U2
July 2011 detroitlivemagazine.com
A PERFECT CIRCLE FRED DURST TAYLOR SWIFT 34 BLISS BENNY & BOB COMMANDMENTS OF LIVE MUSIC DIRTY DOZEN PREVIEW Photo Credit M.G.Nader Flag Supplied by Joe’s Prime Time
Rocquel Wallace From 34 Bliss Catch Them At The 3rd Annual Dirty Dozen Midsummer Rockfest At Joe’s Prime Time On July 16Th 12-2 AM
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CONTENTS
DETROITLIVEMAGAZINE //////////// JULY 2011 6.
FRED DURST TALKS TO DL MAG
7.
A PERFECT CIRCLE - NKOTB/BSB
MG Nader
12. THE COMMANDMENTS OF LIVE ROCK AND ROLL 13. COMMANDMENTS CONT. 14. BENNY JET AND BOB / TINY’’S REVOLUTION 15. DETROIT LIVE TIMES 16. TAPDETROIT.COM 17. THE BELLES OF BELLFAST CITY 17. TAYLOR SWIFT SHOW REVIEW 19. 34 BLISS - FEATURE 20. U2 360 TOUR - REVIEW
THIS MONTH M.G. NADER
Contributors: Benny Jet, Bob Harris, Ryan Lapointe, Eric Harabadian, Jordan Weatherhead, Tim Cook, Tony Pertile, Donna James, Darian Counts, Vera Khzouz and Godric Catalina Graphic Design: Darian Counts, Olin Ezra, Cover logo magic: Olin Ezra/M.G Nader Story Editing: Donna James, Alice Lapointe Photgraphers: M.G. Nader, Steve Sexton, Dante Desaro, Matt Dolinar, Ryan Lapointe, Shane Glenn, Tom McNaughton, Meredith Gillhespy
pg. 20
M.G. NADER
pg. 17 pg. 19
M.G. NADER
26. BONNAROO REVIEW
pg.15
28. OUTSIDE THE ROPES
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Media Coordinator Ryan Lapointe Cover photo: M.G. Nader
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MAGAZINE
TALKS TO
DETROIT
LIVE FRED DURST
Fred Durst…just the name draws many different reactions from people. The Limp Bizkit front man and movie director is back, and Detroit Live had the chance to talk to him while he was at an extreme sports event a couple weeks before the 1st Limp Bizkit album in years, Gold Cobra, is released.
DL: Hey Fred, been a fan of yours since the beginning, and I really appreciate the time you’re giving us. FD: Thanks man! I really appreciate you taking the time, cause I’m not doing much press these days. DL: Gold Cobra, the 1st Limp Bizkit album with the original lineup in 10 years, is about to come out. (June 28th) How does it feel to finally get this done? FD: It’s amazing! It’s such a backpack off our shoulders. We wanted to make a record for ourselves, one that we felt passionate and sincere about. We didn’t want outside influence to dictate what we were doing so it took some time. We’re happy that we can put our stamp on this as an album that we love. Producing the record, I was able to make the sounds and music the way I wanted before I put on my lyrics writing hat. It took a little longer than usual, but it is what is, and we’re very happy and stoked about it. This is it! DL: I got to hear an advance copy and I must say it’s really good; and being a longtime fan, I know good Limp Bizkit when I hear it. FD: Awesome, thank you! This one will grow on you for sure. DL: I understand you’re touring Europe this summer, any plans for a US tour? FD: I’m managing the band now, so I’ve been looking at some offers. I wanted the record to come out first so the promoters want a Limp Bizkit Concert. What’s important is that they put on a real Limp Bizkit Concert. We don’t want to be put in amphitheaters so they can make more money and sell more booze. Limp Bizkit has
By Ryan Lapointe
to be in a place where there’s a standing area so people can jump around and have fun in front of the stage. They have to really want it, I don’t want them to go “Lets put you in an amphitheater and we can make a million dollars off parking and booze, and they can have a pit on the hill.” Screw that! They have it down pat in Europe, and we’re going to South America for the first time, but we’re mostly excited about playing the states again. We had a tour booked last year with Ice Cube, but it was 90% amphitheaters so we cancelled it. We didn’t want to look like a band who was just trying to cash in; when in reality, we just want to go out and have a great time, but without that crowd and energy in front of the stage what do we have? It was one thing back in the day playing Ozzfest, when we were trying to connect with anyone we could. Now we have people who are just discovering us and they’ve seen the footage, and the old school fans who know what a Limp Bizkit show is supposed to be like. We want it to be that way! I think letting them hear the album and see what’s going on will help them say, “Well if Fred wants to do a show like that, I guess we’ll have to suck it up and put them in the right venue,” you know what I’m talking about?
FD: I’m still who I am, but I’m evolving everyday. I never really liked any kind of drama, and I got my ass beat a lot when I was young. My vengeance and retaliation was against bullies, the irony being the bullies using our music as the fuel for their fucking moronic, caveman, DL: Thanks a lot for your time Fred, it’s been an inhumane behavior. It got so crazy that I honor and I hope to catch up with ya when you started to take it personally until I realized that come to town. it’s just art and I can’t be responsible for their misinterpretation. On Gold Cobra though I took FD: I’d love too.When I come in, we’ll hook up a couple moments to make it obvious that this and have a beer! music is in response to the douche bags and bullies out there. There’s just a reaction that Pick up the new Limp Bizkit album, Gold Cobra Limp Bizkit causes in people, and even though available now. For more info, check out that kind of stuff is behind me, it’s still ahead of www.limpbizkit.com me. It’s always out there floating around, but I’d rather be in a more positive and inspiring place. Aaron Lewis is one of the few guys that I’ve been able to help in this business that respects and appreciates my involvement in their career and I love that DL: I sure do, I was there when you did the show about him. I haven’t been that on top of the record store in Royal Oak, then got fortunate with other artists I’ve shut down and moved to a coffeehouse in Pontiac given opportunities to. M-S 11am-9pm sun 11am-6pm aquariums where the crowd got tear gassed because so many & supplies rockofagesgardencity michigan people didn’t get in. posters DL: Last couple things, any (blacklight, FD: I remember that show, and that was the only stories from Detroit you’d like door,wall) one where the crowd got tear gassed! You know to share? patches there’s a lot of politics with concerts. People always ask, “Why don’t you play (city name)?” FD: Our first experience of vinyl , if we could just set up and play and do what Detroit was the State Theatre window we wanted, we’d be rocking with you tomorrow (now the Fillmore) playing with decals night, it’s a brutal game out there. We want it to Korn. Those were some of the vaporizers be a great experience all around; for the fans, best times of our lives! I grew & smoking promoters, and the band. It takes some serious up a Kiss fan hearing “Detroit accessories planet alignment for that to happen. Rock City” and not knowing new cd's, what it’s like there. Getting to go used cd's dvd's, lp's DL: You’re set to direct the movie Pawn Shop to Detroit and playing in a band, $2.99 each Chronicles starring Paul Walker, how’s that everyday ! the energy and fans there are so box sets going? stellar. There’s so much passion & backpacks, and emotion, there’s no silver rarities wallets, FD: We’re going to start shooting in January. It’s spoons out there, and everyone is imports belt like a “hillbilly Pulp Fiction,” really ill, you’re real. There’s a human connection buckles gonna bug out. there that’s stronger than so thousands many other places we play. That of official DL: We love our pawn shops in Detroit! is one place we look forward to concert playing again, we could never t-shirts FD: We love pawn shops everywhere bro! Adam have a US tour without playing Minarovich, the writer, works in a pawn shop, Detroit, it just wont happen. body and it’s a crazy ass script full of meth heads, Elvis jewelry impersonators, everything. It’s unbelievable! hats DL: Anything you want to say to your fans? incense DL: Limp Bizkit, specifically you, have had plenty of bad press and drama over the years, FD: Be open to things and stay especially with Wes Borland (guitarist), who true to who you are. When it returns for this album. I was at an Aaron Lewis comes to Limp Bizkit, be open show and someone yelled “Fuck Fred Durst” and and give the new album a shot. Aaron went off on him. You’re 40 yrs old, is that If you like it, cool. If you don’t, BS all behind you now? and want it to go away, just don’t say anything. (734) 522-4590
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aPerfect Circle By Ryan Lapointe
been a few years since the first album.
