You have to respect a band that takes the do-it-yourself style to a whole new level, as well as having the kind of passion for music that they do. How many bands that you know of would just drive off across America in an RV and book shows as they go? How many bands that you know of wouldn't miss a beat (pun intended) when their singer/guitarist quits on them at 3am? How many bands that you know of would resort to kidnapping guitarists in order to carry on touring? I know of one, and they're called The Living Deads!
The Living Deads are a rhythm section hailing out of Denver, Colorado who I had the pleasure of seeing and hanging out with when they played at The Record Collector in Bordentown, NJ on May 25, 2012. The Record Collector is an actual record store that hosts regular performances by a diverse range of bands and musicians. The place is not a huge hall, but you wouldn't have known it from the energy drummer/vocals Randee, bassist/vocals Symphony, and new guitarist/singer Nasty Nate Harris put into it. I was afraid it was going to be a low-key event. That fear was totally obliterated as soon as they launched into their first song, Ronnie Dawson's Rockin Bones. In sharp contrast to The Cramps' slowed down version, this one went off like rocket fuel. The pace occasionally slowed down, but their energy and enthusiasm never did as they went through a list of songs including several originals and classics from artists such as Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Three Blue Teardrops, and The Ramones.
The incredible thing I couldn't help but notice was how tight and polished their sound was. Not a huge feat in a touring band, but quite an achievement when you've only been playing with your guitarist/lead singer for about a month and a half.
After having their original guitarist suddenly quit on them, Randee and Symphony went on a "kidnapping" spree where they would actually recruit local and established guitar players to help them continue the tour, such as Danny B. Harvey, Chuck Hughes, and James Hunnicutt. They would commonly enter the venue with whoever the "victim" was at the time, haul him up onstage, and make him play the set.
The guitarists were all temporary but gracious enough to help Randee and Symphony out. True musical heroes, in my humble opinion. The idea was a pretty cool one, but booking gigs on the fly must be nerve-wracking enough. On top of that, not knowing who your guitar player will be for the next show, or even if you'll have a guitar player, must be enough to push anyone over the edge. Enter one Nasty Nate Harris. As fate would have it, he was looking for a new band and The living Deads were looking for, well... a guitarist. What they found was a gem. One plane ticket later, and Nate was the new member of The Living Deads.
His impressive guitar playing and vocals left nothing to be desired. He put his heart into all the music, and you could tell. There was no holding back with Nate. I even think he would have done fine without a microphone during some of the songs. He gave it his all and gave us a spotless performance. When you see him locked in with Randee and Symphony, and you see how much the band is enjoying what they're doing together, you can't help but enjoy it that much more yourself. This is what true music is about.
Like i said at the beginning, you have to respect a band that takes the do-it-yourself style to a whole new level, as well as having the passion for music that they do. Not only do they tour in their RV, they live in it. It is their home. Literally. They do their own bookings. They design, print and sell their own t-shirts. They have no road crew. All the driving is done by them. All the gear setup and breakdown is done by them, and maybe whatever help the venue can offer. It ain't easy and it's not a comfy lifestyle. You've really got to love music to continue on like this. And i have no doubt whatsoever that these three wonderful people love music. And also like i said before, this is what true music is all about!
Rock `n Roll!
Please visit their web page for tour dates and information at: The Living Deads
No comments:
Post a Comment