Lil Elmo & The Cosmos

Bring back Lil Elmo & The Cosmos to the Pala! Where did they go? They were the best band at the Pala!

As I am using my "real name" in response to the one written under the stage name of "Spike Morelli", I'll address this to the man behind the stage name, Joe Amorelli, Jr.

Your post was brought to my attention by a third party. Until I read it myself I could hardly believe it was written by the same man who just two months ago sent a Christmas Card to our house, written in your very distinctive handwriting signed with your name, the name of your wife, and the names of your children.

Let's clarify a few things. The band did not "break up" in 1997. You were separated from the band in 1997 for reasons that are well known to you and which were the catalyst for the agreement you signed at that time.

Another lead singer was separated PRIOR to your departure based, in part, by your insistence and request. For your information, he was recently invited back and declined for valid reasons.

The original guitar player left AFTER your departure because of his honor, commitment and sense of responsibility toward the raising of his child.

One of the sax players you mentioned continues to work with the band on and off and another you mentioned left to start his own project. A bass player you mentioned also left to work on his own project and another you mentioned very recently worked a few gigs with the band.

I am surprised by your childish slam about “drug addicts”. Again I refer you to the separation agreement you voluntarily signed in 1997 in addition to any future potential ramifications. Don’t believe me. Check with a lawyer.

This needs to stop now. Nothing is as it was before. You’ve been out of the business a long time and that has changed as well, particularly after 9/11. Hell darling, I bet your voice isn’t the same at 49/50 as it was at age 35.

I would have called you personally to discuss this; however, I no longer have a valid telephone number for you. Our number, on the other hand, has not changed and you are welcome to dial it at any time.

Here’s a better idea than hashing this out on a public forum. You write a check for $25 and I’ll write a check for $25. We’ll mail them together to a Katrina related New Orleans Musicians Relief fund.

Trust me, it’s a much better use of energy.

~JT

Que Sera Sera...

A little bitter now, aren't we, Spike (Joe)? I guess you realized that you blew it big time, so why not try and take the "boys" down with you?

You know, at one time Joe/Spike was a great entertainer. I remember watching him perform when I was just a young kid and I thought he was great! But you know what? When you leave a band (or are asked to leave a band) for whatever reason, you have to be mature about it. Say your peace in private and be on your way. Too bad you just burned a VERY LARGE bridge. Welcome to 2006.....you've spent almost 10 years stuck in Bitterville. Don't you think it is time for a move??

Ditto Dawn. Spike, all I can say is karma, karma karma...if it hasn't already bit you in the derriere (which you used to shake all too well, and at your age now, probably have a harder time doing so), it surely will one of these days. If you put out negative energy, that is all you are going to get back. Try to put out some positive notes...it'll suit you much better than than spewing vitriol.

Dear Mike Kleid, This is the other Mike Kleid, and you probably saw an advertisiment for my one man show at the Imperial Palace, or maybe downtown on Fremont Street. Whatever the case, email me at mkleid@hotmail.com We'll talk. I think some insurance company was trying to find you involving an auto accident years ago. I had a hell of a time convincing them that it wasn't me !!!

Spike:
Dink here...it's been a looong time. how the heck are U? do u consider me an original?

Spike Morelli wrote:

QUOTE who="mitchel"Bring back Lil Elmo & The Cosmos to the Pala! Where did theygo?
Mitchell, It's too bad you never got to see the REAL Lil Elmo and the Cosmos. What you probably saw was two former members ,using the name of a once very sucessfull and strong act. The act broke up in '97, but the name was used since then by two former members who, sadly are drug addicts and are using the name to try to get any gigs they can. It's the truth.
I know this because I am one of the original founding members and lead singer. The other performers are Jay Kessler, Larry Spatz ,Mike Kleid ,Doug Hodges.(Also David Kadison and Arnold Mitchem).
It seems unlikely that the group will ever re-form, but hey, you just never know.
Spike Morelli

Dynamite Dinko!!! This is Jack. Spike is being rude,and most of all incorrect in his opinion.If you want to real story call the remaining members for the scoop. I dont want to throw trash here as Spike/Joseph Amorelli, has already made a complete fool of himself. LOL!

i saw them for the first time at the Cannery in vegas, but cant seem to find their web site to see where else they are playing; especially in LA> Does anyone know how to find their shceudle. They wre awesome.

