Crambone - Indy Band Review - Ziggy's Bar & Grill South

 

'From the depths of the "all you can eat" Landfills just south of Frog Holler, Crambone rises from the ashes to conquer the Trailer Parks, Massage parlors and Truck Stops of America before embarking on a campaign of World Domination! WE ARE CRAMBONE!' (direct quote from band's FaceBook page)

 

 

The spandex and guy-liner of the 80's may have ridden into the sunset, but the south side of Indy was alive and kickin' last night with the sounds of that bygone era with local rockers Crambone, who formed in 2006. (Band members: Jeff 'Nacho Daddy' Richey - lead vocals; Marc (Marcenstein) Kiefer - lead guitar; John (Pastor John) Gammon - lead guitar; James (Jimmy V) Valdez - bass guitar and Charles (TamaChuck) O'Reilly - drums).  Innovative and entertaining stage antics set this band apart from the others, as not everyone could pull off such unique stunts.  High energy rock and roll at its best.  This is my third opportunity to catch these guys, and if you've never seen them before, you are in for a treat, as they will certainly have you wondering what they're going to be up to next!  From lead vocalist Jeff opening the show wrapped in Christmas tree lights, to chainsaws and lit fireworks in the crotch...(ok, I had to ask...yipes!)...I think that Santa's 'naughty' list expanded this year!  Just sayin', guys! :-)

 



 

80's music always produced dance floor material, true this night even if you just wanted to stand there and participate in some good ol' head bangin'.  A miscellany of tunes from Bryan Adams to Whitesnake were on tap for the night.  Even the music was visually entertaining with flash pots and John's guitar smoking during 'Detroit Rock City' (KISS).  A nice mix of some 70's and mostly 80's rounded out the playlist; 'Toys' (Aerosmith), 'Rebel Yell' (Billy Idol), 'All Right Now' (Free), 'Rock Candy' (Montrose), 'I Don't Know' and 'Crazy Train' (Ozzy Osbourne), 'You Shook Me All Night Long' (AC/DC), 'Comfortbly Numb' (Pink Floyd), 'Slide It In' (Whitesnake), 'Run To The Hills' (Iron Maiden), 'Round and Round' (Ratt), 'Born To Be Wild' (Steppenwolf), 'Surrender' and 'I Want You To Want Me' (Cheap Trick), and other tunes from Poison and Motley Crue.  Guitarists Jimmy and John take their turn in the vocal spotlight as well.

 

(Photo credit: Lorri Lewis)

 

(Photo credit: Lorri Lewis)

 

A nice tribute  and salute to our Troups and our Country, vocalist Richey sang a cappella the 'Star Spangled Banner' while club patrons stood, hand over their hearts.  The backdrop of American flags symbolizing the fact that 'freedom is not free', and we should all be thankful for the sacrifice of so many...some of those who were in the audience this night.  On a less serious note, the fun continued with 'Thank God I'm A Country Boy', performed light- heartedly by Jeff with only the beat of drummer Charles O'Reilly backing him up.  Hey, it's entertainment....let your hair down....have a good time!  Certainly the theme throughout the night. Take a visit and 'like' their FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crambone/152902246079?sk=timeline and their Myspace page: https://myspace.com/cramboneindy. I highly recommend these guys....catch 'em live....it's sure to tickle your Crambone...uh...wherever that might be!

 

 

 

 

 



80's Throwback - Twisted Sister

I have so many fond 80's memories...sweet and younger days for sure.  I guess I didn't realize exactly how 'rebellious' I was even then in my mid 20's...I knew I was as a teenager...well, I still am today, to a point anyway! Who am I trying to fool? I believe one of the best rock bands to confirm and even outright justify that back in the day was 'Twisted Sister'.  Honestly, they had to be every parent's nightmare, especially if they had a daughter! TS frontman Dee Snider, towering at 6 foot plus was quite an intimidating figure...add in the wardrobe, make-up....and all that hair...how could you not notice the hair?!

