Town Ballroom Tribute

Musicians gather to celebrate Bruce Moser, the late Buffalo-based

music promoter

Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls capitalizes on a quiet moment backstage to tune his guitar.

Bruce Moser was all about family, and the legacy of his musical family turned out at the Town Ballroom on Saturday, Feb. 26 to pay tribute to the man they loved.

Steve Desmond, Buffalo Tales' photographer, was there to capture dynamic performances and moments of solace before and during the event.

"Bruce was a longtime radio and record promotions guy in Buffalo and nationally," explained Bob Silvestri, who helped organize the event. "Bruce was successful for U2, Melissa Etheridge, Bryan Adams, Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, Teri Nunn in Berlin, and the Goo Goo Dolls. He worked with all these artists to establish their careers. He's also a Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee."

Moser passed away in June 2020 at age 69.

"There was no wake because of the pandemic," Silvestri explained. "So we decided to put something together with the blessing of Bruce's daughters just to honor him. All the bands here are people that Bruce worked with and mentored. They're here to pay tribute."

U2's Bono sent a letter that was read from the stage. Surprise guest Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls, who performed three songs, spoke about his love for Moser.

"If it were not for Moser, Johnny (Rzeznik) and I would have had completely different lives," he said.

Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls, wearing the hat, talks with event organizers, including Bob Silvestri, third from left.

David M. Gray greets Willie Nile before the show.

Preparing lights and sound.

Willie Nile and The Brothers Band conduct a sound check before the show.

Anthony Billoni, who emceed the show.

David M. Gray circled the room, playing bagpipes to honor Moser.

Marty Peters from Randle and the Late Night Scandals.

Amanda Markovich

Pauline Digati-Tripodi, singing, and Bob Cat on guitar, from the band Perilous.

The band DeadFlowers, featuring Bob Kupczyk, Kenny Jarnot and Gary Zoldes.

Watching the stage.

Surprise guest Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls mingles with the crowd.

Gary Zoldes and Pauline Digati-Tripodi combine their voices onstage.

Dancing with the Deadflowers.

A view from the side of the stage.

Willie Nile, foreground, performs with his "family" band.

Willie Nile and his band engage the crowd.

As he begins to play, Willie Nile holds up a glass to toast Moser.

Willie Nile

Takac and Nile take time backstage before headlining the event.

all photos © 2022 by Steven D. Desmond

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