This is awesome!

…and for a lot of those, it starts in Northeast Ohio.  All over the world, people questioned (and still do) the decision to put the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.  There are several reasons why the Rock Hall belongs in NEO.  It’s the ‘birthplace of Rock n’ Roll’ because Alan Freed, a Cleveland DJ was credited with coining a style of music with that name (though Benny Goodman used it as far back as the ’30s); but it is also the birthplace of many great musicians/bands- many who you may not realize.

As Akronites, we are certainly well aware of the Akron roots of Chrissie Hynde, DEVO, and our beloved Black Keys; but back in the ’70s, Akron was home to an incredible punk scene (in which Ms. Hynde and DEVO got their starts) with bands like Rubber City Rebels, The Waitresses, The Bizarros, and The Numbers Band (who still play locally).  Plus, Akron was a favorite tour stop for NY punk-darlings The Ramones. In the ’80s and early ’90s, Kenmore’s Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens started out in metal bands/cover-bands before hitting the big leagues as the new lead singer for Judas Priest (which was vaguely interpreted in the movie Rock Star).  Now in the ’00s, we have side projects by The Black Keys- Dan Auerbach’s solo project, Patrick Carney’s new band Drummer; as well as great acts like Maid Myriad, Winslow, Amplexus, House Popes, The Marble Champs, The Speedbumps, and more.  Cleveland served as the birthplace for bands like Nine-Inch Nails, Filter, Pere Ubu and The James Gang (featuring Joe Walsh who went on to play with The Eagles), along with singer-songwriter Tracy Champan (’Fast Car’) and a host of R&B/Hip-Hop acts like Bone Thugs-&-Harmony and Gerald Levert.  Canton is infamously the birthplace of Marilyn Manson (despite the shock value- some of his songs are really great).  What really spearheaded this blog was the discovery of someone I have been a longtime fan of being originally from Warren (near Youngstown- still NEO)- Dave Grohl of Nirvana/Foo Fighters.

It’s exciting when you really think of the musical/cultural relevance that this area has had.  While we’re not San Francisco in ‘67, Manchester, UK or New York in ‘78, or Seattle in ‘91- Akron once had a mini-scene, and maybe we’ll have another one.  Someday you can tell the grandkids, “Yeah I used to see them at Matinee or Musica…”.

For those about to rock Northeast Ohio, we salute you.  (Yes I’ve been listening to a lot of AC/DC lately).

Equals 4

Isn’t it funny how sometimes a routine activity can turn into something potentially big and definitely cool? This past weekend as I did my usual rocking of t-shirt sales, I was asked about music in the store by one of the customers. She asked me if we ever sell stuff by local bands in the store. Without a thought, I said “well, not really, but we can now.” Turns out the customer was Dee Taylor, lead singer and guitarist for the band Equals Four, which just came out with a new album, Believe. And with that, she handed me a stack of their new album and a promotional poster (which is now prominently displayed behind the counter). Believe is on rotation in the RCC playlist, and is really good. The songs are fun & rockin’, and it’s the kind of music you know would be great to see live (sorry no upcoming shows listed on their site).

So it was definitely cool to meet Dee and find out about Equals Four, but then it got me thinking…. We’re an Akron store, with Akron Pride (on t-shirts), we blog about Akron, Akron, Akron, Akron. Why not Akron music too? So much of what we’ve done lately has been related to music, thanks to Chrissie Hynde, The Black Keys, and Devo. Why not promote Akron music in the store? We’re already working with places like Frank’s Place, The Barley House, 91.3 The Summit, and The Toy Marble Museum selling their swag.

So let it be known throughout Akron, Summit County, and lands beyond……while Rubber City Clothing is in fact a clothing store, we are also SOOOOOOOOO much more. We are Akron. We are the Rubber City. If you have a band, a bar, a restaurant, something that IS Akron, we want to be a part of it. We would love to have your CDs, t-shirts, etc. in the store. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll be able to realize my dream of hawking Swenson’s hamburgers out of here (let’s be honest…I’d eat them all).

Come into RCC to pickup Equals Four’s new album, Believe, and look for more local bands to come!

If you’re interested in taking part in this Akron swag community, give us call!

330.434.4722 or email Sarah G- sgorring@rubbercityclothing.com.

The RCC booth at Duty Now for the Future.

