The GIG

Hollywood, CA
March 5th, 2002

SMEAR opened for The Naked Movie Stars who opened for Rochelle, Rochelle.

-FEAR SMEAR-

SMEAR was a great opening band. Each member of SMEAR was the epitome of talent. The half naked guitarist actually pulled off a "Crazy Train" solo without missing a note. The bassist played bass WHILE playing keyboards. The drummer fused the two together. At times, SMEAR seemed to be going in different directions, but watching their talent (and some skin) made it worth it.

 

the one and only

Naked Movie Stars. They were neither naked, nor were they movie stars. That, in and of itself, was disappointing to a horny Publicity Whore looking for a little action. (Especially disappointing after the half nude guitarist had me all riled up.) But, for what they lacked in "band title follow through," these clean-cut, well-dressed, (married?), guys from OC made up for with stage presence and fan appreciation.

Of course the fan appreciation I am speaking of is their fans appreciating me. It appears several of them decided I was worth hitting on while the Naked Movie Stars were onstage. This distraction (although very welcome being there were no actual naked movie stars in the house) turned their set into background music to a typical Hollywood bar pick up scene.

When I try to think about the music, all that comes to mind are the guys from OC, who hate girls from LA, hitting on me. I can not in good conscience tell you one way or another about what I heard, except, "Don't mind my friend, he's a little drunk. He didn't mean to grab you like that."

But, I can tell you this about Naked Movie Stars: they know how to play, are comfortable on stage, bring fans with them, and dress well. I'll definitely have to check these guys out again, and hope that next time their fans won't be so appreciative (of me anyway).

As soon as the Naked Movie Stars left the stage, the fans from OC hightailed it out of there, claiming their need to get to bed. After I convinced them I didn't have that same need and would not be joining them, they left. With a sigh of relief, I prepared myself to listen to Rochelle, Rochelle.

The Gig is one of the most comfortable places to see bands, and I made myself feel quite at home. The club has these nice velvet couches against the walls, with lots and lots of pillows. Perfect for laying down and relaxing, which is exaclty what I did. I ended up making myself so comfortable, I almost fell asleep while waiting for Rochelle, Rochelle to start.

 

Rodney keeps the marquee up to date

Rochelle, Rochelle is an eye opener, though. Being from San Diego, they don't have to worry about the pitfalls of the label "typical LA band": They don't suck. Their guitarist, Gaylord Van Brocklin, is especially interesting to watch. He plays guitar with such energy, he bounces all over the stage. Yet, his energy doesn't detract from the show, it just adds an interesting bounce to the straight-forward hard rock show that is Rochelle, Rochelle. Their performance was tight and right on the money. It made staying up until 2 AM a good thing, even on a Tuesday night.

Gaylord from Rochelle Rochelle

Staying up to listen to Erik Berg's vocals, Jeff Grasmick's drumbeats, and Nick Sekol's bass lines mixed in with the high energy of Gaylord's guitar playing - I wouldn't trade it for sweet dreams if you paid me. And, I'm not alone in that opinion. San Diego radio stations are already spinning two songs off Rochelle, Rochelle's 6 song EP, so you know that their music is worth listening to.

Be on the look out for Rochelle, Rochelle. If you happen to run across them, be sure to tell them I sent you.

 

Know of a band we should check out?
LET US KNOW!!
Maybe they'll be the next feature!!!
Deanna@publicitywhore.com

Publicity Whore was voted the #1 Entertainment Publication in Los Angeles - 2001. Proud Recipient of the - Imbecilious Award - for Excellence in Entertainment Journalism.