Greetings, Top Priority fans! I wanted to let you all know that there has been a recent up-tick in the number of requests for the book almost all of America has been waiting for: “The Band That Never Changed Rock: The Definitive History of Top Priority”.

Originally, this book, to be published by Kittyhawk Productions‘ own publishing arm, Permanent Press, was due for release in late 2007, but unforeseen delays caused by all sorts of things – you know, the need for further interviews with the band members, trips to the supermarket, increased solar activity, etc. – have delayed its expected release (not to mention the official launch of the Top Priority website) until the spring of 2008. Patience is the key word here, rabid fans!

Now, a word about those pesky Top Priority reunion tour rumors. I recently spoke with a spokesperson for Ken “The Cat” McDougal at the latter’s Florida winter compound and here is The Cat’s quote, verbatim (my boldings):

[Laughing] “No, no, that’s not likely to happen anytime soon, dude. The boys and I are busy in our own life pursuits. Sure, it’s not like Beatles thing where, you know, a reunion is totally impossible due to the passages of life, but my guess is, unless a promoter and sponsor wants to drop some serious dinero into our laps, there’s not much incentive for it to happen, right?”

And this quote from drummer Mark Richard:

“They can offer me a million dollars, but you’ll NEVER catch me appearing on “The View”.

…And, finally, this official telegram received just yesterday from the Laguna Beach, CA office of Kittyhawk Productions:

FEBRUARY 17, 2007: There is no truth to the rumors of Doug, Mark, “Keys”, and “The Cat” re-forming for a reunion tour to promote their upcoming CD Top Priority: Anthology 1974-76 or Mr. Cugini’s book “The Band That Never Changed Rock – The Definitive History of Top Priority”. STOP.

The boys are quite occupied with their various life pursuits and focusing all of their time and effort on reducing their own personal carbon footprints as a way to combat the debilitating effects of global warming, as well as doing their parts to promote global harmony and world peace.” STOP.

The boys are flattered, however, by the unexpectedly enthusiastic response to the upcoming CD and book, and hope their legions of fans will be content to satisfy themselves until those releases by taking the “Top Priority Tragical History Tour” – a 2-hour, fun-filled tour of various sites and locales around the Merrimack Valley (MA) associated with the band. These tours are personally conducted by Mark and available by reservation only for $22.78 plus tax through your local Kittyhawk Productions branch office. STOP.

The boys wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2008. STOP.

So that’s it, then. Keep a watch in these spaces for the latest on everything Top Priority-related and be sure to keep an eye out for the impending release of Top Priority’s first CD single, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” b/w “Saturday Night (recorded live at the Billerica Masonic Temple)”, available via the Kittyhawk Productions website.

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(For those who are wondering, the picture above shows band members Mark Richard (drums), Doug Richard (bass, vocals), Jerry “Keys” Palma (keyboard, guitar, vocals), and Ken “The Cat” McDougal (guitar, vocals). Photo courtesy of The Cat and True Focus Photography)

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Jai Guru Dev.