BH: I’ve been writing a little bit here and there. Deciding whether to make it an Ashes Divide or APC song has always been the interesting part. I’m doing stuff now that’s specific for Ashes and I’d like to get a collection of songs out to maybe tour on the heels of the APC tour, take a small break, and hit the road in the fall. DL: That brings up a good point, how do you decide what song fits better with what band?
Photo Credit Tim Cadiente.
After a six year hiatus, A Perfect Circle (APC) has decided to make 2011 their year for return. Just coming of a headlining gig at Rock on the Range and before Lollapalooza in August, APC is embarking on a short tour that will give fans a chance to hear some songs that may appear on their next album. I had the chance to talk with one of rock’s unsung heroes, guitarist and cofounder of APC, Billy Howerdel a couple weeks before their ROTR performance.
BH: I don’t know exactly! So many things in their infancy are open to change in their musical direction. Sometimes I hear things that I think would make a good APC song, but I don’t know exactly what that means. It could just be a friend telling me that “oh that’s going to be an Ashes Divide song right?” The track I’m working on now, I really hope that it becomes an Ashes song, I’m hearing it in the style that I hope the next incarnation of Ashes will be. I try not to think too much about melodies or lyrics early on so I don’t influence it too much either way. Basically, what I’m saying is that I have no idea! (laughing)
“One Night. One Stage. Once In A Lifetime.”
With NKOTBSB (New Kids On The Block/ Backstreet Boys. As the lights dimmed and images of all nine of the “boys” together flashed, the fans of the united two greatest boy bands of all time went crazy. The teasing went on for what felt like an eternity. The white sheet masking the boys gave a hint of their elevated silhouettes which only made the crowd even wilder. As the curtain dropped and the pyrotechnics blasted off so many mixed emotions and memories I wasn’t sure if I was 7 or 17. I was just lost in my adolescence. They came out dressed in studded leather & chains. Together they opened with a medley: “Single”/ “The One”. That medley really took you back to your carefree childhood when all that really mattered was boys and fun. It was so exciting to watch the “boys” get as close and intimate with the girls as they could. At one point, each BSB brought a girl up to the stage to serenade. The girl Nick Carter brought up had an extra special time as he simulated a lap dance for her. Later during “Shape of My Heart” the “boys” came out of the crowd scattered and even allowed fans to take pictures with them while they sang. NKOTB didn’t neglect their fans either. During “Tonight “ they ran out and fanned into the crowd. At one point, Donnie Wahlberg, turning 42 this year, took a beer from one of the lucky fans, drank from it and gave it back. Donnie seemed to control the evening. He worked the crowd into a frenzy. His energy and love for the fans was intoxicating.
N K O T B / B S B
Photo by Merideth Gillhespy
By: Vera Khzouz NKOTB lost the leather and donned in black sequined three piece suits for “Didn’t I (blow your mind this time)”. I have to say Jordan is still the only man I know who can hit that octave and make it all his own. The show ended with two of their biggest hits, a duel, a sing off, if you will, to “Everybody (Backstreets Back)”/ “Hangin’ Tough”. The winners? Us. The fans.
DL: You guys are coming back to Detroit in July, any stories from our city that you’d like DL: Hey Billy, you guys are headlining Rock on to share? the Range, how’s that feel? BH: It feels good, last tour we did were smaller venues, and its cool coming off a 7 month break into such a big show. We’ll dust the cobwebs off for sure! I played with Ashes Divide (his solo project) there in 2008 and the 2nd stage where we played was massive. DL: You guys are hitting the road this summer, which is unusual without an album to promote. Why the tour?? Is there a new album in the works? BH: Were planning to do at least one new song live, maybe two. We’re really tightening up this one song for now. We’re not planning a new album, maybe a collection of mini-releases that could become an album in the future. We’re just going to put some things out here and there. DL: What’s going on with Ashes Divide? It’s
BH: We had a show with Ashes Divide and we were leaving the hotel right after a hockey game let out and it was a borderline riot. People were so bummed out because they just lost. DL: Thanks a lot for your time Billy, anything you want to say to your fans?
12/1/10 8/1/11
BH: I truly am looking forward to hitting the road. It’s been a long time and when we did the shows last fall, they were really fun and it showed people were still interested. It’s all about people wanting to come see you, and that’s what feels good! For more info check out www.aperfectcircle. com Make sure you catch Billy and A Perfect Circle at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on July 8th, and at Lollapalooza in Chicago on August 5th.
