R.I.P. Kevin DuBrow
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As anyone who’s read this column before already knows, if a band I really like is on tour and they’re not coming through D/FW, I’m always up for a road trip! In my travels I’ve seen some cool places and been to some historic venues, but one proudly stands out above them all. The I-Rock in Detroit, Michigan is by far the coolest club I’ve ever been to. The walls inside are covered in rock/metal memorabilia. I spent hours checking everything out. Autographed guitars, drum heads, symbols, drumsticks, posters, promos, 8x10s, guitar pic collections, old Rolling Stone Magazine covers and so much more.
Even the Men’s Room is covered with posters of 80’s supermodels and rocker chicks like Lita Ford. A female friend mentioned the Ladies Room was done similarly, only with Brett Michaels and other men. I’ve been to various Hard Rock Cafe’s and, while there’s always some cool stuff, they definitely strayed outside the boundaries of “hard rock.” Even the so-called Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was a letdown. They should call it the Pop Hall of Fame. The I-Rock gets it right! If you’re ever in the Detroit area, look it up. You won’t be disappointed!
And on a sad note, Quiet Riot frontman, Kevin DuBrow recently passed away. As a kid, Quiet Riot was one of my favorite bands. I used to play the Metal Health album, as I got ready for school. I’ve never been a morning person, and that was perfect morning motivational music - loud, obnoxious and in your face! Plus it annoyed the rest of my family… an added bonus! Quiet Riot was also one of the first band’s I ever saw live. I was lucky enough to meet Kevin quite a few times over the years. He was always good about signing autographs and hanging out with fans after the shows. He’d tell some jokes or talk about his late friend, guitar legend Randy Rhoads. I have to believe that somewhere, Kevin and Randy are jamming together again. Fly on, Thunderbird fly. |
