Gameday Regulars
Interview with singer/guitarist Will Romeo
By John B. Moore
You know you’re a diehard sports fans when your buddy suggests the name Gameday Regulars for your punk band because you are at the bar for every single game. The Dropkick Murphys may have cornered the market on Boston’s sports teams, but Bronx punk trio Gameday Regulars seem to be pretty hardcore about their devotion to the local guys – The Yankees, The Jets and The Rangers (bassist Kenny Fletcher even has a Rangers tattoo).
Having just released their debut EP … But it’s Hell in the Hallway (on Mightier Than Sword), the band – made up by Fletcher and brothers Will and Gino Romeo – have been playing together for years, but it wasn’t until they lost their singer that they decided to make it a go as a trio.
Singer/guitarist Will spoke recently about the band, their latest tour and, of course, sports.
You guys have been playing around the scene for years. Have any of you ever been in bands with any of the other members?
Our first band, Your Day Strong, was made up of all three of us and Tyler Guida. He sings for a band called Dr. Acula now.
Why decide to start Gameday Regulars?
Our buddy Danny encouraged us to start playing again. I had demos from a few years back, so in February this year we got back in the rehearsal space to write new songs. We were stoked about the direction of the project and getting back into playing shows.
So how did you connect with Mightier Than Sword who are putting the record out?
We met RJ (Crowder-Schaefer, the label owner) years ago at a show; he liked the demos. Mightier Than Sword really grew in the last few years and we were really excited to part of the MTS roster. Overall it’s been a great experience.
What can you tell me about the EP that came out in the fall?
The EP was comprised of old songs and new songs. We rerecorded all the songs and really captured the sound we wanted with Greg Dunn in April this year. It’s a raw punk rock record. The songs are really heartfelt; the record captures the essence of what Gameday is about.
Are you writing/recording for a full length any time soon?
We’re going back in to do four songs with Greg Dunn after the holidays, and hopefully a full- length in the near future. We want to tour on the EP as much as possible. We do however have enough songs for a full length, but since were a new band, playing out and staying active is a priority.
You guys just went out on a month long tour in October. Did that strengthen or put stress on the band – being on the road with each other?
Our last tour with Nightmares For a Week was great and our first tour with this project. This was definitely probably one of the most fun tours I’ve been on. As a band I feel we grew closer and are just hungry to tour more consistently.
Any Kinks/Oasis style fights yet from you and Gino?
Nah, we’re too old for that stuff (laughs). We used to butt heads a lot when we were younger, but as a whole we try to keep this band as fun as possible. We all know each other’s personalities and how to fix any issues.
Seems like the Boston punk bands are pretty loyal to your team. How about you guys? Mets or Yankees? Jets or Giants?
We’re very loyal fans, and spend a lot time drinking beers and watching games together. I mean we’re from the Bronx and the Yankees are the greatest baseball dynasty of all time. How could any other team compare? We back the Jets, and we’re all diehard New York Rangers fans. Kenny actually has a Rangers Pride tattoo.
Those are all the questions I have. Anything else you want to cover?
I think we’re good, check us out on Facebook. Thanks so much.
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