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Detroit Live Magazine - Detroit Rock City!!! 11
COMMANDMENTS OF LIVE MUSIC The 10 Commandments of LIVE Rock and Roll:
For over 30 years I’ve played live music in bars in the Detroit scene. I’ve seen the ebb and flow of live music to DJ and back many times. I’ve been lucky enough to see and perform with some fantastic bands. I’ve also enjoyed playing in some of the best run clubs in Michigan. Unfortunately, this article isn’t about them. This month, I’d like to talk about some glaring issues that I feel, if addressed, can lead to bigger crowds, better shows and more earnings for venues and bands. It is no huge secret that earning a living, as a musician or a bar owner, has become much more difficult in the last several years. From the club owner’s point of view, it’s obvious that the government has decided that musicians and bars have little value to the state. They have done all they can to destroy mom and pop venues in Michigan. Whether it’s ignorance, arrogance or apathy, Michigan’s politicians, particularly the democrats have made no secret about the fact that they feel they are superior to the thousands of musicians and bar owners who apparently are too ignorant to run their own businesses. Their final slap in the face, which came last May in the form of a prohibition on smoking in privately owned businesses, removed any doubt that the majority of Michigan Democrats are bought and paid for by the gambling industry (not that the repubs aren’t). The incredible reduction in income for thousands of hardworking business owners, servers and musicians, as well as employees of the beverage industry
on your staff should be on the mic all night long By D. Counts pushing cheap has sent shock waves through the live music shots and drink specials. If community and insured the hard times your waitstaff that Michiganders had been experiencing is trained over the last few years just got a whole properly, they lot harder. With no regard for anyone or will be able to anything (except the casinos), Michigan step customers democrats have worked hard to drain the last bit of blood from several already anemic up on occasion to a more industries. “profitable” drink. That being said, politicians come and go. Industries evolve and change and those I’m sorry to who can change with the times prosper, say but unless those who don’t are left behind. That is just a fact of life and a fact of business. Regardless your menu is in Braille … of arrogance and corruption of Michigan your waitresses politicians the citizens of this state will should be continue to move forward and dare I say eventually prosper. Sure, Michigan business attractive. This owners have been dealt a severe body blow, is something that just goes kicked while already down in what looks without saying yet for some reason needs as if it may be a double dip recession. But despite the sabotage of the government, the to be said. If I walk into a bar and there are NO attractive women. I’m leaving. Right show will go on and the rules of common then and there. If I’ve ordered a beer; I’m sense still apply. This column is to address several trends that have taken hold over the going to down it, and then leave. Many last couple of years. Some on the part of the things in business are uncontrollable. This bar owners and some on the part of the bands factor, however, is not. It’s important to control what you can since you’re at the who play their venues. We’ll start out with mercy of what you can’t. bar owners; then move onto the musicians who play these clubs. Get creative. Bands, DJ’s, Keno and Karaoke are great. But there are other Businesses don’t prosper on “auto activities that are VERY popular these pilot”. The days of opening a bar and people days. Games like “Name That Tune” and pouring in just because you have alcohol “Blingo” are two very popular options for for sale are long gone. Drunk driving laws, bar owners. It’s relatively inexpensive to no smoking laws, and a poor economy book and people absolutely LOVE it. Any have killed them. Today a bar owner must aggressively pursue every dollar. Yet, in the bar owners interested in getting info on NTT or Blingo face of bankruptcy many bar owners carry on as if it’s 5 years ago (complaining all the should call Carson for way to the poor house). details. 248-6408490. Here are a few things I see consistently neglected:
Throw some themed events. 70’s or 80’s parties always go over well. You can do If asked “What are your drink specials?” a Christmas most bartenders or waitresses will make up in July or a summer in something generic or say “let me check”. The reality is that the customer should NOT December party. have to ask. Your DJ, yourself or someone Establish shot and drink specials and PUSH them all night. Everyone in the bar should be constantly aware of your drink specials. If they are not, then you (or your DJ) are not doing their job. Every opportunity to promote a special should be taken.
12
Detroit Live Magazine - Someone has Gotta Rock...Why not you?
Instead of just booking 5 original bands or one cover band, perhaps on occasion call a Tribute band. Bands Like “The Nightmare” (one of Michigan’s best Alice Cooper Tribute bands) & TNT (Ted Nugent Tribute) featuring Gunner Ross from the Ted Nugent band, will put on an arena style performance in almost any club. Or you can book a fullon cheesy 80’s hair metal band like Falcon Viper to play all the fav’s of the 80’s like Def Leppard, Poison & Motley Crue. Music!! As the band you hired walks off the stage to take a 30 min break between sets, your DJ should be maintaining the energy of the room by talking to the crowd and reminding them of the incredible shot and beer specials, then segue into a guaranteed floor packing dance song. (i.e. Stevie Wonder’s, “My Eyes Don’t Cry No
More”, “Brick House” or whatever the currently most popular Lady Ga Ga song is. Yet what I see more often than not; is the band walks off stage then the bar owner and waitresses let the night go flat by allowing pure silence to overtake the room. Hint: if it’s 11 o’clock on a Saturday night and there is no music in your bar for more than 2 minutes in a row…then give up, shut her down and go home. Note: With the advent of digital internet jukeboxes it seems some bar owners have a “let them put money in the jukebox if they want to hear music”, attitude. If you have that attitude it’s fine but don’t try and renegotiate with the band at 2:30 because the bar had a rough night.
job. That means it’s ok to look like you’re partying like a rock star and having a great time, I mean after all, you set the pace for the whole party. But it doesn’t mean suck down as many free beers as you can and act like a fool. Remember, you’re performing; it’s ok to appear toasty on stage, just as long as you know it’s part of the show. I mean if you get a job at Disney wearing a Mickey Mouse suit, remember, your working… it’s a mask. You’re not really Mickey.
Be on time. Start your sets when you’re supposed too. Never let the room go flat. If the bar owner has a DJ playing tunes pushing drinks and keeping the energy up but it falls because you and your band mates were smoking behind the bar for Crowd & regulars. Your bar should 45 minutes, that’s YOUR fault and don’t have them. Bottom line. Unless you just opened yesterday, you should have regulars. be surprised if the bar owner wants to renegotiate your pay at 2:30. Many bars ask a band, “how many people can you bring to a show?” and that is a Promote. If you play a show and there valid question, because a band should have are only 10-20 of your people there, then a following. But if you have no regulars either you suck at playing music or you and are expecting the band to supply your suck at promoting. Either way, it’s your complete clientele for the evening, that fault. Every band member should be online should serve as a glaring sign that you’re promoting the show. In today’s live music doing something wrong as a bar owner. marketplace, a Facebook site is as much of a prerequisite as an instrument. If you’re not Now for the bands. online promoting the show, then someone else in the band has to do it for you. I know First things first. The minute you some people are still intimidated by the take money for playing music you are a interwebs. Get over it. Get online and start professional. Meaning it’s a job. While promoting. People will find you just because you may not punch a time clock, it’s still a they saw your band. If they get an invite from you a month later to come to a show, they just might be there. Respect the soundman. If you want to sound good that is. So many bands want to argue with the sound man or tell him how to do his job. FOOOOOLISH mistake. Even if the soundman is a total idiot, walk on eggshells when you talk to them. Suggestion: The first words out of your mouth when talking to the sound man should be a compliment. Example: “Hi Mr. Soundman. I just wanted to say I saw a band up here awhile back and you made them sound fantastic,( lie if you have to) I’ve heard great things about your skills and I’m really looking forward to having you run our sound.” Let me know if there is anything I can do to make your job any easier.” If you say that to a soundman, you will start out on the right foot and have a much higher likelihood of getting great sound. You’re probably not a Rock Star (yet). What I’m saying is your band isn’t generating a lot of money. Not for you or anyone else. When playing a show for money, your band should look at it from the bar owners perspective , “Was it worth it for him to hire our band?” and ask yourself, “Could he have hired a DJ for $150.00 and