With very little notice and prep time, RCC was able to be a part of Friday night’s BaROCK bonanza, Duty Now for the Future, at the Civic.  We had a really great time at the show.  Our booth was in a prime location, right outside the entrance to the theater on the lower level, special thanks to the Civic for getting us into the event.  It was great to meet a lot of different people, many who were interested in RCC, many just looking for the Devo energy hats or Black Keys t-shirts.  We passed out a lot of cards and sold a lot of shirts, so all in all it was a successful night.

Afterwards we snuck into the VIP party and hob-nobbed it with some of Akron’s finest, while enjoying some tasty treats and much needed drinks.

AKRON ROCK ICONS DO CIVIC DUTY

Devo’s benefit concert whips up vote

Chrissie Hynde, Black Keys join other local acts in raising money for Summit County Democrats

By Malcolm X Abram
Beacon Journal music writer

Published on Saturday, Oct 18, 2008

It had been 30 years since Devo performed in Akron, and it took a cause important to the band to bring the group back home.

Friday night, the band returned to the same venue — the Akron Civic Theatre — where it had performed in 1978. Back then, it was a triumphant homecoming for a band that was about to move to California. Friday night, the reason was a benefit concert for the Summit County Democratic Party, which inadvertently became a celebration of some of Akron’s most popular groups, with both the Black Keys and Chrissie Hynde performing.

Before the show, Richard Evans and Jeff Hancock of Pittsburgh, who were enjoying a beer across the street at the Lockview, were excited about the program and the cause.

Evans, 38, a Devo fan club member, said he found out about the show a few days before tickets were available and quickly snapped up a pair.

While the men were excited to see Devo and the Black Keys, they were also interested in the reason for the show.

”The music is the main reason, but I’m also for [Barack] Obama,” said Evans, a confessed lifelong Democrat.

”I was really undecided until I saw the debate the other night. Obama pretty much blew [McCain] away,” Han
cock said. ”That made the decision much easier for me.”

Before the show, the crowd mingled at the Civic. In the lobby, concertgoers could purchase special Obama ‘08 Duty Now for the Future T-shirts and Devo’s signature red energy domes, for $20 and $30, respectively, with all proceeds going to the Democratic Party.

The evening’s hosts were Summit County Executive Russ Pry and City Council President Marco Sommerville, who between acts stumped not only for Obama but also for seemingly every Democratic candidate in the state. Other dignitaries included U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Niles, and Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray, the party’s candidate for Ohio attorney general.

The show began with local singer-songwriter Chris Allen, who performed a few of his originals and a cover of Bob Dylan’s I Shall Be Released. Next, Akron blues rock duo, the Black Keys, who performed a sold-out show last week at E.J. Thomas Hall, played a loud and wild eight-song, half-hour set.

”We don’t feel special. We’re honored to be here. We’re just average Joe Plumbers,” Black Keys guitarist-singer Dan Auerbach said, mocking John McCain’s debate topic.

Another local singer, Rachel Roberts, performed a quick pair of songs. Then Akron’s Chrissie Hynde played a quiet set of three new songs from the Pretenders’ latest album Break Up the Concrete, which she described as ”being written about Akron.”

Hynde’s voice was in fine form, though she did fling a few expletives when she couldn’t recall the words to Almost Perfect.

Sommerville and Pry returned to the stage wearing energy domes, with Pry adding the band’s yellow Devo lab coat, to introduce Devo.

Devo’s Bob and Mark Mothersbaugh, Gerald and Bob Casale and longtime drummer Josh Freese filled out their yellow jump suits more than they did 30 years ago, but they performed a taut, energetic 70-minute set of hits and fan favorites, including Girl U Want and Uncontrollable Urge. Before Whip It, Gerald Casale talked about the ”eight-year nightmare” of the current administration and asked the crowd, ”Are we gonna whip it on Nov. 4?” The answer was a resounding yes.

The show ended with all of the night’s performers joining in a ramshackle and fun version of the Pretenders’ Break Up the Concrete that had the crowd dancing in the aisles.

On top of tonight’s AMAZING Akron rock bonanza of DEVO, Chrissie Hynde, and The Black Keys- Akron’s local folk rock darling Rachel Roberts will be performing with Chrissie.  Many of you have probably seen Rachel play at Musica or every Monday at the Northside.  She is very talented and has fun with her audience.  One time I saw her she made up a song on the spot about a guy in the audience with a fantastic mustache.  That is true talent.

Come out tonight and support Akron and Akron music.  Even if you’re not a fan of Barack Obama or the Summit County Democrats, this is one show that cannot be missed! Enjoy Akron!

Tickets are still available for this once in a lifetime show at the Civic!  Pick ‘em up at the box office or go to www.ticketmaster.com.

