BACK UP GENERATOR FOR SUMP PUMP

When Ernie Byfield opened the Pump Room in the Ambassador East Hotel on October 1, 1938, he undoubtedly had little idea that he was beginning an enterprise that would still be thriving. Today, the Pump Room remains a magnet for movie stars and celebrities and as well as a highly-acclaimed restaurant and Chicago landmark.

Byfield's Pump Room was a success from the day it opened. Chicago's socialites ensconced themselves along the large room's western wall to tastefully observe the celebrities who made their appearances along the east side of the room. Of course, those seated in Booth One, perhaps the most renowned dining table in the country, attracted the most attention. Its reputation was established by famed actress Gertrude Lawrence, who was starring in a play in Chicago and staged a nightly gathering in Booth One during the play's entire 90-day run.

From that moment, the Pump Room became the place to see and be seen. John Barrymore roared for champagne; Bette Davis could be found perched on the piano bench; Humphry Bogart and Lauren Bacall celebrated their wedding in Booth One, as did Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood. Liza Minelli grew up in Booth One, and has fond memories of dining there with her mother, Judy Garland, who immortalized the restaurant in the lyrics to "Chicago" with the words "we'll eat at the Pump Room/Ambassador East, to say the least." And, of course, Frank Sinatra held court in Booth One countless times.

After Byfield's death in 1950, the Pump Room held on to its allure as a place for stargazing. A new generation of luminaries took up residence in Booth One: Mel Brooks personally greeted each guest; Paul Newman and Robert Redford lunched on ham sandwiches and pilsners of beer every day during the shooting of 'The Sting'; Michael J. Fox, Rob Lowe, Vanna White, Emilio Estevez, Eddie Murphy, Jim Belushi and Demi Moore have all continued the table's famous tradition.

From the world of sports, Muhammed Ali, Michael Jordan, Billie Jean King, Jimmy Connors, Dorothy Hamill and Walter Payton have visited the room. Opera star Beverly Sills has added some high notes to the room, while a few rock and roll legends have added some of their own - David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Olivia Newton-John and Mick Jagger, who held a private party there. A little-known drummer was refused entry when he failed to pass the dress code and titled his solo album, "No Jacket Required," after the incident. His name - Phil Collins. (He was sent a new jacket by way of apology.)

Rob was pretty juiced to see this glove in the street and he took the opportunity to regale me and Joe with the sordid history of the song "Mechanix": Dave Mustaine wrote it for Metallica, he got shitcanned but they recorded the song anyway with different lyrics, and then he recorded it with Megadeth as it was originally intended.

And that was the one Rob sang for us, and it went like this:

Imagine you were at my station
And you brought your motor to me
You're a burner yeah a real motor car
Said you wanna get your order filled
Made me shiver when I put it in
Pumping just won't do ya know lucky for you

Whoever thought you'd be better
At turning a screw than me
I do it for my life
Made my drive shaft crank
Made my pistons bulge
Made my ball bearings melt from the heat
oh yeah yeah

We were shifting hard when we took off
Put tonight all four on the floor
When we hit top end you know it feels to slow
Said you wanna get your order filled
Made me shiver when I put it in
Pumping just won't do ya know lucky for you

Whoever thought you'd be better
At turning a screw than me
I do it for my life
Made my drive shaft crank
Made my pistons bulge
Made my ball bearings melt from the heat
oh yeah yeah
oh!

I'm giving you my room service
And ya know it's more than enough
Oh one more time ya know I'm in love
Said you wanna get your order filled
Made me shiver when I put it in
Pumping just won't do ya know lucky for you

Whoever thought you'd be better
At turning a screw than me
I do it for my life. Fuck yeah!
Made my drive shaft crank
Made my pistons bulge
Made my ball bearing melt from the heat
oh yeah yeah!

Solo-Mustaine

YEAH!

It was an extraordinary rendition, up there with Rob's treatments of "Sweating Bullets" and "Peace Sells".