ICYMI: Kosciuszko Bridge Explosion Will Have Live 1812 Overture Soundtrack, If Musician Gets His Way

GREENPOINT, BROOKLYN — The blast that sinks the Kosciuszko Bridge this summer could have a live Tchaikovsky soundtrack. Danny Flam, 48, a self proclaimed “brass guy” who has worked with Kanye West and Jay-Z, has launched an iPetition campaign to have an orchestra play the 1812 Overture as the city blows it up.

“The whole idea signifies everything that is New York,” said Flam. “Take out the old and bring in the new — everybody bring in their instruments and make a lot of noise.”

Flam was inspired to organize the impromptu ensemble when his friend, a trumpet player named Ben Holmes who lives in Greenpoint, told him the Kosciuszko Bridge was scheduled to be blasted, he said.

“I was like, 'Hey, you know what we should do?'” Flam said.

Flam envisions an “army of musicians” assembling on the day of the explosion — which has not yet been scheduled — to play.

Flam’s band the Consoul Orchestra — which primarily plays video game theme songs — have all signed on to play at the event if Flam can make it happen, he said.

And fellow musician and contractor Brett Woodruff has begun to scout possible locations where the orchestra could play, according to Flam. Possible venues include a barge on the Newtown Creek or the First Cavalry Cemetery on the Queens side of the waterway.

Flam is hoping to perform the Titanic theme song, London Bridge is Falling Down and, at the moment the bridge explodes, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.

“Traditionally that song ends with cannons” said Flam. “I don't think they've ever done it to a demolition.”

The song is also a favorite of YouTubers who enjoy setting the overture — written to commemorate the Battle of Borodino — to footage of nuclear reactor tests and famous movie explosions.

Flam boasts that an impressive crew of musicians have already signed on to play including his Consoul bandmates Mitch Friedman, a Grammy-winning bassist, and Felipe Fournier, a Grammy-nominated percussionist.

The 78-year-old Kosciuszko Bridge is expected to topple so that a replacement can be completed by 2020, New York Governor Andew Cuomo announced in February.

Flam has yet to contact city planners about whether or not his band can accompany the big bang, but he’s hoping they’ll be game.

“It’s going to be a once in a lifetime thing, said Flam. “Bring your own trombone.”

Image via Wikimedia Commons.