Just announced: Chrissie Hynde will be joining DEVO and the Black Keys at tomorrow night’s show at the Civic Theater! This is the first and probably only time that you’ll ever get to see all 3 great AKRON acts doing a Rubber City show together!

Opening for these three awesome bands will be yours truly, Rubber City Clothing. Okay, we’re not getting on stage, but we will be hawking t-shirts in the lobby before/during/after the show. Make sure you pic up some Rubber City Swag! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Summit County Democratic Party. As a result, the store will be closing around 4:30pm. Get your RCC fix in earlier kids!

Being that I used to work for Cleveland Scene Magazine, I always get excited to see the new issue come out each Wednesday.  After a fairly slow afternoon in the store, I was sitting here in the RCC Cobra Command Center (sorry I get bored easily) when the bells jingled on the front door.  I ran out and it was a fresh delivery of Scene Magazines.  On the cover was a li’l bit of Akron- Derf’s new book Punk Rock & Trailer Parks.  The cover story featured an excerpt from the book, which we’ve copied and pasted for your convenience.  Click here if you want to check it out on Scene’s website.  For more Scene/Akron love, check out the article on the DEVO/The Black Keys show this Friday at the Civic.

Derf’s new graphic novel, Punk Rock & Trailer Parks, is set in Akron in 1979, when the Rust Belt city suddenly found itself on the cutting edge of the music scene. Derf has two appearances and book-signings coming up this weekend. From 6-8 p.m. Friday, October 17 (before the Devo concert), he’ll be at Square Records in Highland Square (824 W. Market St., Akron). For information call 330.375.9244. And from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, October 18, he’ll host a multi-media presentation at B-Side Liquor Lounge, below the Grog Shop (Coventry Road and Euclid Heights Boulevard) in Cleveland Heights. For information about that event, call sponsor Mac’s Backs at 216.321.2665.

Buy the book online at http://www.amazon.com/Punk-Rock-Trailer-Parks-Derf/dp/1593621353, or visit Derf’s Website: derfcity.com.

From this week’s Cleveland Scene Magazine

Volume 15, Issue 76
Published October 15th, 2008
Chatter
We Are Demo
Devo And Black Keys Team Up In Akron For Obama

It’s the ultimate Akron-bands concert, and it’s a benefit for the Democrats: Devo and the Black Keys will play a rally for the Summit County Democratic Party at the Rubber City’s Civic Theatre this Friday, October 17.

“The last couple elections, we were living in California, and you’re around all these people that thought Al Gore was going to win,” explains Devo frontman Mark Mothersbaugh from his home in Los Angeles, where he’s lived since the band scored a record deal in 1976. “And we were surprised when we realized not everybody in the world felt the same way. And this time, we wanted to see if we could do something to help. And it’s not necessary out here in California.”

Though the new-wave group is best known for wearing triangular red energy domes in 1980’s kitschy “Whip It” video, its political convictions run deep. Devo’s core quartet - Mothersbaugh, his brother Bob, co-mastermind Gerald Casale and brother Bob Casale - met at Kent State University in 1970. Later that year, the arty young students were present at the protests that culminated in the National Guard opening fire on students, killing four and wounding nine.

The Obama concert was announced last week and was initially just a Devo show. The Black Keys, Akron’s two-man reigning representatives to the rock world, quickly volunteered to open. Drummer Patrick Carney has called Devo “one of my favorite bands ever” and once stalked the Mothersbaugh brothers when the band returned to town for 1997’s Lollapalooza. (This Moment in Black History, whose new single is “Obama [The Pres Is You, The Pres Is Me],” was offered an acoustic opening slot, but declined.) All proceeds benefit the Summit County Democratic Party.

A December 2007 Black Keys show at the Civic sold out quickly. Combined, the two groups could probably play at least a four-night stand, but Mothersbaugh and his wife (a St. Louis native who organized the show) have two school-age children back home. Scene caught Mothersbaugh in a rare chatty mood; he gladly discussed the Democratic candidate, the concert, the election’s stakes, the band’s relationship to its hometown and whether he’ll ever have a 330 area code again. - D.X. Ferris

Do you know the Black Keys?

I knew Ralph Carney from the old days. And his [nephew Patrick] is one of the halves of the band. But they’re well thought of in the world, and it was a nice treat that they wanted to be added on. I think [frontman Dan Auerbach has] got a great voice. I like the idea of [just] a guitar and a drummer. I like their sound. I’ve never gotten to see them. This works out great.