 



 

'We're Not Gonna Take It' is a classic example of rebel in all its glory. (http://www.vagalume.com.br/twisted-sister/were-not-gonna-take-it.html)  Today, at nearly 60 years of age, Mr. Snider has somewhat tamed  the big hair and frightening appearance.  I'm sure in the era of TS popularity, there were many teenagers shaking their fists at their parents and shouting 'I Wanna Rock!' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRwrg0db_zY)  Bandmates and partners in rock and roll crime, "Jay Jay French" (John Segall), Eddie "Fingers" Ojeda, Mark "The Animal" Mendoza and A. J. Pero reject the "glam metal" tag as 'inappropriate'...however you look at it, they are truly American heavy metal, and they conveyed a clear message to the youth of that time, 'be true to yourself, and do what you love'.  That's my take on it anyway...the message that spoke to me.  I've always been very individual and independent.  What the 'mainstream' was doing didn't matter much to me...I was my own person, truly unique. Go jump off a cliff, but I'm not gonna join the crowd...I'm a leader, not a follower.  Never have been, never will be....I make my own path.

 

 

So, what are these guys up to now? You can follow them at: http://www.twistedsister.com/, their website.  Check out their discography and re-live some TS milestones: http://www.discogs.com/artist/253057-Twisted-Sister.  They haven't released a new album since 2008, but had a couple 'live' LP's in 2011.  Amazingly, all the original 80's members are still together.  And of course, with 21st Century social media, 'like' them on FaceBook! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Twisted-Sister/138018010313   Definitely a band that help to mold my love for heavy metal music and defined the natural rebel in my unique personality. It would be great to hear some new tunes from them...just imagine the life experiences they have from the last near three decades! Rock on guys, you're lookin' great!

 





 

Little Oscar & The Oscats - What Ever Happened To The 70's?

 

 

What comes to mind when I think of the 70's? The American sitcom 'The Brady Bunch', the Scottish pop/rock band 'Bay City Rollers', and the era in which I became a teenager. Since all my siblings are older than me, I was influenced by their likes and dislikes early on, so rock music really started getting a hold on me during this time. Those were the years that rock and roll exploded in popularity, with concerts at large sports arenas becoming a big draw.

 

This is my first CD (aka: album) review in over 15 years...yup...I did that 'back in the day' as well. 'Little Oscar & The Oscats' 2012 release of 'What Ever Happened To The 70's?' is an interesting mix of musical style.  In speaking with Little Oscar (aka: Bruce MacDougall), it's 'Dylan meets the Beach Boys at Keith Richard's house.' (he's not sure if it comes off that way, but that's the goal) In listening to the original songs on this disc, the surf style is very evident.  It's melodic, catchy words and tunes bring a renewed air of days gone by...a simpler time.  Takes me back to those impressive childhood days....life seemed much better as did people in general back then.

 

This is a well-rounded group of musicians.  Drummer, guitarist and vocalist Little Oscar is joined by two previous Roadmaster band members, Toby Myers (bass guitar) and Rick Benick (guitars), along with Danielle Yeti (violin, viola) and Derek Overstreet (banjo).

 

'I Tried So Hard', the first song, combines ballad style and almost a hint of country twang.  A love song....posing the question 'what ever happened to me and you'? 'Lost The Trust' is a catchy little tune that just kind of makes you want to get up and dance.  The bluesy, folk feel is evident throughout, as banjos, violin and viola provide a nice and unusual background accompaniment. To coin some 70's lingo....it's a groovy bunch of tunes, and there are 11 more you can enjoy included in this all original collection.  If you are interested in purchasing this CD, you can do so through iTunes, Amazon or CD Baby.  So, if 70's is your style, you'll be right on....can you dig it, it's far out! Hey, enjoy....catch you on the flip side!

