music (6:38); Adam channeling his inner Bruce Springsteen in songwriting (7:43); why "Born in the U.S.A." and "Purple Rain" were such important albums during his childhood (8:40); how an early version of the song "Beverly" first came together during his years performing in New York City, with Adam demonstrating on his piano "Nellie" (9:27); who "Beverly" might actually be (12:20); Adam's live stage antics and how Iggy Pop provided influence (13:02); why he considers himself an "advanced amateur" on the piano and how he learned how to play (15:17); why Professor Longhair of New Orleans is his favorite piano player of all time (16:35); famous people who love his band, including Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and President Obama (who put Low Cut Connie on his summer playlist of 2015) (20:50); on meeting President Obama and whether the new attention did anything for Low Cut Connie (22:05); why the Philadelphia music scene is "fabulous" and why it is such a great home for Low Cut Connie (23:39); why he named his favorite piano "Shondra" (24:50); Adam invites me to meet "Shondra," which is now being stored in a studio basement (25:58); Adam breaks out into a rendition of Sea of Love (27:35); if Jim Gardner will listen to this podcast (27:52); a slow rendition of "Beverly" (28:25); why the song offers sadness and hope at the same time (29:35); his favorite artists of all time (30:45); a song from Toots and the Maytals (31:31); why AC/DC was right when they sang "It's a Long Way to the Top If You Wanna Rock and Roll (32:20); why his favorite Philadelphia spots are greasy delis (33:20); Adam plays an excerpt of his hit song "Boozophilia" (36:07)