What do you hope to accomplish with the show? Do you think you’ll be doing more than just energizing the base?

I think there’s potential that people will show up for non-political reasons. I, like everybody in the world, have mixed feelings about celebrity endorsements. But this seemed like something where we could go back to our hometown and talk to a very specific group of people. In the last election, some counties were determined by something like nine votes. Ohio isn’t a slam-dunk for anybody, for sure. What do you see as the stakes for this election? This could be the most important election during my lifetime. I think deregulation and trusting big business to take care of everybody … it should be very evident that Wall Street and big business - and the Republicans along with that - are concerned about themselves first and people second.

As someone who was part of the politically active generation of the ’60s and ’70s, do you think this generation is sitting down on the job when comes to making its voice heard?

I think they’re suffering from over-inundation of media and the ability of people to use television and radio and magazines and the internet to create as much disinformation as information.

So, that said, is there something else you could be doing besides playing a concert for Ohio Democrats? You’re one of the more media-savvy people on the planet; could you be spreading some kind of counter-propaganda?

In my way, I do what I can do. That isn’t my profession, and I’m not the best person at it, and I’m not the most articulate person in the world. I can only tell you how I feel and what my observations are. And they cover a big arc, because I’m 58 now.

Are you more about Obama, the Democrat party in general, or both?

I think Obama is a very enigmatic person. I think he’s very intelligent. I think he’s one of the smartest people running for office. I want someone smarter than me in the White House. We haven’t had that for a while. We’ve had people that any of us could outsmart and people did outsmart.

Do the Kent State shootings loom large in your mind?

I think it helped form us as a band. It formed who we were. We looked around and tried to find a description of what we were observing. And we decided we were watching de-evolution, instead of evolution. And to some extent, it’s been borne out over 30 years, where 30 people years ago, people would say, “You’re cynical and have a bad attitude.” And you say it now, and people cheer. Devo wasn’t an overtly political band, but it had messages.

If you do listen to the lyrics, if it’s something of content, it’s generally [that] we’re pro-information and anti-stupidity. We encourage people to use their freedom of choice.

What will your set list be like?

We’ll probably stop and talk more than we normally do. We don’t normally waste people’s time. And I’d say 50 percent of the songs we play will be songs we wrote within a five-mile radius of the Akron Civic Theatre. There’s people that like later albums better, but the material we tend to play, we normally cull it from the earlier, more guitar-dominated time period. To me, I like the way it holds up to the test of time better than the later material.

Will the concert be a full production?

It’s getting thrown together a little bit, but we’ll probably have video. There may be a few surprises.

Do you still consider Ohio part of your life, or is it something from the past, like how most people look at their high school experience?

I think more than a lot of people are with their hometown. I think Devo, around the world, is considered an Akron, Ohio, band. We haven’t lived there for a long time. Our formative years were there. We created our big statement as artists in Akron, Ohio. And we went out into the world and saw ourselves as observers from Planet Akron. And I think of us that way.

Do you see yourself possibly coming back one day?

Easily. I like to come back and see green. I miss seasons. I have two kids, and I think Ohio and Akron’s a great part of the planet.

Devo and the Black Keys play the Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.) at 8 p.m. Friday, October 8. Tickets: $25-$150 (VIP tickets include a post-show reception with band members).

Tomorrow is the BIG day! Thousands of runners will tread upon 26.2 miles of our fair Rubber City  in the 6th Annual Road Runner Akron Marathon.  For those who are running, we wish you the best.  If you aren’t registered and want to participate, you have until 9pm tonight to race down to the John S. Knight Center and sign up.  And for those who are just watching, stop in the RCC store just before mile marker 3 and pick up some Akron swag!

Check out this awesome commercial for the marathon featuring The Black Key’s song ‘I Got Mine’.

Click here for a map of the marathon.

Here is a list of some of tomorrow’s events:

Saturday, September 27, 2008
Road Runner Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Chase Team Relays
7:00 am – Start: 177 S. Broadway St. / Finish: Canal Park Stadium
Races include:
• Marathon
• Half Marathon
• Chase Team Relays (2-person & 5-person)
• Business Challenge

USA Women’s 8 km Championship
7:30 am-Start: 177 S. Broadway St. / Finish: Canal Park Stadium

Kids Fun Run
9:00 am – Start: Spaghetti Warehouse Restaurant / Finish: Lock 3
• Free event
• Open to children 14 years of age and under
• All runners receive t-shirt, medallion and goodie bag