made more money”? Your goal should be to have the bar owner hand you a fat stack of cash and shake your hand with a big smile, all the while asking, “When are you guys available to play again?” If you make it worth their while to hire you, they will. Last but not least, work where you’re deserved. If a bar has an ongoing reputation for taking advantage of bands, either through finances, ticket sales, or general disrespect, then don’t work with them. Simply refuse to play there. Bar owners can, at times, forget that a band is a business too (especially if band members act unprofessionally). Show them you are a professional and you take your music seriously. Many times bar owners have dealt with so many rock star wannabee’s, they begin to assume all musicians are that way. Show them you are a pro, treat them with respect and accept nothing less in return and if a bar owner doesn’t reciprocate, move on to his competitor and pack his club… D Counts
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Benny jet & Bob HARRIS WWW.BENNYANDTHEJETS.COM
Stonebridge (now the George Brothers,) Moose and da Sharks, Jeff and the Atlantic’s, Muggsy, Bridge, Rusty Lunchbox, Government Honey, Tilt, Halloween, Brownsville Station, Curtis Hyflash, Mariner, Fourth Chapter, Wiz Kids, MC-5, The Look, SRC, Danny D, Eddie Layton, Curtis Hyflash, Doctor Pocket, The Up, Strut, Steve King and the Dittlies. (note: sad to hear Kim Stewart of the original Dittlies recently passed away) Some have died. Some have broke up. Some got OLD. Others you just don’t see around as much anymore; let me mention right here that the Benny and the Jets Band is still alive and well! We don’t play as much anymore. ( a lot of gigs solo now days, save the band for BIG gigs and festivals) in part, because we are older, part because the economy, part and because the music scene has changed over the years. It is much harder to see LIVE music now days. Used to be TONS of clubs with big dance floors and live bands several nights a week. Note I said BIG dance floors. In the OLD days, you would go out, hear a cool band, drink a few beers, and DANCE! Anyway, I better get off the soapbox and back to some newspaper business, though if you do see a band, shake their hand, tell some friends, and support LIVE MUSIC. The Detroit Blues Society’s 2011 Headstone Project Fund-raiser was held at the Hastings Street Ballroom, 715 E. Milwaukee, Detroit. The free event featured The Carl Henry Band, The Alligators, Emmanuel Young with Howard Glazer, the El-34’s, Alberta Adams with RJ’s Rhythm Rockers. The project’s goal is to identify unmarked graves of Detroit blues musicians, this year’s being Boogie Woogie Red. To contact Bob Harris call 313 399 8285. If you want to hire Benny and the Jets band, Benny SOLO, or with Karaoke, for your club, concert, or event, call Benny 313 730 1627. See Benny Tuesday’s at the Wayne Road Pub. Wednesday’s 5pm the www.wpon.com Doctor Doowop radio show. Thursday’s and Fish Fry Friday at the Redford Moose and Sunday at the Fiddle Bikini Bar. By Benny Jet & Bob Harris
Right off the bat a couple of quick things. First, Detroit Live Magazine is really becoming one of the best rock publications in our area, because it has content. So many rock newspapers and magazines are all advertisements, with NO content. If you read DLM you can learn a lot of stuff; not only events, but about music, radio, touring, bands, about writing, the biz. Secondly,and this is IMPORTANT. If you are a writer, a wanna-be-writer, a blogger, student, tweeter, journalist, you never use the letter “I” as a word. Read the New York Times or Rolling Stone, it just doesn’t happen. If YOU are doing something and writing about it, just tell the story. Don’t write, “I did this”, “I want to do that”, “I went here”. Just say what you want, and what you did. There is a whole thing about Syntax in writing; they write books about that, and it is hard to explain in a paragraph. It is kind of like singing a song, or painting a picture. It is how it feels. If you use the letter “I” as a word, educated people will laugh or think you boorish, regular people will just be bored. This coming from a dyslexic, high school drop out, who can’t spell. (But note: I didn’t say, I am dyslexic, I am a high school drop out, I can’t spell.) Can you feel it? LOL. Anyway, if you have a writer friend, show them this column. They won’t like it, or may not understand it, but it will be good for them. Over the years, my partner Bob Harris has spent a lot of time promoting bands, musicians, and entertainers. He even wrote a book called “Motor Bob Harris - Motor City City Rock and Roll of the 60’s and 70’s.” Music Icon Bob has seen a lot of bands come and go. Maybe more go then come? Jamie Coe, Little Ruben, Elvis Shelton, Wally Jackson, Sunday Funnies, Teagarden and Van Winkle, Woollies, Salem Witchcraft, Chain Reaction, Sweet Crystal,
tINYS
REVOLUTION OF ROCK Hello Detroit, once again here we are, it’s summertime again and the music scene is heating up. (Yeah I know, stupid pun.) Anyone that knows me, knows what a metal and rock fan I am. I am not the biggest hip-hop fan in the world,but some local acts have really been catching my attention lately. First up is a group I wrote about recently; Rich Mind, a two-piece featuring a guitar-riff heavy sound with vocals by Travie P. These guys came out of nowhere just like Destroid, Myke Murder and MNSTRS did last year. They have a live show you must see. Another one is a Detroit-born, now Chicago-based artist named Young Arias. Mixing old school with new school and everything in-between many local hip-hop experts are impressed. From Ikkurruz to Origix and D.C., they all believe this young artist is ready for the big-time. These hip-hop shows have really taught me to give everyone an equal listen and I haven’t been let down yet. Now to the other end of the spectrum; downriver hardcore band, Kill Whitey recently played the Dangermen House of Horrors Party at Rack ‘n’ Roll. Featuring the ever-versatile Billy Causey on guitar. Kill Whitey is a complete 180 from Bill’s other project Dinner Date. Kill Whitey is HARDCORE!!! With a motto (and song) like “Drink, Fight, Fuck!”, you definitely know you’re in for something physical. Speaking of the Dangermen, they throw a monthly blowout at Rack ‘n’ Roll to honor the former Dangerhouse in Wyandotte which was a legendary hangout, hostel, whatever you wanted to call it. These shows bring back some great memories plus introduce amazing new bands to the area. Check out the Facebook pages of Rack ‘n’ Roll, Dinner Date or Kill Whitey for the complete Dangermen schedule, most of them are for charity. Well until next time drop me a line at tinytimrocks@yahoo. com, facebook.com/ tinytimrocks or twitter. com/tinytimrocks. As always remember Earth, Soul, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Life Rules!
14 Detroit Live Magazine - Dirty Dozen III coming July 16th at Joes Primetime in Gibraltar!!!
Myke Murder
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Detroit Underground Initiative Feeds Hundreds of Homeless in Cass Park Story By Les Nessman
Olin Ezra, being the change.
DIRTY DOZEN III EXPECTED TO BE LARGEST EVER!!!
This July 16th,, Detroit Live Magazine will host its 3rd Annual Dirty Dozen Concert. Named after the now defunct, “Bakers Dozen” show that happened once every year at Baker’s Bar on Telegraph in Taylor, The Dirty Dozen or DD12 has steadily grown to monumental proportions. Held on the rear property at Joe’s Primetime, this outdoor, family friendly, all day-all night Rock fest. “With past lineups including Detroit Powerhouses such as Pistol Day Parade, Ray Street Park, Christina Chriss, The Pilz and The Ruiners this years bands have their work cut out for them” says Detroit Live Magazine founder Darian Counts. “We want this to be a fun event for the whole family. There are so many fantastic bands on this lineup people are going to be glued to the stage for hours.” This years line-up is shaping up to be a record breaker with big hitters like Forest Wade and Underland returning from last year, as well as, 34 Bliss and Fall Prey, BOTH of whom have been featured on the cover of Detroit Live Magazine in 2011. Detroit’s own Bluegrass Terrorists Rickett Pass will join bands like Shockwave, Back Pack Sack, Treynwreck, and many more. Dirty Dozen takes place on July 16th at Joe’s Prime Time Pub on Fort St., Gibraltar. For more info log onto www. d e t ro i t l i v e m a g a i z n e . c o m
Recently, there has been an upswing in incidents of spontaneous charity around the area of Cass Park in Detroit. Detroit Police officer Stadanko states, “uh, the perpetrators took over the vicinity of Cass Park early one Sunday morning and commenced randomly giving out food to hungry people.” The underground group who has claimed responsibility for this outpouring of charity calls itself the Detroit Underground Initiative (DUI). Inspired by news stories of citizens of Orlando, Florida who were fined for feeding the homeless in an Orlando park; DUI leaped into action to begin to emulate the action in Detroit. To date hundreds of Detroiters, some homeless, some just hungry, have benefited from DUI and it’s sponsors TapDetroit.com Photo T-Mac Imaging
& Detroit Live Magazine’s generosity. Sporting an intimidating kerchief mask over his face and a pair of aviator mirrors sunglasses organizer, Olin Ezra states,” We’re just feeding some hungry people, were not trying to save the world. We’re just doing what we can, in our small corner of the world, to make things a little better for our neighbors. The all volunteer force was mainly composed of Detroit’s entertainment community. Some of those volunteering their time on Sunday, June 19th ( Fathers Day ) were , Sarah Oliver, Katie Billiet, Jessica Shymkiw, Barbara Teeter , Lee Estes, Jola Bassin, Karen Hubbard, Darian Counts, Olin Ezra Wade, Les Zaldor Zalewski, Rikki Roxx, John Kay and Amy Maus.
