Compiled by Linda Hollar

New/former clubs
Welcome to Lola’s in Ft. Worth (formerly 6th Street Live), which is booking local and national acts. Lola’s arrives on the heels of the closing of Wreck Room.

Way to go Little Green Men!
Once again (count them… four times!), LGM has had the dubious distinction of being “the last band performing at a club before it closed.” Mind you, they’ve always brought in a huge crowd (as they did recently on the Thursday night before Gators closed). Others they’ve bestowed said honor on were The Rock, Coyotes in Arlington, and the Hard Rock Café.

Former “local” band, Fair To Midland is playing a string of shows with System of a Down frontman, Serj Tankian, in February and March. They’re signed with Serj’s label…. Former Century Media artist Puncture is doing a reunion show at the Aardvark on Feb 23.

Bruce Corbitt and 12 Pound Production are working on a DVD entitled The Birth of the DFW Metal Underground. They’re busily interviewing lots of people involved with the scene during the 80’s and early 90’s. It will contain interviews, crazy stories, band histories, pictures, flyers and old and new footage. According to Bruce, “legendary musicians and fans will help tell the story of this magical time in the early stages of D/FW Metal.” The list of bands is a real “who’s who” from the era. Way too many to list here.
Birthdays
Harder Beat writer Misty Johnson (who’s still young enough to tell) is celebrating number 26 birthday on March 3… Robyn Garrett, excellent manager of False Pretense celebrates on Feb. 22… TMA guitarist Rick Perry is having a Birthday Bash at the RockStar Sports Bar on March 8 (he probably doesn’t tell). Jason Mc Masters (Dangerous Toys) and John Perez (Solitude Aeternus) are to be in attendance… And a belated “Happy Birthday” to HB’s own, Kevin White, who stupidly has it every Jan. 18 (when we’re off for the month), which means it’s always a “belated” wish.

New studios
Welcome to Absolute Rehearsal Studios, which just opened at 2607 Walnut Hill Lane (at Shady Trail), off I-35. It’s a secure, state-of-the-art, studio located in a massive two-story, 40,000 sq. ft building, For more information, see their ad on page 9.
Also, welcome to new recording studio, Phoenix Drive Audio. See their ad/cartoon on p. 16.
We’re sorry to report
Our thoughts are with Wesley Hathaway of the Ridglea Theater, on the passing of her mother, who lived in Georgia. … We belatedly learned of the death of Jimmy Orrell of JamStation Rehearsals. Our condolences to Dianne, his family and many friends. … Also to KAL’eS’ Jeff (J.T.) Thomas’ family, bandmates and friends. A benefit is being held Sunday, Feb. 10, at O’Riley’s to help his family with expenses…And finally, Doug Franks (whose wife, Glenda, works at the Lone Star) died at age 37 of a heart attack. A benefit was held at the club on Feb. 2, was hosted by ZENABI with Responsible Johnny and other bands performing and donating their time and talents.

Band merry-go-round
We’re almost afraid to write up anything about certain bands (Live Wire, Diver Down), as the minute we mention a new member or that the band if breaking up, they miraculously come back to life. Never mind whatever current members they may or may not have (this month), but Live Wire says they are updating their costumes, stage show and song list. We’re probably safe reporting that.
And, that ever-changing source of information on Live Wire, Jim Wright, emails that his rehearsal studio, Avalon, has a waiting list, and he’ll probably be building an additional facility this summer. (Jim does seem to be “correct” on the business info. he feeds me).
In related news (Jim again), Gibson Cemetery will be getting together after the Super Bowl to prepare for their annual reunion gig, which will include drummer Gary White from circa 1992. And they’ll likely have an album of new material.