 

Check out these Little Oscar & The Oscat tunes:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz145FW6R7U

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d01EZ1NZ-0g

 

 



Recoil - Indy Band Review - Southport Bar & Grill

 

 

 

I will start off this blog by saying, it will be both an interesting and challenging review for me to write.  My whole musical background spans nearly a half century, as pretty much my entire life has been filled with song. During that span I have been exposed to many styles of this form of art that continues to broaden for me, as there is so much out there...so much talent. I am in anticipation of experiencing as much as I can.  From hymns, champagne music, bluegrass, pop, adult alternative, heavy metal, and rock (especially 80's hair metal)...and so many more....I'm musically diversified.  That being said, local Indy band 'Recoil' proved to be...well...different. That's not bad, but rather perhaps....stimulating.  When I originally reviewed hometown bands in the mid to late 80's, early 90's, there were just as many I didn't review as ones I did, however, now I don't want to leave anyone out...it's my blog and I want to share it to its fullest extent, and I have no one else to be selective regarding its content.

 

So...how would I describe 'Recoil'? Well....'in your face', thrash genre comes to mind...I don't know really. Reminiscent of Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer, 80's bands my musical appetite never quite grasped back in the day. I'm kind of at a loss for words...and believe me, that rarely happens, especially when it comes to music....ha! The sticking point for me was the majority of tunes they performed, I'm not familiar with! For all the melodic variety I've brought into my world, it appears I need to expand my mind a bit more.  For all those bands I didn't review, there was never one that I didn't recognize the songs....wow...a first! Thus, the challenge for me!

 

Ok....so on to what I was able to pick up.  There were many selections that aren't your 'garden variety' of cover tunes you typically hear in the club, such as Grand Funk ('We're An American Band), Billy Idol ('Rebel Yell'), Blackfoot ('Train, Train') and Led Zeppelin ('Good Times Bad Times'), which brought a couple patrons on the dance floor.  For the style of music, I would have expected the common 'head-banging' crowd, however it was more an unassuming but loyal bunch in the audience, evident they were enjoying their evening of entertainment. One thing that did capture my attention was the standing, instead of dancing on the dance floor. For a couple of tunes the vocals were handed over to 'friends of the band' to perform, such as Ratt ('Lay It Down') and Theory of a Deadman ('Bad Girlfriend')...a song I had to research to include here, as I had never heard it, but picked up enough words to check it out.

 

According to the band's FaceBook page, they were formed in 2008 and are described as 'high energy, commercial hard rock'. Also, voted #1 rock band in Indianapolis in NUVO's 2013 'Best of Indy People's Choice Awards'.  Band members are: Christopher Saunders, Scott Allen Huff, Dean Cline, Davey Peisue, and Darrell Mitchell.  They also have a pretty impressive computerized light show.  You can listen to their original music on SoundCloud at: https://soundcloud.com/recoilindy-1. They seemed to be well-received at this Southside club, and I believe definitely a band that is 'outside the box' when it come to performance, so if you are looking for an unusual musical experience, check them out! And if you love it LOUD, you won't be disappointed!

 

 



Jambox - Indy Band Review - Southport Bar & Grill

 

 

It's great to have fond memories of days gone by on the local rock scene, but it's even better to make new ones! So, the market has 'aged' somewhat in the last two and a half decades....haven't we all? I've certainly expanded my horizon with diverse musical genre this year, but hands down, I love the 80's era.  I'm alright with 70's stuff too, and Indy band 'Jambox' filled the bill for both...you could feel it in the air.  The November 22nd show at Southport Bar & Grill (5220 E. Southport Road, Indianapolis, 317-780-7969) soon had my mind reminiscing of yesteryear....just as one of the Journey tunes the band performed 'Stone In Love' says....'those crazy nights, I do remember in my youth...I do recall those were the best times, most of all....' Ahh....yes, 'those summer nights are callin'.

 

Eric Rozens - vocals (Photo credit: Bill Iles)

 

 

The night moved right along as lead vocalist Eric Rozens belted out tune after tune in a clear, strong voice that reminded me much of Journey vocalist Steve Perry, which was quite fitting for the other Journey favorites performed, 'Any Way You Want It' and 'Faithfully'. 