Photo T-Mac Imaging Hungry Detroiters enjoying fathers day with a little BBQ supplied by DUI, Tap Detroit and Detroit live Magazine.
NEW “RADIO” NETWORK EMERGINGING FROM HEART OF DETROIT ATTRACTS THOUSANDS OF NEW LISTENERS Story By cub reporter Jimmu Olson
Hundreds line up for a free BBQ on fathers day in Cass Park in Detroit. The feeding was organized by Tapdetroit.com and Sponsored By Detroit Live Magazine.com
Your choices on the radio dial just got a whole lot better. Recently, a new player has emerged on the Detroit radio scene. No, they’re not on your radio dial, they can be found at tapdetroit.com. Station founder, Olin Ezra has partnered with media giant Detroit Live Magazine to bring you one of the most controversial and entertaining line ups since the gong show. Log
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required. GREAT PAY/BIG FUN!!! Excellent opportunity for somone looking to establish themselves as a player on the Detroit Live Music Scene. Email us careers@ detroitlivemagazine.com with the word “promotions” in the subject line.
on to www.tapdetroit .com or download the “Tunein Radio” app from your smart phones app store and you can take tapdetroit.com wherever you go. Kick off your mornings with the Darian Counts Show, Tuesdays and Thursdays 8-10am. Join Olin Ezra weekdays 10am-2pm, John Sinclair midnight nightly as well as Zaldors World every Monday at 7pm.
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Have you ever want to work in Radio? Or possibly write for a music publication. Right now Detroit Live Magazine and Tapdetroit.com are searching for the world’s best interns. Work daily with our staff at Detroit Live Magazine or at tapdetroit.com studios learning the business first hand. Writing Earn up to 5k a month selling as well as celebrity interviewing available!!! advertisement for Detroit Live opportunities us at careers@ Publishing. Qualified applicant Email must be skilled at cold calling, d e t r o i t l i v e m a g a z i n e . c o m presentation and closing. Residual with the word “internship” in the Income potential. Training available. subject line. Internships provide monitary compensation, Full Time / Part Time. Email: no careers@detroitlivemagazine.com although perks are plentiful. with the “sales” in the subject line. Graphic design ability helpful!
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It’s no revelation to say that for many, the last few years have been an uphill battle economically speaking. But of all the major cities in the US, it’s widely accepted that Detroit has been hit particularly hard; Partially because of the crumbling manufacturing industry and plummeting tax base, but also due to incredible incompetence on the part of the Political class and dare I say “the electorate”. These factors coalesce to give the city one of the nation’s highest unemployment and crime rates in the country, combined with the knowledge that 3 out of 4 students attending Detroit public schools will not graduate. It begins to look as if there could be no end in sight for the moral, social and economic poverty that has unfortunately become synonymous with the word “Detroit”. Yet in the midst of this seemingly never ending black hole of economic opportunity, there are signs beginning to glisten and twinkling rays of entrepreneurial light. Individually, the people of Michigan are re-engaging the American ingenuity that built this city. It seems in the absence of opportunities, people begin to create their own . Instead of groveling to a corporation to “give “ them a job, people of Michigan are digging deep, asking themselves hard questions and then taking steps to better their futures. A well known millionaire once said, “hard economic times are when millionaires are made.” For many, difficult times seem to test and harden the metal of tomorrows opportunists. It speaks the inner contrarian within us all. When life says, “no you can’t”, there seems to be a voice in many of us that says, “oh yeh??? Watch me.” Today’s new breed of entrepreneurs have taken off the blinders. They are bold and undaunted by past failures or present road blocks. They ignore the obstacles and instead focus on opportunities. In today’s new economic landscape the route to success can take an unexpected path. One by one, local entrepreneurs are planting their flags and staking their claim to financial freedom. Thousands of blossoming business people are acting as opportunistic Lewis & Clarks’. Blazing their own trails, independent of the corporations who once held the keys to their success. Over the next few months, Detroit Live will ONLINE
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highlight some of these business people and their endeavors. One such trail blazer is Radio Talk Show host, Olin Ezra. Realizing that it will be a cold day in hell before corporate-owned stations would give him a chance on the air, Two years ago, he began broadcasting Olin Ezra show. Entertaining conversations, combined with interviews, political satire and music has been a recipe for success for Olin. In May of 2011, Olin teamed up with Detroit Live Magazine to launch “Tap Detroit “on the Detroit Live Radio Network. “In the age of internet and smart phones, a person no longer has to choose from the limited amount of radio stations provided on your cars radio dial. In addition to satellite radio, those of us with smart phones can tune in to any radio program we wish, whether it’s being broadcast from Detroit or Dubai.” Says Ezra. Over the last few months Olin has worked with Detroit Live Magazine to create a Detroit-based radio station that focuses on local music, news, and politics. Currently heard at www.tapdetroit.com or at www.detroitlivemagazine.com the Detroit Live Network will feature some of this city’s most engaging and entertaining personalities. In addition to Olin Ezra,The Detroit Live Radio Network brings you Detroit Legend, John Sinclair, longtime activist and inspiration for Ann Arbor’s “Hash Bash”, local musician and Cody Stagefright front man “Volcano” hosting “Volcano Underground” , myself, hosting “The Darian Counts Show” , as well as many others who will be highlighted in Detroit Live Magazine over the next few months. So break the cycle of radio addiction, check out the Detroit Live Radio Network heard at www. detroitlivemagzine.com and at www.tapdetroit. com It’s not just the music industry; it’s like an entrepreneurial plague spreading across the land. One walk through the broadcast center of Detroit Live Radio (The Russell Industrial Complex) and you will see artists and business people of all kinds, peddling wares from exotic sculptures to legal services.
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Over the next few months, many Detroiters will migrate their listening habits to this new network. We hope you’ll tune every day for live content that reflects the true heart of the city. On your smart phone, just go to the apps store on your phone and search for “Tune in Radio”.Once you’ve downloaded the app, simply do a search for TAPDETROIT and your in, then join us anytime; or you can always log onto www.tapdetroit.com or www.
