Compiled by
Linda Hollar, Marissa Bruce, JohnM. Flores
|
|
|
|
July 4th Weekend
Lots of things going on July 4th weekend. Alice Cooper tribute band, Love It To Death (from Houston) is at Firewater on Friday, July 4. We’ve heard nothing but terrific things about this band….
Want fireworks with your music? Then head to new Grand Prairie club, Dream Warriors, for the third annual Sunka Cangi Benefit show. Festivities start at 4:30 with eleven bands playing. The night finishes with one of the area’s best fireworks shows — at Lone Star Park. (You’ll have great visibility from the club). (Take Beltline North off I-30 to Hunter Ferrell Rd. (See ad in June issue for more information). … Of course about every city surrounding Dallas has its own fireworks show.
Say it isn’t so!
After 28 years, Reunion Arena will soon be no more. Many of us saw our most-favorite-ever concerts there. In interviews, many national acts have said it was one of their favorite venues to play. But, the Dallas City Council voted in June to demolish it. As part of the deal in building American Airlines Center (with its higher priced tickets and parking), the Council gave AAC first choice on any shows or events coming to Dallas. Thus, Reunion was booked fewer and fewer times. One of the last big events there was the Barrack Obama’s (turn away thousands) rally in Dallas. That’ll be my last favorite memory.
Deep Ellum
According to the June 28, Dallas Morning News, “An investment group is negotiating to buy blocks and blocks of Deep Ellum with plans to redevelop the area. Many of the properties Beck Ventures has contracted to purchase are along Main and Elm streets.”
Sounds like that other shoe is about to fall. Of course it will take some time. Part of the area’s appeal (for an investor) is that Dart will arrive there in 2009— here we thought that would bring music fans back to the area and help out the clubs. Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert has “stressed a need to keep the area’s character.” Right. I’m not holding my breath on that one. How about you?
Another Deep Ellum closing (and loss) this last month… The Red Blood Club had its final hurrah on June 21. There were some rumors floating around about the Curtain Club, but reportedly they’ve made a deal to stay until developers begin construction.
Hang in there
Get well soon wishes for Mark Scibek, bassist/vocalist for Gone By Dawn. Mark had major foot surgery this month, and expects several weeks of rehab. We’re pulling for you, Mark…. Benny from The Black Sheep Band, who’s been recovering from cancer surgery, is doing well…
Little Green Men’s CD release party (6/13 at Rob’s Billiards) was a smashing success. The band sold over $1000 in new CDs and t-shirts, and raked in nearly $600 at the door. (And Rob’s said it was one of their best ever nights). All the money, of course, went toward paying off the production costs for the new record, Totality. Tons of other musicians, including members of X’s Red, Sin Serum, Gone By Dawn, Pride Of Texas and Staggercrawl were there to witness the event. Way to go!
Band happenings
Alice in Chains tribute band, The Donkey Show, has changed its name to Dallas in Chains (much better!)…. In Destroyer news (Kiss tribute band) Christopher (aka: Paul Stanley) and his wife Patricia are expecting their first child in a couple of months.
Say “Congrats” to Spicoli and Angel, who were getting married in Galveston… and to Kathy and Dave Utorka (former HB writers and Chemical Tree guitarist) on the birth of their son Michael Issac ... And to HB photographer/writer, Jason Janik, on his new son.
A Fist Full of Fests
The upcoming DFW Metal Massacre at Ridglea (July 12) has an impressive lineup featuring nationally-signed/ local band Within Chaos, plus Fist Full of War, Skard Soul with25 bands total… Don’t forget the upcoming Ride for Dime, The Pitbull Fest and the mother of all fests in August… Ozzfest— featuring locals on the Texas stage. (Marissa Bruce)
New Parts & Pieces
CivilEnd has added Brad from Sin Serum on bass. They’re looking for a vocalist…. Mitra is looking for a new singer, Execution Process has found a new vocalist, and, in related singer news, Phil Anselmo turns 40. [Do we care? — Linda]
|
Remembering Traci Michaelz
Photo and story by Gene Reichert
 Traci Michaelz, drummer for the LA glam punk band The Peppermint Creeps, was found dead the morning after his band played Rockstar Sports Bar in Fort Worth on June 12. It’s sad when such a somber article must be written about such a wonderful person and incredible musician. I was fortunate enough to hang out with Traci that fateful night, and hope that through this article, everyone will see him for the incredibly cool person he was.
In addition to the Creeps, Traci was a fill-in drummer for Pretty Boy Floyd with Steve Summers. Having met Traci this past January at the Anaheim, CA. NAMM show, I showed up early at Rockstar to talk to the guys and catch up. The majority of the night, Traci talked about the state of the Sunset Strip music scene compared to D/FW, and of course some of our mutual friends in LA and Hollyweird. Traci mentioned knowing Dimebag and admiring him, Vinnie, and the Drowning Pool boys for staying true to their music. He also liked how they remained so approachable to the fans, and he followed the same humble attitude with his own career.
He also noted that this was one of the best tours he had been on, as everyone from promoters to press to fans were all so cool. He laughed that they hadn’t had any bottles thrown at them or any drunks wanting to kick their ass on this tour. Throughout the night, Traci and the Creeps signed autographs and took photos with everyone without hesitation.
Once the Peppermint Creeps hit the stage, the crowd went crazy from the deafening high performance power chords and straight-to-the-point lyrics. The Creeps put on one hell of an incredible show, not knowing the tragedy that lay ahead. It was both ominous and ironic that the last song Traci played was a spectacular version of Pantera’s “Walk,” as a heartfelt tribute to his (and my) friend Dimebag.
I feel fortunate to have known Traci but cheated in the short amount of time I got to spend getting to know him. One has to wonder why such a talented musician must be struck down so young, during such a budding career. The only fitting answer is that Dimebag and Dave Williams must have needed a spectacular drummer.
Traci Michaelz (1974-2008) – Gone but not forgotten at the age of 34.
|