 

However, don't let the slow dance ballads such as Styx ('Babe') fool you...Billy Squier ('Everybody Wants You') and Led Zeppelin ('All Of My Love') rounded out a nice variety of cover tunes.  Hearing some less popular songs like Triumph's 'Magic Power' and Simple Minds 'Don't You (Forget About Me)', showcased this band's versatility in rock and roll style.

 

Robert Palmer's 'Addicted To Love' was a likable addition, as drummer Rusty Scutt took the vocal spotlight on this tune, and a couple others during the evening.  It's always nice to see the drummer take the lead on vocals because naturally, they're a bit hidden on stage.

 

Rusty Scutt - drums (Photo credit: Bill Iles)

 

Keyboardist Dave Lucid displayed his talent throughout the night and particularly with a Paul McCartney tune 'Maybe I'm Amazed'.  Always audible in the background of each, adding a unique talent, as not all bands make use of this instrument. However, if you know me, I am a bit partial to it myself!

 

Dave Lucid - keyboards (Photo credit: Bill Iles)

 

 

Guitarist Ritchie Wilkison took over with a little Cheap Trick ditty, 'Surrender'...always a crowd favorite.  Paired with bassist Jeff Ellison, Jambox cranked it up with Boston's 'It's Been Such A Long Time', which got patrons moving to the dance floor for the first time in the evening, a practice that would continue throughout the rest of the show.

 

Ritchie Wilkison - guitar (Photo credit: Bill Iles)

Jeff Ellison - bass (Photo credit: Bill Iles)

 

Yes ('Owner Of A Lonely Heart'), Bon Jovi ('Little Runaway'), Wings ('Live And Let Die'), Jefferson Starship ('Jane'), Don Henley ('Dirty Laundry'), Cars ('Just What I Needed') and Kansas ('Carry On Wayward Son') played also as an encore, along with many other popular rock tunes rounded out a diverse playlist.  So, which Loverboy song did they play? Well...I don't want to give away the whole line-up...you'll have to check them out for yourself!

 

I hope to have opportunity to see these guys again and speak with them on a more personal level and talk about future plans.  This was crowd pleasing, good times for sure.  I enjoyed my evening with friends and great music.  If you were there, I'm sure you'd share my opinion, and I think you will also agree, these guys are worth seeing again! Time to get your Jambox on!











The Musical Generation Gap - A Journey Thru Rock and Roll Time

As a child I was the youngest of six other siblings....five of them from previous marriages for both my mom and dad.  I only have one full sister.  My mom was nearly 38 when she gave birth to me, so my dad was 47 years old.  This made for quite an interesting upbringing, as yes...I did hear all those 'stories' of walking to school...uphill, both ways...in the snow...barefoot....yup...and it was the truth!  My parents grew up poor, as did many during that era...and also endured 'The Great Depression' which began in late 1929 and lasted for about a decade. My dad's mom died when he was just 7 years old from a brief illness, and my mom's dad died from injuries in a mining accident when she was 12. Bottom line, 'old' to me is older than what it is for most of my friends around my age, as my dad retired at 62 when I was a sophomore in high school.  My oldest sister and brother are now 70 years old.  I guess there's some advantage to being the 'baby' of the family...and no, I wasn't spoiled, regardless of what my siblings might try to tell you!

 

Music has, for as long as I can remember, been a part of my life...perhaps more so than many of my childhood friends...my first experience being in a church setting, involved in the children's choir, due to my mom's persistence that I could carry a tune, and at home with weekly television viewing of 'Lawrence Welk' and 'Hee Haw'.  Learning to play piano at the age of 8, brought a whole new world into my sheltered young life, an experience that for me would continually be developed and grow to what it means to me today, five decades later. The impact it has had on me has been profound.  I now enjoy many styles of music, as my relentless appetite and appreciation of musical talent continues to be an attraction that I cannot ignore. There are a few varieties that do not appeal to me, but I still admire individual expression in this form of art. 