16 Log onto tapdetroit.com Tuesdays & Thursdays to hear the Darian Counts Show www.detroitlivemagazine.com
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The Belles of Bellfast City
TAYLOR SWIFT REVIEW
Overcome adversity to take the Grand Prize
Photo M.G. Nader
Review by Ryan Lopointe
By Ken Kilpatrick
A formidable talent in his own right, singer/ songwriter and former WDET radio personality, Matt Watroba, hosted the event, which, By Ken Kilpatrick subsequent to the “Belles” opening act, included 11 additional junior and 10 senior category contestants. Standouts in the junior category were 11-yearold, Calvin Garbacik, for his sweetly endearing ukelele-accompanied rendition of Simon They billed themselves as “The Belles of and Garfunkel’s “The Sounds of Silence”. Belfast City”; six talented young step-dancers As Watroba observed, the song had its with aspirations for winning the grand prize heyday well in advance of Calvin’s time, at Northville’s 3rd Annual Broughton Musicdemonstrating the lasting appeal of old sponsored Talent for the Title competition on Friday, June 3rd. Thirty seconds into their act, standards and laudable interest of younger musicians in keeping those standards alive. one dancer tripped and fell on the “bouncy” 14-year-old, Michael Martin, exuded smooth stage, then their music petered out, a casualty of a malfunctioning ipod. True to the ethic of, stage presence as he confidently strummed his Heritage hollow body electric and crooned “The show must go on”, the girls persevered, performing a crisp, staccato hard shoe number Bob Marley’s jazzy-reggae “I Don’t Want To Wait For Your Love”. Obviously a born sans accompaniment. When the rumble of entertainer, Martin so owned the stage, dance shoes hammering the stage ended, established instant rapport with his audience, echoing for a second off the walls of Town Square, the crowd showed its appreciation with and exuded cool, that one could easily forget whistling and applause. But had snafus doomed he was, as he pointed out to me, only in the eighth grade and a scant four year veteran of the dancers’ chances? the guitar. When the final entry of the junior category took to the stage - a gaggle of middle school youngsters sporting the obligatory rock fashion accessory of mystique-enhancing dark sunglasses - a gentleman sitting next to me indicated with no small amount of pride that the young man holding the microphone was his grandson. If the young musicians’ shades hadn’t been calculated for satirical affect, certainly the band’s moniker seemed to be. “Ladies and gentlemen!” Watroba announced, unable to conceal his amusement, “Please welcome The Awesome People Who Play Instruments!” At that the grandfather nodded, familiar with the title that the audience was absorbing for the first time. Playing a composition of their own, “One Good Night”, the young artists wowed, especially when the lead guitarist theatrically sank to the floor to execute his requisite rock solo. Memorable in the senior category was 27-year-old Van Zerbe. Covering a classic like Etta James’ “At Last” requires an exceptional set of pipes, and Zerbe proved she has the equipment. Dead-on tonal control, effortless, long-winded vibrato, and the kind of subtly sultry delivery James would have appreciated were hallmarks of this vocalist’s near flawless performance. Also impressing with their instrumental skills were Charlie May of Anubis, Ben Thomas of Plug McGee, and Tobias Pace who, at the age of only 19, possesses the kind of virtuosic
m-f 10-
familiarity with the fret board that most guitarists covet but few attain. At the end of the competition, after a suitable period of suspense in which raffle ticket winners were announced, Broughton handed out guitar pick and guitar string freebies. The judges presented their discretionary awards, and the second place winner; Tobias Pace, was recognized, the time came - at last - to learn who among the 22 contestants would take home the grand prize. Ultimately, the deciding factor was something that transcended talent - a quality of verve, of moxie, of guts, that demonstrated the epitome of the kind of character one requires to be a true performer. Remember those six girls who triumphed over their inauspicious circumstances at the beginning of the night? Yep. It was unanimous. If the restaurant patrons along Main Street were wondering why six giddily, ecstatic girls were traipsing along holding the huge winning check high over their heads, this serves as an explanatory note. Congratulations, Belles of Belfast City! Also taking place at Northville’s Town Square Pavilion throughout the summer is the Friday Night Concert Series. The concerts are held at 7:00 PM and are free. The talent roster for the remainder of the summer is as follows: June 24 - Arts & Acts Festival featuring George Bedard & the Kingpins July 1 - First Presbyterian Church Americana July 8 - Randy Brock Group Bluesman July 15 - Shawn Riley Band Top 40 Hits July 22 - Steve King and the Dittlies KING of Detroit Rock and Roll July 29 - Zap Toro Latin Flavor August 5 - Buy Michigan Now Festival TBA August 12 - The Crutches Top Rock & Dance Hits August 19 - Gia Warner Alternative Rock August 26 - Justine Blazer Rock/Country
When I was in 5th grade, I had the honor to see Michael Jackson in what was to be my first of MANY concerts, and the experience was one that I never felt could be matched. Last month though, I was able to feel that once again; this time,, through my 6th grade daughter Madysen’s eyes as we attended her first concert, Taylor Swift’s Speak Now Tour. Myself not being much of a country fan, and having to deal with the 50,000 other people (plus Tigers fans) who have yet to mastered the art of downtown driving, my enthusiasm lacked behind the mostly female crowd. Once we got to the venue though, I was quickly sucked into the machine that is Ms. Swift, and it was nice to see an artist (or should we say management) that realized if you sell shirts for a reasonable price, you’ll sell more. When the magical moment hit, just the sight of Taylor shooting up from under the stage turned the crowd into a frenzy that only the toughest eardrums could sustain. Taylor played through her 17 song set complete with trapeze artists, dancers, and an elaborate stage set, and there were sure places you could find “Sparks Fly”, while others could describe the show as “Enchanted”, “Haunted”, or maybe even “Mean”. The one thing that stood out more than anything, was the love Ms. Swift has for her fans. When the camera zoomed in for a close up angle during her few interludes, you could see the genuine love in her eyes, and as a role model for young girls, I truly believe she’s taken to that position quite well. After 90 minutes, Taylor went out into the crowd for her last couple songs, even doing a lap around the Ford Field floor, and on her encore, “Love Story” she rode a zip-line trolley from the stage that took her all the way from side to side so her fans could look right up to her, as I’m sure they already do. I want to thank Taylor Swift for making my daughter’s 1st concert a memorable one, for both of us.
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Detroit Live Magazine - 17
34 Bliss PHOTO M.G. NADER
By Eric Harabadian
Photo M.G. Nader
18 Detroit Live Magazine
Catch 34 Bliss at Detroit Live Magazine Dirty Dozen III Aug 16th 2011 They all arrived by way of the typical musician career paths via online searches, personal networking and word of mouth. But despite that, there are never any guarantees in this crazy world called show business that the stars will be aligned and the proper chemistry will produce success. But, with 34 Bliss, the combination of lead vocalist Rocquel, lead guitarist Jonny Neville, rhythm guitarist Phil Steuer, bassist Jarred “Spider” Gilliam and drummer Palmer Krehel is completely the case. With original songs like “Scream” and “Bridge” they display a refined and mature sound that emanates cool sophistication and alternative crunch and their choice of well-placed cover songs and a stage savvy attitude proves they are fully aware of their audience and know how to please a crowd. And by the time you read this, they will have had the ultimate opportunity to have shown off their live performance skills opening for Eddie Money in one of the biggest concerts of the summer at DTE Energy Center. Detroit Live had the recent pleasure of sitting down for a chat with this fine band at Carly’s Coffee Shop in Southfield. Between cappuccinos and sips of bottled water, we got the skinny on the whirlwind of activity that seems to be surrounding this young outfit with increased frequency. DLM: How did the band get started? Rocquel: I started this project about four years ago. We started working with Kevin Sharpe at Metro 37 Studios and got in touch with Stellar Drive and that’s how we got hooked up with Dylan McCarty. So we hired Dylan to be a co-producer with Kevin Sharpe. We met Jarred at a coffee shop playing bass. I asked him if he wanted to audition for the band. Spider: Your mom asked if I wanted to audition. Rocquel didn’t wanna talk to me.