Lil Elmo's website is www.lilelmo.com You can see our schedule there. Thank you for the compliment!

Hey Dink!
It has been a long time. I don't think I've seen you since we were in Atlantic City. I've got some pictures of you and Gil and your wives at the beach house in Brigantine.
I'd love to catch up on things with you too.
Have you got an e-mail address that I can contact you at?
Spike

Hey Dink!,

Only believe about 5% of what JOE tells you.Thats all i will say here. Watch it JOE/SPIKE! DONT BE TOO BITTER IN YOUR STORIES!We will find out what you say to Dink!Remember the signed paper!And Joe, so your still obsessing over the band.Tsk,Tsk, SADDDDD!

Take 2...jus' in case....

Dynamite Dinko wrote:

Spike:
Dink here...do u consider me an original?
<quoted text>

"I" consider you an original! >http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y70/Rondo624...
What say you let bygones be bygones....eh fellas?

well, i obviously don't know the details and depth to which the "differences" extend but i have to admit i'm not sure i want to. all i can say is that it saddens me. certainly, life deals it's share of sh$% to everyone. i suppose i'm one of the lucky few whose memories of Lil Elmo are genuinely fond and wholesome. My perspective ended sometime in '74, 32 years ago. eventhough we had differences in THOSE days, we were "bound" together, almost a force if you will. it will forever remain a unique experience for all of us who had the privilege of being together in that place and time. remember when we were just a bunch of kids (sorry, young adults) who shared a common LOVE for music, performing AND eachother? I do. remember Notre Dame HS (my alma mater) where the band stopped completely in the middle of a song unbenownst (SP?) to me, to award me a 17th b'day present, a 40"x30" Bayouth masterpiece, a sketch of me in action? sorry...run-on sentence. it's hanging to my left (slightly yellowed) as i write. the guitar player at the time was Hulk (i think...Dave?) in fact, i'll bet i'm the only one with these particular vintage Cosmo photos from my yearbook. remember at practice in someone's garage, when we first (i mean u privileged vocal guys) NAILED come go with me, a capella? hell, i didn't sing a note but i can STILL feel the energy. a COLLECTIVE/SHARED energy! today's differences can't negate that magic and that's NOT to be flip as if to suggest those differences aren't valid and/or painful. Steve, Joey, Rob, Hulk, Doug, Art, Randy, Paul (Pearson), Gil (when he came back) and me. there have been many to come and go since but this is the team that is etched in my heart and mind. thanks to all for those memories...sincerely.
God bless,
Dinko

Classic stuff Dink!
Those were some heady times. You hit the nail right on the head, we were bound , and the force was with us!
For a bunch of high school kids, we had an act when other guys were just trying to be a "group".
We were exciting, we had energy, we were entertaining, and we hung tough. We were different.
I can recall a gig at some HS in the early days when you faked running into a pole. Bang! I thought for sure you'd spilled your brains and went running to you. You just got up and smiled at me. The look on my face must have been priceless.Psyche!!!!
Like I said, we had our act together, which figures since the nucleus of Lil Elmo was from Taft HS drama dept.
Bayouth talked me into singing, since we were both drummers. I was scared to death the first time on stage, which was at our senior talent show in school.
I know both Jay kessler and yourself were from Notre Dame, I don't remember who that contact was through. Do you remember the "chicks"? Hipps, Susie, and Cha-Cha.
Yeah, there have been a few different line ups since we started. The starting members included Randy, Rob, Myself, Paul P., Dave Klotz, Art Olch, Gil and Doug Hodges, and the "Chicks", known as the "Repulsives".
Do you remember that huge backdrop behind you that we used? "Bingo Burger"! I think Robby ended up with it, he may still have it, I should ask him next time I see him.
I'm glad you haven't forgotten your roots, we sure had fun! Eeeeeeeeeeeeehh!
Spike

Joe:
i shot u an email last nite...sorry for the lack of response by phone but truth is my cell TWICE now showed yours as an incoming, restricted number. My voice mails automatically delete but i've ALWAYS been able to pick up the number from my received calls file but evidently not in your case. Shoot me your tel # via email and i'll give u a ring tonight.
By the way, did u check out the picture my wife (Mrs. DD) posted above? Wonder who's got that "muscle arm" drum head...
Dink