 

I find it interesting in retrospect of the last six or so decades of music, specifically rock and roll, how it has changed with each generation.  I looked it up to see how many years makes up a generation....as 'I think' 20 years should.  The answer is, '20 to 25 years', 30 being a stretch.  That is certainly enough time for the many changes that occur during that span to make a difference...that difference being in how parents understand, adapt and even accept the period in which their children are growing up...their experiences, what molds their world.  That being said, I believe the most challenging part of that aspect is the music.  The 1950's was 'the birth of rock and roll'.  Hot off the remnants of the 'Big Band Era' of the 1940's, names like Doris Day and Frank Sinatra, to new faces and sounds from Elvis Presley, Bill Haley & the Comets, Nat King Cole, Fats Domino, The Platters and many others, set in motion a musical journey that would be a long road of twists, turns and melodic evolution.  This was not my generation of music, so most of it is rather foreign to me, but my oldest brothers and sisters can relate to this style of rock, such as it was in that day.

 

Moving on to the 60's, rock and roll 'comes of age' and dominates the pop music charts.  Since I was born in the early 60's, I can relate better to this style, as I was exposed to it periodically.  It was the introduction of a lifetime of appreciation of musical talent that would shape my world.  Soul bands such as Stevie Wonder and The Four Tops, surf-style music from The Beach Boys, folk rockers like Bob Dylan, barely scratched the surface of the emerging music scene.  You can't talk about 60's music and not mention the big player, The Beatles....the 'British Invasion' at its best!  Along with psychedelic styles from The Byrds and The Grateful Dead growing in popularity, hard rock also made its entrance.  Led Zeppelin, The Who and The Doors, along with many others, enabled this genre to rise abruptly and rapidly launch rock and roll style to the top of the music charts, its popularity being highly contagious. I can certainly recall watching 'The Monkees' on tv as a kid. http://www.monkees.com/ And I know there are many who during this time personally experienced the 'Summer of Love' and the 'Woodstock Rock Festival' during 1967 to 1969.

 

The 70's would continue to expand the rock experience...making it 'big business' during this decade.  With the deaths of rock legends Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison, progressive rock and heavy metal usher in the popularity of concerts to large  sports arenas.  Queen, Jethro Tull, The Rolling Stones, Deep Purple and scores of other bands continue to change and define the face of rock music.  It was this era that the hard rock band KISS rose to popularity with their face paint and stage outfits, elaborate live performances and pyrotechnics. Rock would never be the same, paving the way for what was to come over the next twenty years. With 28 gold albums and 40 million albums sold in the U.S. alone, and over 100 million worldwide, KISS is one of the world's best selling bands of all time.  I know the influence they had in my life, and as many of my personal friends would attest, played a major role in their musical interest and influence as well.  I was truly surprised when I was in high school, for Christmas my mom and dad bought me the 'KISS Live 2' cassette tapes as a present! Wow! Really? Thanks mom and dad!  I even had many of the music books from their albums so I could play them on the piano.

 

'My time' was the 80's.  I legally became an adult, which enabled me to become actively involved in the local club scene.  MTV (Music Television) took to the airwaves in August of 1981, expanding the reach to the American living room at a whole new level....music videos!  Now 24/7 private home viewing rapidly gained popularity. The British rock band Dire Straits penned a tune 'Money For Nothing', highlighting the 'demand' for this new avenue of technology.  The resurgence of heavy metal brought 'hair/glam metal bands front stage, so to speak.  Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Poison, Warrant, L.A. Guns, Cinderella, Winger, Whitesnake and other hot acts rode a wave of loyal fan followers. Heavy metal still sharing the limelight of success....AC/DC, Def Leppard, Iron Maiden, Scorpions....all continued to influence the market.  Even the previous decade of rockers such as Genesis, Simon & Garfunkel, Abba, Queen, David Bowie and many others shared this generation.

