'80s rock bands attempting comebacks: Harlan Co. Music Organization formed
by Trampus King
You know it seems that whatever comes and goes always comes back again, like the resurgence of the looks and the sounds of the 1970s in the last few years. As we are reaching ever closer to the dawn of the Millenium, we are seeing in the music world music and bands from the 1980s are making comebacks. Bands like Ratt, Motley Crue, and, yes, even Poison are making a new start and taking their music to a new audience.
Now don’t take me wrong, but the music world has relied too much on the alternative scene the past six or seven years. There have been some good acts come along, but most of them went as fast as they showed up. I can’t wait to go to a real rock show again--you know, big hair, big drums, at least 100 or more marshal stacks and a 10-minute-long guitar solo. I think the youth of today who have grown up with all these bands who look like they just got up out of bed and strapped on their instruments will see a whole new concept in a “real Rock-n-Roll” show and will start buying records like crazy.
On Feb. 2, I had the rare opportunity to see one of the legendary bands of Rock-n-Roll bring down a sold out house at Rupp Arena in Lexington. I’m talking about Aerosmith, and their show had to be one of the best that I have seen (and I have seen a lot of shows in my time). The bad boys of Boston came out with an awesome set that included songs from their new album Nine Lives, as well as all the old classic Aerosmith songs like “Dream On” and “Kings & Queens.” The light show was amazing, and the capacity crowd, made up of mostly younger people who were probably not yet born when this band had its first gold album, was estatic.
This amazing display made me realize that there is still a chance for all of us old rockers out here, even though you never see too much of our stuff on MTV nor hear it much on the radio anymore. I used to think that I was getting old because all of my favorite music was being put out by K-Tel on “Sounds of the 80s.” I’m still getting old, but I see young people everyday singing along to the songs that made music what it was when I was growing up.
THE LOCAL /REGONAL SCENE
There is a lot going on around the local music scene these days. A new musician’s organization in Harlan called the Harlan County Musicians Organization (HCMO) has been founded by local guitar great Bo Allen. It is open to all local and regional musicians and bands from around the area. They meet once as month to discuss ways to better each other in their musical careers. They have guest speakers on occasion, one of whom carries a big name, Bernie Faulkner. Bernie played drums for the band Exile and has written many hit songs for country artists such as Tracy Lawrence. He has the best recording studio, Didgitrax, in these parts in his home just outside Hazard. HCMO also has on its board the president of Powerhouse Records and WTUK-FM radio DJ Jamie Helton, who is half of the Midnight Maniacs who rock the house on Friday nights. Give them a call and send them a tape, and they will gladly put you on the air. The HCMO would like to invite everyone to the next meeting, March 3, at 7:00 pm at the Harlan Vocational School. You can also check them out on the Internet at the following address, http://members.tripod.com/~hcmo_online/, for updates and coming events.
Last month I was out scouting talent in Lexington for Powerhouse Records when I came across some great bands that you should take the time to check out. I was at a benefit show for AIDS volunteers at a club called the Spectrum downtown. The benefit featured several new bands.
Rebirth, hailing from Owensboro, is a three-piece band that really rocked the house. I was very impressed by the way they carried themselves on stage as well as how tight the band was. The drummer and bass player seemed to never miss a beat, and the guitar work of Drew Brown was very intense. They have a style all their own and are definitely on their way up in the world of rock. Look out for these guys, because they are here to stay. Sink was a really wild band; these guys are definitely different. They had a sound and stage presence that made you sit back and say, “What is going on here.” They have a girl who plays guitar, and she is kickin’. The band is totally in your face--another killer band for all you maniacs out there to keep your eyes and ears open for.
Supafuzz--what can you really say about these guys but “Rock on!” This is Lexington’s top band at the current time, and they came out and blew the doors off the place. They definitely have the local crowd support behind them and are on their way to the very top. You must give credit where it is due--no disrespect to Kenny Wayne Shepherd, but I would have been much more excited to see these guys out there opening for Aerosmith.
The American Cancer Society has announced the date for its annual Relay for Life fundraiser to be May 15-17 at Green Dragon Stadium in Harlan. Sat., May 16, in association with HCMO and Powerhouse Productions, a “Spring Jam” concert, consisting of the region’s top performers, will be held. The music starts around 2 p.m. and will go on throughout the afternoon, with an evening break followed by full concert by each of the artists beginning around 7pm.
Artist to Perform may 16th:
Artists scheduled to perform on May 16: Stoned Age, O.T.O., Thunder Ridge, Southern Cross, WYRM, Breeze Easy, The Undertakers, 20 Years, Mark Ross, Josh Shepherd, Dannette Kelly, Michael Kelly, and many more. Gospel music will be featured all day on Sunday, May 17.
If you or someone you know is interested in performing at this event, you may contact the following people: Trampus King, Powerhouse Records, (606) 589-5738, powerhouse5@hotmail.com; Bo Allen, (606) 574-0233 or (606) 573-7679; or Jamie Helton at WTUK-FM in Harlan.
Powerhouse Records is in search of new and upcoming talent to sign and to promote. If you or your group has what it takes, then send us a press kit and demo to the following address: Powerhouse Records, HC67 Bx.1180, Partridge, KY 40862, Attn. A & R.