34 Bliss and we liked it. DLM: It’s got a nice ring to it. Spider: It’s just something we ran with, you know? It’s all about the music, really.
just happened to be the person he was looking for. It kind of worked out for both sides because I’m helping support the video and now 34 Bliss is getting music video out of it too. It’s a good trade off and it’s been exciting and fun. DLM: Is the film finished?
Spider: Or “Them Crooked Vultures? (laughs)?
Rocquel: Well, right now they’re submitting it to film festivals and things like that.
DLM: Good point! Let’s talk about the big news here! Take me through the process of winning the WCSX Eddie Money DTE opener contest?
DLM: So it’s not released to the general public yet?
Rocquel: My dad submitted us. He saw the contest online and told me, “oh, by the way I submitted your video to WCSX!” I told the guys about it and then we kinda forgot about it until we got an email from WCSX that we made the Top 10 bands.
Rocquel: No, it’s more of a concept film. The Photo M.G. Nader script is finished and it’s a half hour long. It’s more of a concept film to sell an idea. The film is really cool. It’s kind of like they use purgatory as a storyline and it’s really neat.
Jonny: What about “Chickenfoot” (laughs)?
DLM: So you already had some video work done and your dad submitted the best of the bunch? Rocquel: Yeah, it was our only live video from Mo Doggie’s. Motion Echo Media did a really nice job on it. And then we found out we made the Top 5 and now we can live happily ever after (laughs)! Spider: We’re still processing the whole situation. It’s like everyday we ask “is this real….are we really playing DTE?” Jonny: The Top 5 bands played at Dooley’s and the group of celebrity judges determined the winner. DLM: Dooley’s not withstanding, what are some gigs that really stand out in your mind?
DLM: How would you describe your brand of rock? I hear a lot of classic and modern influences.
I like Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks. And I am a big Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana fan. DLM: How does writing original music work for you guys?
Jonny: Most of it is because we have so many different influences.
Spider: We throw it up basically (laughter all around). We’ll be jamming and Rocquel will come down and say keep playing that and things will come from some pre-existing ideas.
Spider: It’s like a bunch of different ages and eras come together.
Phil: We all usually come to practice with some individual ideas.
Jonny: Different backgrounds. Phil is more of a grunge guy.
DLM: Riffs, grooves, that sort of thing?
Spider: And you look at Jonny and he’s the reincarnation of Randy Rhoads. I’m one of the biggest Rush fans ever and Palmer is our Blink 182/Travis Barker influence.
DLM: Well, everybody’s gotta have at least one Jonny: Arts, Beats & Eats was awesome. We punk in their band, you know (laughs)? Rocquel: Yeah, well he was cute. But he auditioned opened for Kip Winger and we were doing and got the spot. And I met Jonny who was “Ain’t Talking ‘Bout Love” by Van Halen and he Rocquel: I kinda go from rock ‘n roll to soul. working with another songwriter. came up on stage and sung the last chorus with Rocquel! Photo M.G. Nader Jonny: I used to do studio work with another songwriter Jimmy Henterly and we ended up doing Spider: I saw him coming up some songs for her. on stage and I thought he was a maintenance guy and was fixing Spider: And Phil found us on MySpace. something.
Phil: Yeah. Spider: To warm up before we practice, it’s like we’re all playing a different song but it’s all in the same key so it sounds like the same song. Rocquel: It all sounds like a clusterfuck (laughter all around)! DLM: You guys do a nice balance of original and Cont on pg. 26
Rocquel: Palmer is the newest member of the band. (Laughter all around) DLM: Palmer, how long have you been with the group?
DLM: Rocquel, I was on You Tube and I saw a trailer for a film called “One Last Call.” I really Palmer: I started practicing with them the liked the song and the trailer beginning of November and did my first show with looked really interesting too. them the night before Thanksgiving at the Ritz in Warren. Rocquel: It’s an independent film and Haris Cizmic; he’s DLM: Where did the name 34 Bliss come from? the songwriter and one of the producers of the film. They Rocquel: 34 is like a combination of all our asked me to sing the song and favorite numbers and we had the name Chronic be in the video for it. It was Bliss. But that was already taken so we went with just one of those things where I
Detroit Live Magazine - You know you love it! 19
U2 360 Tour
REVIEW Photo & review by M.G.Nader
The long awaited 360 Tour swept into Michigan and landed right in the middle of Spartan Stadium last Sunday in East Lansing. The massive four-legged structure nicknamed, “The Claw”, looms over a 360 degree stage making viewing from anywhere in the stadium almost obstruction free. This tour grossed over $558 million in ticket sales, with a projected 7 million in sales by the end of July. It will make U2’s 360° Concert become the highest grossing tour
ever, surpassing The Rolling Stones Voodoo Indeed this show was everything it was Lounge Tour that grossed 6 million tickets! hyped-up to be. As we watched the giant round screen located below the heart of The Last year’s postponement of the tour, Claw, you could see the band make their when Bono sustained an injury to his back, way through the pit area on their way to disappointed a lot of fans world-wide; but the stage. At that point, I and U-2’s 70,000 with the announcement that Bono had healed fans could feel that this was no longer a from his surgery and the Tour would restart concert, it was an unprecedented EVENT! in 2011, gave U2 fans just what they needed U2 rocked the house with songs of new and . . . another concert that would go down in old and not one fan walked away from this the history books! concert disappointed.
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BONNAROO R E V I E W by Godric Catalina & David Harris.
decided to beam down from the Mothership, he brought with him the “Gods of Funk” and with their blessing, he delivered a most Funkalicious experience. The What Stage was crowded, the biggest audience yet, set up for the Black Keys. The vocals were so quiet; you could only hear the instruments but Auerbach and Carney still managed to rock the crowd Late Saturday night, the What Stage was super packed all the way to the back wall. The crowd was pumped and ready for Eminem to hit the stage. Unfortunately, the microphone problems that occurred during the Black Keys set were still prevalent. Les Claypool The crowd erupted in chants of “turn it up” more than once to no avail. Royce Da 5’9” Early Friday evening, NOFX won over the and Mr. Porter joined Eminem on stage crowd with their off-color jokes, rants about and managed to entertain the crowd none the south & their melodic punk songs. the less. They played all the hits and even My Morning Jacket performed at the What performed a few songs off the new Bad Stage, they played hits such as Wordless Meets Evil album. Chorus and Highly Suspicious as well as a Late Saturday night at the Other Tent, Omar few songs from their new album Circuital. Souleyman, performed in his native Syrian The crowd loved every minute of it and sang language. He proved that music has no along to most of the songs. cultural boundaries and amazed the crowd. Friday evening at the Which Stage there Sunday evening at the What Stage Robert was much anticipation in the crowd as Les Plant and his Band of Joy rocked the house! Claypool reunited with his old band for They performed their own songs, as well as Bonnaroo X. They had a jaw dropping some Led Zeppelin tracks and a song off of parachuting display as numerous parachutists the Raising Sand album, Please Read the leapt from a plane overhead & dropped Letter. tens of thousands LED’s. Claypool also announced that there would be a new Primus album released in the fall of this year. Late Friday night, Lil’ Wayne came out on to Which Stage right on time to a HUGE crowd. It was so packed that people could hardly move. Wayne had a live band and performed a bunch of hits; most notable were Phone Home and Mrs. Officer, as well as a few from the upcoming album the Carter IV. The crowd loved Wayne and sung along to every song. Even some of the concert goers who were skeptical of Lil Wayne playing at Bonnaroo really got into his show. Shanell made a surprise visit on stage with Wayne and sang beautifully. Early Saturday evening, Mumford and Sons were playing their biggest hit Little Lion Man on The Which Stage; Marcus’ voice was just as wonderful in person as it is on the album. Loretta Lynn seemed vary frail but her voice was loud, strong and beautiful as ever. She performed such hits as You’re Looking at Country and Honky Tonk Girl. Partway through the show, she encouraged the crowd to shout out requests which she happily played. At the end, she had to be helped off stage and whisked away into her car. Bootsy Collins was an hour & a half late getting on stage. However, when he finally
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34 Bliss continued from pg. 19 cover songs. Spider: We try to do a good balance and have more originals than covers. We do “Ain’t Talking “Bout Love,” “Crazy on You” by Heart, “You Could Be Mine” and “Billion Dollar Babies.” And there’s some stuff we used to do like “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles.
