BACKSTAGE PASS ARTICLE MAY 1997


HOMETOWN HEROES

"THE NEWS AND GOSSIP ABOUT OUR CHICAGO BANDS"

Compiled By: RICH HOFHERR AND THE BACKSTAGE PASS STAFF


    Welcome to "Hometown Heroes"

   Let me introduce myself. My name is Richard Hofherr, I play guitar in the band '7th heaven'. I have been in the Chicago scene for 12 years and have seen many great things come and go in that time. With all the great talent that's around this city it's time for another 'music scene' to evolve. In this day and age of computers, AOL, internet, faxes, pagers, video games, and the VCR, people choose to stay home rather than go out. I think people stay home because there's "nothing to do". Well we're gonna change all that!!! (or at least try).


News


   Former members of Truce, Steve Mitchell and Dennis Weber have formed a new project still un-named and will be out soon. They're sound is a cross between Black Crows and Dishwalla. You can catch them at SummerJam on June 14 in Hoffman Estates.

   Minus 350 is a new band from Elk Grove. They can be described as 'power pop' which as lead singer Jason Ehas puts is a cross between pop and punk. You can catch them June 14 at SummerJam in Hoffman Estates.

   Generations is getting alot of recognition as Chicago's #1 Retro band playing every Friday 10:30pm at the Waterloo in Lincoln Park, Chicago. They do all the great songs from the 70's like "Car Wash", " I Will Survive", "Shake Your Booty", "Jive Talkin" , Ect... They also can be seen in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and right here at ' The Taste of Chicago' July 1. Check 'em out!!!

   7th heaven is making a buzz around Chicago with their 70's and 80's medlies featuring songs from ' the Police' to 'the Cure' to 'Chicago' to Duran Duran'... lot's of fun!!! You can catch 7th heaven at Durty Nellies Thursday May 29 in Palatine, Friday May 30 with Firehouse and Vixen at Jackhammers in Schaumburg. Also at SummerJam June 14 in Hoffman Estates.

   Dancing Bones is considered 'Boogie Rock'. They are a four piece band consisting of three members from the band 'Crash Palace'. You can catch them May 31 at Bungalow Joe's in Hanover Park and June 14 at Penny Road Pub in South Barrington Hills.

   Want a taste of Thrash...Captain Crush is it!!! They have one big sound of power. They just released a 10 song CD called 'Grounded' available by calling 847.742.0898 or write to them at P.O. Box 1151, Elk Grove, IL 60009 or at a show. You can catch them May 17 at Smiler Coogans in Chicago, May 24 at Riely's Rock House in Aurora and June 7 at U.S. Beer Co..

   Frankie Lance and the Lords of Fat Bush is a new band with a interesting name. The have a sound like the 80's rock that some of you miss. The band consists of Frankie from the band Theatre who put down the sticks to now sing and play keys, Kaz from the band 22 Ska Du plays guitar, Bobby (guitar) and John (drummer) also play in the band Cheaper Tricks, Alex from Siin and Teeze plays bass, and they even have a sax player named Steve. So keep your eyes and ears open for this band.

   Naked is a BoDeans tribute band that plays all over Chicagoland. They have a couple major shows this summer. June 14/15 they play at Blarney’s Island and July 6 they play at Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI. Check them out, they’re tons of fun.

   Alternative Society is a alternative cover/original band that plays everywhere. They always put on a great show. Catch them at Synergy May 24-10pm.

   West Side Mary (formally Cuttlass) is recording a new demo at Eatin’ Studios. The band consists of Jeff Hundrieser on Lead Vocals, Victor Vasquez on Guitar, Nick Cox on Guitar, Scott Couch on Drums and new bass player Mike White. They just did the MANCOW show at the end of April. It seems like MANCOW liked the band as he has been playing their 60 second jingle for some time now. Look for them to be playing out in late July.

   Enuff Z’ Nuff is out June 9 at the House of Blues with Night Ranger. They just released a new record called ‘seven’. Also look for a new double live record to hit the stores in late summer. Pinch (the sounds of low-tek) featureing John Monaco on Guitar/Vocals and Mike Conrad on Bass. They are great pop/techno band. They just were reviewed in Showcase Magizine. They are playing with Enuff Z’Nuff on June 14 at Sidetracked.

   The Squares (formally the Answer and Bang) are back together playing out with the original line-up. They just opened for Collective Soul at Eastern University. They also just released a new CD, which is available at Sam Goody. Look for them to hit the scene in late June.

   Grasshopper is a new Blues/Rock band that does one thing different than most Rock bands. They Improvise when they play. The Grateful Dead was famous for this. They have 2 Drummers, a Bassist, 2 Guitars/Vocals and a Lezlie (Keyboard) player. They just recorded a ‘live’ demo at the ‘CUE CLUB’. They can be seen at the Beacon Tap in Des Plaines on June 6.

   Wishing Well -Darrel Kathan (Vocals), Geoff Siebold (Guitar,Vocals), Chris Siebold (Bass, Vocals), and Dan Heim (Drums) are a good band to see if Alternative/Pop is what your looking for. They play both originals and covers. You can catch them at Bungalow Joes June 21, Glenview House June 27. They also have been busy in the recording studio working on new songs.

   Urban Disturbance is a modern funky band with a very visual vocalist. They have been busy working on thier 12 song CD that’s due out this summer. You can catch them May 17 at Cheerleaders and June 21 at Riley’s Rock House.

   Wave is a very popular alternative band that has been playing all over Chicago for the past year. The band just released a CD entitled ‘The Road’. They have a show May 31 at newly re-modeled Pop’s sports pub in Roselle. (Great place to see a band at)

Looking to Jam....

   "Resurrection Mary" is seeking a singer and lead guitar player. They sound like Soundgarden meets Saigon Kick. They have a practice space, contacts, and songs. From the Northwest Suburbs. Call Mike at 630.213.9644.

   "Story of My Life" is seeking a singer and bass player. Modern Rock sound with Big beat. They have a practice space. They have songs. They are from the Northwest Suburbs. Call Tommy at 847.352.5153.

   “Teeze” is looking for two Guitar Players and a Bass Player. With a sound like 80's/90's Original Rock. They have songs and a practice space. Call Alex at 773.745.4522

   Jeff 'Rock Vocalist' along the styles of Kiss meets Stevie Ray Vaughn is looking for a band. Has songs and is ready to go. Call Jeff at 773.589.2246.

   Rob is also a Vocalist looking to get in a band. Rob has had alot of live experience. He is open to find a good band to work with. Call Rob at 630.637.0077


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