Thursday, October 12, 2017

Throwback Thursday : The Rockingbirds - Featured Live Music Artist of the Week


We don't usually do Throwback Thursdays - but seeing how we will be in The D for the Detroit International Half Marathon, seemed fitting to feature a local Detroit band.......


The Rockingbirds, from "The D" (Detroit), are the featured live music artists of the week.


The Rockingbirds are a 4-piece classic rock band.  And not just a typical classic rock band.  Many bands play all the most well-known (and sometimes overplayed) classic rock hits, which is fine, that's a good time too.  But this band plays some of the deep cuts.  And not just from 5 or 6 famous bands, but from across the 60s and 70s, and even 80s.  To be honest, I didn't even know them, BUT, the bulk of the crowd did - and that's what counts!  And this is what makes them a great cover band - they bring back songs that you might have forgotten about, songs that aren't played 10 times a day on the local classic rock station.  But, of course, they also play songs that are very well known.  A great variety.

I do recall songs from CSN, Stephen Stills, Beatles, Traveling Wilburys, Hollies, Eagles, Outsiders, Steely Dan, Badfinger, and others.  I wish I could remember the entire set list, but I was busy enjoying the show - not taking notes.

The band is in the process of changing out guitarists, as long-time member, Tom is leaving and the newest member, Tom is joining.  Yep, Tom's spot is now being played by Tom.  The new member, Tom, was a former member of Detroit based band The HandGrenades and current member of Beatles Cover Band - Mister Mustard.

I was fortunate to see the band play with both members, half the set with Tom - and the other half with Tom.  The band was great in both incarnations.  They all exhibit my favorite characteristic in a musician - they love what they are doing and they love music.  And it is obvious - it comes across in their stage presence and in the music itself.

They happened to be playing at a local K of C, where they knew many of the audience, and that added to the night as well, as they interacted often with the crowd, in fun ways.  In addition - they supplied the crowd with a duffle bag of percussion items to play along!!  Not just a sing-along but a percussion-along!

The band lists their hometown as Allen Park - but they can be seen throughout the Detroit area.  Well worth checking out!

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