 

Another decade and a half of music has transpired since that time, and my interest somewhat ebbed after the 90's Internet and digital music popularity. However, I have regained an enthusiasm in today's new faces...as the babes born in the 1980's have come of age, and there's a whole new talent emerging on the scene...how exciting! What I am noticing is many on the local level in Indy bringing back the 80's, guys and gals that  played and lived a part of the local market of that time....and younger ones renewing the 'old'.  I should have realized I could not stay away for long from something that had and continues to have such an impact on my life.  I've spent the last two hours or more here of my afternoon, researching and reliving my musical background to write this blog. It has truly been a reflective journey.  I relish the moments and the people along the way that have been and are even now a part of that. Music is truly a universal language, and has the ability to reach the very soul of an individual. It is a God-given talent that I believe should be shared with others.  I hope you have enjoyed reading this as much as I have in writing it...join with me on my continual journey to explore the old and the new that the musical world has to offer, won't you? Hope to see you out and about....stop by...chat, say 'hey', and take care.

Where Are They Now? Do You Remember These Indy Bands?

I didn't realize I had seen so many different bands in Indy, until I started looking back through the reviews I've written.  I wonder where these guys are now? With as many as there were, wouldn't it be great to have a big Summer reunion of 80's Indy bands? 1984 to 1989 were, I believe the best years for the local market...so much talent...it's sad that is just seemed to fade away. That's been so long ago....so many memories...so much has changed.  I'm excited, and hopeful, however, that there are new bands out there rockin' the 80's style.  I believe it is (or will) return....along with the big hair (ahhh...Aqua Net memories!) and spandex! I haven't given up! It's a journey for me and I hope you'll join me....I'm ready to make new memories to savor, how 'bout you?

 

 

Empire (reviewed in 1984)

Roger Osborne (keyboards)

Billy Sims (guitar/sax)

Timmy ("Bam-Bam") Berry (drums)

Chick Brown (guitar)

Jayson Jones (lead vocals/guitar)

 

Playmate (reviewed in 1984)

John LaPlante (lead vocals)

Butch Sandlin (drums)

Bryan England (lead guitar)

Steve Owens (bass guitar)

Joe Schreiner (keyboards)

 

Stutz (reviewed in 1984)

Craig Capps (lead guitar)

George Bower (bass guitar)

Robert Schuyler (keyboards)

Jimmy Williams (drums)

Mike Pipes (lead vocals)

 

Blue Hugh and the Colourtones (reviewed in 1985)

Hugh Kremer (lead vocals/keyboards/bass/harmonica)

Billy Jones (drums)

Paul Wright (trombone/trumpet/vocals)

Mark Spera (trumpet/vocals)

Steve Molitor (sax/flute/vocals)

Rob Sharkey (bass/vocals)

Darrell Spears (keyboards/guitar/vocals)

 

Thrust (reviewed in 1985)

Steve DeLong (lead vocals)

Mark Allen (lead guitar)

Curt Robinette (bass guitar)

Michael Sullivan (keyboards)

Tim Berry (drums)

 

Nightchild (reviewed in 1986)

Ronnie Vulle (lead vocals)

Randy Joe Duke (guitars)

William Von Bruton (bass guitar)

Brendon Johnson (drums)

 

They also released a 45:

Hero/Remember The Faithful

https://myspace.com/nightchildtribe/music/song/hero-79784285-87856942

 

Fire Dept. (reviewed in 1986 & 1989)

Steve Steele (vocals)

Pat Smith (guitar)

Perry Scroggins (drums)

Allen Needham (guitars)

Mark Martin (later added on bass guitar)

 

Matrix (and The New Matrix) (reviewed in 1986)

Bryan England (guitar/vocals)

Bob Bennett (lead vocals/drums)

Steve Owens (bass guitar/vocals)

Tommy Huber (drums)

