We have talked about Showbiz Pizza Place more than once, but it was several years and hundreds of posts ago now. In the past, we've even shared a couple of songs, but it's time to do a masterpost, because last weekend I actually ran across a super nice copy of their one and only LP.
GEE, OUR 1st ALBUM was primarily for sale at the counter of the restaurants, beginning in 1982. I have even seen reports of a child receiving it as their birthday record (when you had your birthday party at Showbiz Pizza, you were given a record, but it was usually one of the 45rpm birthday singles). And that was basically the only way to get it.
Most everyone has seen THE ROCK-AFIRE EXPLOSION documentary from 2009 by this point (if not, it's now free on YouTube), but one of the amazing things about the animatronic show that was the backbone of the restaurant is that it was backed by lots of genuine talent. Not simply random voice artists, but people that actually played together, but also are/were incredible singers. And it comes through on this LP. Sure, it does occasionally veer into children's album territory, but I'm willing to bet that you will find yourself entertained, and even impressed.
Speaking of the track list, you get Elvis, The Doors, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, The Chipmunks, Billy Joel, The Righteous Brothers, The Beatles, and even a couple of curve ball surprises. Again, I was shocked at how well this record was taken care of. It needed very little done to it, and I hope it takes you right back to the wonderful hours spent in that darkened arcade that smelled like pizza.
But wait, there's more! As bonus tracks, here are two of the 45's that were released. For the "Happy Birthday Medley," my very own original copy is presented here, given to me at my very own Showbiz Pizza birthday party all those years ago (thanks, Mom & Dad!).
But wait, there's still one further bonus! Have you ever wondered what the talent behind the Rock-afire Explosion looked like? On YouTube, I found a super-rare example of them performing together, from a 1983 telethon. It's amazing and lucky for us that it was preserved. Enjoy!
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