Featured Live Music Artist of the Week - RainLord

My first ever TBT feature.

RainLord was a band I saw back in the late 90s/early 2000s, to be honest I’m not exactly sure – but right around 2000.  Based in Ormond Beach/Flagler Beach/Daytona Beach area, I happened to see them at Daytona International Speedway during the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona sports car race.

I remember it was one of those rare crummy weather days in Florida – lots of rain but at least not cold.  If I recall correctly, RainLord’s set was delayed quite a while due to the rain (mostly misting) because the stage was an outdoor stage.  It was a flatbed semi to be precise.  This was before the massive Daytona Speedway renovations, this stage was as small-town carnival as you can get.  Honestly, it didn’t even look safe.

But, as we all stood around in rain ponchos (or not) and drinking beers, we all wondered when it would be a good time to head back to the canopies of our tent area and drink around a warm fire.  Then, RainLord, in the midst of the mist, took to the waterlogged staged (which actually looked quite slippery).  The 2 guitarists and drummer started playing their first song – and then, to further the shock of the crowd, the vocalist entered the stage- in a cast from his knee to the tip of his toes!!!  But, the rain, the stage, and the cast, did not stop him.  They opened with a rocking first song – and that was all it took, the rain-soaked (and partially drunk) crowd was drawn in.  Even with a cast the vocalist was all over the stage – and even climbed down and into the crowd (where we noticed he even had metal pins sticking into his cast!) and walked the crowd with the cordless mic.  The band was full energy, bringing back the look and feel of the 1980s hair bands.  I honestly don’t remember how long they played, I know most of their songs were originals, with a great Mustang Sally cover thrown in.  I do believe the weather either cut their set short – or cut our stay short – but I do remember being impressed by the motivation and determination of this band to still put on a good show despite quite a few elements of adversity!  That is what makes a band worth seeing – the desire to entertain!  And they sure had that!

To be honest, I’m not sure if they are still around, and they were pre-internet explosion, though they did have an internet presence and it seemed as though they had developed quite the Central Florida following, especially during the various bike weeks, racing week, and spring breaks.

They released 3 CDs that I am aware of; “While He’s Away”, “Medicine For The Soul”, and “Ignitor” – with Ignitor still available on various internet sites.

So, as we head into the Daytona 24 Hour weekend – I salute you RainLord!!