Tony Flood (keyboards)

Donny Ferrari (later added on lead vocals/drums)

Brent McNamara (later added on bass guitar)

Rich Vincent (later added on keyboards)

 

Schoolboy Crush (reviewed in 1986)

Rance Crane (lead vocals/rhythm guitar)

Mark Champlin (drums/back-up vocals)

Everett Sparks (keyboards)

Jeff Frazier (bass guitar/vocals)

Mark Lieberman (guitar/back-up vocals)

Joe Murphy (later added as keyboardist)
Rusty Scutt (later added as drummer)

 

Ferrari (reviewed in 1986)

Donny Ferrari (lead vocals)

Brent McNamara (bass guitar/back-up vocals)

Bill Estler (lead guitar/back-up vocals)

Chris Skinner (guitar/lead and back-up vocals)

Rich Vincent (keyboards)

Mike Constable (drums)

 

Under Fire (reviewed in 1989)

Steve Baker (lead vocals/guitar)

Chip McGurer (keyboards/vocals)

Michael Hudson (drums/vocals)

Joseph Shreve (bass/vocals)

T.C. (Todd) Caron (guitar/vocals)

 

 

 

 

Reunion Anyone? Under Fire!

There were two particular bands I followed around back in the late 80's....but I have to admit, my local favorite was Under Fire.  Perhaps the appeal was their high energy and over all party, have fun attitude.  They had a loyal fan base, and always packed the clubs where they played. The band formed in 1986 and played venues in Michigan, Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, South Carolina, Minnesota and Florida...and of course, several cities across Indiana.

 

Under Fire had a promo line of products that included t-shirts, insulated can holders, and even Under Fire under panties!  Besides the typical 80's line up of tunes like Red Rider's 'Lunatic Fringe' and Sweet's 'Ballroom Blitz' (if my memory recollects), they also released a CD of originals: 'Too Close To Paradise', 'Action Packed', 'Ms. Champagne', 'White Lies', 'Do What It Takes To Survive', 'Boys Are Comin' Out' and 'One Way Love' and others.  It is no surprise they faired so well in the local area, which at that time was awash with talent.  I would love, love, love to see these guys get back together for a reunion! That would be a blast!

 

Here are a few of their originals in audio, sorry...no video.

 

Ms. Champagne

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCo1T9rqLQg

 

Loaded Gun

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsEBeK7wydQ

 

Raise A Little Hell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ_idoHNiyE

 

Waiting For Your Smile

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vpJ0a1yPPg

 

Suicide Is Forever

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv-2CXVkIcY

 

Steve Baker (vocals/guitar), Michael Hudson (drums/vocals), Chip McGurer (keyboards/vocals), T.C. Caron (guitar/vocals), Joseph Shreve (bass guitar/vocals)

 

 



 

80's Hair Metal....Where Is It Today?

Can 80's hairbands be resurrected on the local level in the 21st Century? The good ol' days of spandex, big hair and guyliner....are they gone forever? Is there an audience or even a market for them in Indy now?  I lived for the weekend and reflect on those days that began on Friday night and drew to a close in the wee hours of Monday morning...it was alive and well...nearly every side of town was rockin'...the venue was amass with local and surrounding states talent.  It even spilled over to areas outside of Indy....Crawfordsville, Evansville and Washington, Indiana especially hold many fond memories for me.  I traveled many miles following and getting my story....staying on top of the local 'who's who'.  It was exciting times for sure! So, where are those bands now? Well, unfortunately the names and faces have faded away, but some of them stuck with it and are still crankin' out the tunes under a new name, but most of them moved on to a 'normal'  lifestyle, settling down, having a family and getting a 'day job'.

 

I have recently wondered if that heyday could breathe new life.  As the few who went professional or those who have re-entered the mix are now in their late 40's and early 50's....as I am, it's a scene that has transformed. Personally, I think the best years in rock and roll was mid 80's up to about '92. Perhaps I'm biased, because that was my era. What comes around, goes around and vice versa.  It seems as though 80's hair bands are regaining popularity.  I like that, and I'm excited at the possibilities and I want to be a part of it!  This town could use some excitement! I would love to see some reunions! That would be a blast!

