Backstage at the Egyptian: Interview with Carl Giammarese

Interview conducted by: Jesse Moore － Egyptian Theatre Intern The Egyptian Theatre is setting its Christmas sights high this year by welcoming The Buckinghams, Saturday December 16^th at 7:30 pm. This is a family friendly show, The Joy of Christmas will brighten everyone’s holiday spirits. Tickets to The Buckinghams also make the perfect gift for loved ones if you are going out of town! We just dare you to stay in your seat when all you want to do is the Jingle Bell Rock! We recently interviewed Carl Giammarese, an original founding member of The Buckinghams, about this weekend’s big show.

(Click to listen)

Jesse: Without question, you have helped to create something special. How do you conceptualize the iconic factor attached to this project? Carl: I think of these two things. First, I am thankful for the success of The Buckinghams. Second, this band put hits on the top of music charts like Billboard and Cashbox alongside The Beatles. The music from this time is so iconic because the world was going through a very creative period. Jesse: What inspires you? Carl: Over 50 years, it has yet to cease giving us great pleasure to make music and be creative. It’s like we play for free and get paid for traveling. How could you stop doing something you love doing?

(Click to hear We Wish You A Merry Christmas – The Buckinghams)

Jesse: Where did you most enjoy performing? Carl: Chicago first because it’s home. New Orleans and New York would be touring Heaven. Jesse: What is your favorite song to perform? Carl: What is fun about this show is that The Buckinghams are bringing some familiar Christmas songs to the set too! Otherwise, I would have to say, “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” is my favorite because this hit has a sound that is so Chicago. “Don’t You Care” is another classic favorite of mine. Jesse: How do you keep the show current? Carl: We will add and subtract songs to individualize each show’s set, especially for The Joy of Christmas. We have learned that our fans really like to hear about our experiences, so we mix a little storytelling in with the songs. Since the music of The Buckinghams hasn’t changed much over the years, I love to write and record new music. My latest album is “Living In The Moment”.

(Click to hear The Buckinghams Christmas CD)

Jesse: Is there anything in particular that you like to do when your work is done for the night, after a show? Carl: The Egyptian Theatre and Dekalb is really close to home, so we go home after. We are playing in Citrus Hill, Florida on December 14^th, so we could very likely get in a round of golf before we leave for Illinois. Mostly though, we just look for food, drinks, and some live music. Jesse: This band originated in the great City of Chicago. Therefore, there is really only one question that matters: Cubs or White Sox? Carl: Cubs all the way! We have a couple of White Sox fans on board, but you have to forgive them for the mistake, lol. Actually, we have sung the national anthem for both the Cubs and Sox, they are both outstanding organizations. Plus, we are all Bears fans right? Get YOUR tickets here. Happy holidays and best wishes to Carl, The Buckinghams, and all Egyptian Theatre patrons, donors, and staff! Do you want to support the Egyptian Theatre? Click here to donate now! You will not want to miss next year’s line-up of movies, musicians, comedians and much, much more! So, get out your calendars out and click here for a schedule of events!