Pop Quiz: Joe Firstman

Pop Quiz: Joe Firstman

Aidin Vaziri | While Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes busies himself with buying bassinets and picking out wallpaper patterns, 24-year-old Joe Firstman is stepping up to give us our retro blues-rock fix. The North Carolina singer- songwriter released his premiere album, "The War of Women," last year. And although it's unfortunately not a concept album about mud wrestling, it did give him the opportunity to tour with Sheryl Crow, Jewel and Willie Nelson. He also got to collaborate with childhood hero Bernie Taupin, who is Elton John's songwriting partner.



Joe Firstman
Q: What was it like touring with Sheryl Crow?
A: I've got to tell you, man, doing the big opening shows is great because of the mass exposure to people who wouldn't know about your music otherwise. But I never considered myself an opening act. I'm a headliner. Personally, I prefer to headline for 15 people than open up for someone else in front of 3,000.
Q: Did you ever "accidentally" walk into her dressing room while she was taking a shower?
A: That's a very odd question. No. I don't know if that kind of stuff would have flown.
Q: You also toured with Willie Nelson.
A: The last time we were out he was actually in a lot of pain because he has carpal tunnel. He's 71, though, so I'm in good shape.
Q: Did you ever "accidentally" walk into his dressing room while he was taking a shower?