The Gutter Gang: A tale of friendship, fun, and... philanthropy

Our 'Riunuone Di Famiglia 2024' pays tribute to departed members while providing support for The Gleason Foundation.

As I reminisce, the warmth of over four decades of cherished memories, constant laughter, and often ridiculous adventures fill my head. These recollections, woven intricately into the very fabric of my existence and those of my dearest friends, serve as a poignant testament to the enduring strength of our bond as The Gutter Gang. Amidst the passing years and the ever-changing tides of life, our connection remains rock-solid and dependable against the relentless passage of time.

From humble beginnings to unforgettable adventures: The genesis of The Gutter Gang

Our story begins not in the bustling heart of New Orleans, but in the relatively quiet suburbs of Metairie, Louisiana, "fringe Bucktown", where a motley crew of college-aged misfits found sanctuary in each other's company. Clad in our white t-shirts emblazoned with our custom logo on the front and the defiant proclamation, "Why Be Normal?" on the back, we set out to defy convention and embrace the extraordinary. And thus, The Gutter was born—a humble garage transformed into a sanctuary where the rules of normalcy held no sway.

Within the confines of The Gutter, we wrote our own rules. We played basketball in the driveway. We threw darts with reckless abandon, with the sound of metal meeting cork (and more-often-than-not, the back door) punctuated the air with each throw. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, we cranked up the volume on our favorite never-popular tunes and the melodic strains of alternative and classic-deep-cut rock-and-roll served as the soundtrack to our endless nights of theme parties and revelry.

But parties and gatherings at The Gutter were just the beginning of our escapades. From the hallowed grounds of Pat Gillen's Neighborhood Bar, where we "surfed" on barstools, to the shores of Lake Pontchartrain where we "Gutter two-stepped" and "head danced" at Augie's Delago and woke up early the next morning to go tubing down the Tickfaw river -- we sought out adventure at every turn. Whether it was midnight bowling at Pelican Lanes, Sunday softball leagues in City Park, "dancing" to fellow Gutter Gang member Bobby Chandler's band Keystone, or sailing down the mighty Mississippi with the likes of The Producers, Eddie Money, Echo & The Bunnymen and The Ramones on the Riverboat President, we embraced every opportunity to seize the moment and make it our own.

And as the years passed, our ranks swelled with the addition of countless new faces from all ethnicities and backgrounds drawn to the magnetic pull of our tight-knit community. The only requirement for membership in The Gutter Gang was ownership of one of our iconic t-shirts—a badge of honor that symbolized belonging and camaraderie. We welcomed newcomers with open arms (and continue to do so), forging bonds that would withstand the test of time and adversity. In fact, the more the merrier. All you need is a t-shirt.

Finding light amidst darkness: The resilience and generosity of The Gutter Gang

But alongside the triumphs came moments of heartbreak and loss. We mourned the passing of dear friends taken from us far too soon, their absence leaving a void in our lives that could never be filled. Yet, even in our darkest hours, we found solace in the embrace of our brothers and sisters, drawing strength from the unbreakable bonds of friendship that bound us together.

As our lives took us down divergent paths (marriage, children, grandchildren, careers, hardship...), our reunions have become cherished opportunities to reconnect and reminisce... and hug. There's always plenty of hugging. And with each passing year, our desire to give back to those in need grew stronger, fueled by a sense of gratitude for the community that had shaped us into the individuals we had become.

And so, as we gather once more to celebrate our shared history and honor the memory of those we've lost, we do so again with a renewed sense of purpose. Our reunion, titled 'Riunuone Di Famiglia 2024,' will be held at Gennaro's , "the oldest bar in Metairie," now owned by fellow long-time Gutter Gang members. It's not merely a chance to relive past glories, laughing until we cry, but a call to action—a rallying call to make a difference in the world around us.

In the spirit of generosity, this year's reunion is dedicated to a noble cause. Most of the proceeds from t-shirt sales and a special raffle will be directed towards honoring the indelible legacy of our dear friend and my cousin, John Pittman, affectionately known as "Al" (funny story). Tragically, earlier this year, Al succumbed to his battle with ALS, leaving behind a profound impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Funds raised will support the Team Gleason Foundation , perpetuating his spirit of resilience and compassion in the face of adversity.

This year's Army green reunion t-shirt showcases the revered Gutter Gang logo on the front, symbolizing our enduring unity and spirit. On the back, a poignant tribute unfolds: a Mount Rushmore of silhouettes, prominently featuring Cousin Al (far right) alongside four of our most cherished departed members. Below these revered figures, a list of names honors the memory of the numerous friends and family we've lost over the years, embodying the deep sense of camaraderie and remembrance that defines our gang.

As we raise our glasses in toast to the memories we hold dear and the bond that unites us, let's also raise our voices in solidarity with those who need our support. For in the end, it is not the triumphs or the tragedies that define us, but the strength of the friendships we forge along the way. And as members of The Gutter Gang, that bond is stronger than steel, unyielding in the face of whatever challenges may come our way.