 

Getting back into it myself here recently after a 15 year hiatus, it's different, for sure....somewhat probably because I'm not the same person I was back then...although I realize some things never change....uh....like groupies....ha! Gotta love it! It's all part of what makes it what it is....rock and roll...a good time!  More recent technology, especially social media has made it a much changed environment....we communicate and behave very differently these days.  Information and news is in 'real time'.  It's much easier to promote because the world wide web makes it a...small world indeed.  I'm sure every band, local or national has a social page somewhere.  Publishing an article in an entertainment newspaper used to be about the only way to communicate this information, and that, at best was delayed and wasn't immediate like everything is now.  We live in an instant society. Something happens, we know about it right now....not next month when the paper comes out.

 

I have created this blog for many reasons.  I love rock and roll, I love to write, and I love musical talent!  I want to share what is out there with everybody!  I hope you will enjoy reading, as I will explore many avenues in the world of music.  I invite your comments, ideas and input.  Please visit and like my Nita @ Large In Indy Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/nitaatlargeinindy  I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible.  This is a journey for me.  I hope you will be a part of it!

Why I Am Writing This Blog

I love 80's hair metal music! The mid to late 80's to very early 90's was 'my time'.  I lived for the weekend! Writing is in my blood, literally! (I'm related to the Scottish poet, Robert Burns)  My passion for journalism became evident early...when I was in the 4th grade. We had to write an essay for English class....and mine made the school book that was a collection of articles written by others from grades 1 thru 6.  I was hooked! It has played a tremendous role in my life, and has always been something I return to, regardless of whatever else I have pursued.

 

I can remember a few things in my life back to when I was four years old....I can remember more from age five on....music has been in my life since then, and has played a big role for me and truly developed my love for this form of art.  I listen to and enjoy many different kinds and styles of music, from classical to bluegrass, alternative to rock, hymns, and even enjoy some M.C. Hammer and Terence Trent D'Arby from time to time. I grew up on Lawrence Welk and Hee Haw! What a combination, huh?

 

At the age of eight, my mom decided it was time for me to learn to play piano, even though I didn't want to.  The next nine years of my young life would develop an even deeper appreciation of this form of art, by directly breathing life into it as I discovered a whole new world of expression through my fingertips.  I kept at it, mostly due to my mom's prodding....having to sit down and practice for a half hour every day when I'd rather be out playing in the yard.  It certainly wasn't my idea of fun.  However, it gave me discipline, positive direction and a sense of responsibility.

 

It has been a long and winding road for me in those last four plus decades.  In retrospect, I am so glad my mom and dad provided it for me, it is truly a blessing and a gift...one that I can share with others, allowing them to enjoy a small piece of my world.  It has been and continues to be life changing, as I realize the more I learn, the more there is to know.  I'll never know it all, but that's part of the thrill of the journey.  Over those years it has been a solace and an emotional release for me, having the ability to sit down at the piano and play brings a sense of peace to my mind. Combine this with my singing abilities that developed early on, and it is no wonder I just cannot stay away from it.  I have long been and continue to be attracted to it and admire those who participate in it.

 

I hope you will enjoy this blog....and share it with family and friends.  It will mainly be about the local club scene in Indy, but will also reflect upon music....lyrics, the people, the lives...all that makes it tick.  We each possess God-given abilities and talents...we need to be out there sharing it and helping to expand and enrich the lives of those around us.  What a beautiful world we do live in. Search out the good, the enjoyment, the richness...live your life to its fullest....and love....love others deeply....it's one of the greatest experiences of living.  I hope that music brings to you all that it has to my life....I can not imagine its absence...ever.  Please join me in sharing the full appreciation for its contribution to our existence, won't you?