DLM: This might be kind of an open-ended question but what is the key to keeping a band focused and on track? Spider: Having a manager! You all have to have the same goal.
Rocquel: This is kind of an unorthodox group in the way it was put together. We run it like a Rocquel: We try to give people something they’re business. Our manager and executive producer familiar with and that will maybe engage them is also my mom, Jackie Wallace and she put into listening to our original stuff. everything into this and hired the right producers Kevin Sharpe and Dylan McCarty. Dylan coaches DLM: So you find a lot of audiences are open to us on our music, and I think it’s great that we’ve original and cover tunes? got these buffer people working with us. Jonny: You’ve got to put yourself in the situation of if I saw this band would I wanna stay and hear the rest of their originals or would I say, “they’re alright but it’s time to go.” Rocquel: We played a show at the Rack and Roll and a band came up and said we played only covers. It was a 45 minute set and we played all originals and only two covers!
Spider: But, at the same time, it’s cool that we have a good personal relationship between each other. We’ll hang out and sometimes not even talk about music. We’ll talk about random stuff, play video games, whatever. DLM: Have your parents always been in the music business?
Rocquel: No, not at all. My mom is a business woman, 100 %. She runs a chain of salons. I just kinda happened (laughs). My dad’s family has always been in choirs but not really rock ‘n roll. When I was little, I told my mom I wanted to sing and she said “yeah, whatever!” But when she saw I was serious about it she kind of made it her Rocquel: To get to where you wanna go you have baby and invested in it 100 %! She handles all the to play to general audiences. General audiences business because that’s something I’m not good at. aren’t necessarily musicians. They are people like We don’t have to worry about any of the business my mom who’s a music lover that doesn’t know so that’s probably why we’ve been so successful. how to play anything but just likes to go have a good time. They wanna be engaged by something Jonny: Yeah, you don’t have the stress of all that. they know and at the same time hear something new too. Phil: We can focus more on the music with fewer DLM: It seems like it’s a never ending struggle with perceptions. Either you’re perceived as a cover band or an original band. Sometimes you can successfully mix the two together. You guys seem to do that pretty well.
DLM: What’s everyone’s take on the local music scene? Rocquel: There are so many talented musicians. Spider: It’s cool to go out and make connections with other local musicians and then maybe play a show with them a month later. That’s where the fun lies for me. Phil: Playing with your friends.
distractions.
DLM: What’s on the horizon for you guys? Rocquel: Well, we just got signed to a national independent label TMG out of Oklahoma. Our signing show is at the Hayloft on June 3rd. DLM: Well, thanks for your time and all the best! For all things 34 Bliss go to www.facebook.com/ thirtyfourbliss or www.myspace.com/34bliss .
Spider: Yeah, playing with your friends. We -opened for Send More Cops at the Rack and Roll and we became decent friends with them, and they asked us to open for them at the All Around. When we first played with them, it was all business because they didn’t know us. But when we played with them again, it was more friendly. Jonny: It’s been kinda nice to work with such Last month, in some editions veterans as Gunnar Ross, Kip Winger, Jim of DL mag the wrong photo of McCarty…..it’s been an awesome ride!
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Rocquel: Yeah, and to work with these people that have been doing this a lot longer than we have and to benefit from their experience has been great. Jonny: I think one of the cool things too is to play places where we’ve seen people we love play at. Like, it’s just awesome to play the Ritz, Emerald Theatre, The Hayloft and, especially now, DTE! All of our idols have played there. Spider: I saw Rush on their “Vapor Trails” tour at DTE. I was like seven.
Nate Jones was printed with the story. Please log onto detroit live magazine.com to see the story with updated pics. Sincere apologies to Mr. Jones for the mix up.
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Outside The Ropes By Tony Pertile It’s that time of year again when the thermometer is rising and the live local wrestling scene is beginning to heat up along with the temperature. Football is still locked out and now that the basketball and hockey seasons are complete, DL wants to give you some options to cure your craving for sports and entertainment. XICW returns to Warren on Sunday evening providing creativity along with premier local talent. Last month, Zack Gowen won the Malcolm Monroe Memorial Cup but the victory was bitter sweet as ‘The Fun Loving Criminals’ split up, therefore the tag team titles have been vacated. A tag team tournament, a new Midwest Heavyweight Champion (DBA), and a clown struggling with an alcohol addiction is just a glimpse of what’s on tap for this months show. Detroit Lives’ own Ryan Lapointe will be guest ring announcer for the upcoming tag team tournament and I will be passing out DL magazines to all the loyal fans at ringside. Hopefully Ryan
won’t botch anybody’s name again like he did last month when he mispronounced the Scarbonis and almost got his ass kicked in the process! All Star Pro Wrestling returns to Detroit this month as part of the ‘Eyez in the Sky Rap & Wrestling Super Show’ to help benefit the late Isaac Ramos (RIP). A dunk tank, kid’s moonwalk, after dark bonfire, and dollar beers are just some of the attractions at the event. ‘Handsome’ Johnny Bradford, ‘Richie Boy’ Breyer Wellington, and ‘Too Sweet’ Harlem Jackson are just a few of the wrestlers scheduled to appear. Steve Rivera (promoter and wrestler) wants fans to know, “It’s more than just a wrestling show. It’s an event for the whole family and a show to bring the entire community together”. Metro Pro Wrestling returns to Wyandotte this month offering a family friendly environment to go along with high quality mat action. The card is complete with eight big matches including all the stars of the MPW, and features former WWE Superstar Rhyno and John ‘Bad Wheels’ Nicosa is offering some of his MCWA talent to the show to add to the entertainment value. Eddie Venom, Mike Kelly, Gutter, and Truth Martini are just some of the names scheduled to appear. Bell time is at 7:30 and tickets are affordable allowing kids twelve and under in for five bucks. XICW returns to the Ritz in Warren on July 10th. For more information, checkout www. facebook.com/xicwdetroit
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