I was about halfway trough my interview with Rock of Ages vocalists Jon Grubb and Cayla Hittmeier when a frightening thought stuck: There's no way for me to tell this story and capture the true essence of what this band is all about via normal interview-reporting practices.
It's obvious that there's a shared love between all of the band mates. And even more telling is the shared love between the band and it's legions of fans. Many of which, will follow Rock of Ages all around Central Illinois - and some even as far as the Chicago area - for a gig.
After two-and-a-half weeks of doing everything else possible at work, including the start of a feature story for the September issue of Limited Edition, I finally decided it was time to end my turmoil and start transcribing my interview with Grubb and Hittmeier. A few pages into it and I had more of a sinking feeling than before I'd started.
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All was not going well as I typed. Let's face it, after 10 years of playing together, which also includes four straight Herald & Review Readers' Choice 1st place awards for Best Local Band (which, incidentally, has been every year the award has been given), there's not much that isn't known about Rock of Ages, including that it was an outgrowth of the early-90's Flashback concert series of Skip Huston, Joel Fletcher, Phil Jones and Phil Hazenfield.
"Originally, Jerry Shaw and Phil (Hazenfield) had talked about reforming a band," reflects Grubb. "We thought the time was right: we'll have a garage band. We won't be any good, but we'll have fun."
OK, so Grubb and Hazenfield were only half-right in their crystal ball assessment of the band's future. Rock of Ages has been having a helluva lot of fun. They're also pretty damn good.
Finally, it dawned upon me: The only way to accurately tell the story of Rock of Ages is to live it myself. The band is certainly living it, having played 46 gigs in 2007 alone.
"It's hard to tell people no," says Grubb, who estimates he's played some 300 gigs over the past 10 years. "When I die, I'm going to be in a ton of people's weddings photos who I don't know. I'd rather play at a function than go.
"It's not because I'm dedicated; it's because I don't want to miss it."
Fortunately, Rock of Ages has several high-quality back-up members. Hazenfield is quick to mention his sub on bass, Chris Eckel. "He has really filled-in for me on several occasions," Hazenfield said. "He has allowed me to maintain a family life.
As well, Shelley Simon will fill-in for Hittmeier on vocals, while The Hitmen keyboardist, Stan Kupish, will sit-in for Doug Nicholson. "They've come in seamlessly and maintained the sound," says Hazenfield. "They've all been gracious about filling in."
While spending a couple of hours with Grubb and Hittmeier, it becomes profoundly transparent that there is a deep friendship that exists between the two band mates. The timing and delivery of the conversation, not to mention the twinkle in their eyes while retelling stories extends beyond what any quote could provide on a printed page.
The friendship is obvious. The admiration goes without saying. These people genuinely love what they're doing. And then, there are the fans.
"We have a following. They have fun and it makes it fun for us," says Hittmeier. "If we're having fun, the crowd is having fun."
Grubb adds, "The best thing people have said is that 'You've brought back so many memories.'"
And if the musical memories aren't enough for the fans, the band has created plenty of their own over the past 10 years. One that has Grubb and Hittmeier slapping their hands on the desk in laughter is how Cayla joined the band.
Hittmeier, a product of the Decatur Public School system, started performing with the Decatur Park Singers and was part of the Show Choir while attending Eisenhower High School. She has also directed and choreographed the Young Park Singers and was the assistant director for the Eisenhower and Thomas Jefferson Show Choirs. Back in the 2001 timeframe, Hittmeier (then Hugo) was part of the Byers & Co. show on WSOY AM.
"The story of getting Cayla was a good one," Grubb says. "Cayla was on Brian Byers; he was a fan; he was an advocate; he thought that we were a part of Decatur."
Hittmeier, as usual, anticipating what's coming next in the conversation, as well as setting the scene properly, adds, "This was coming off of two or three events that we'd (WSOY) used Rock of Ages."
"Cayla and Brian were talking (on the show) and we'd (Rock of Ages) just done a couple of benefits with WSOY and Cayla had said, 'I think they're great. I think there are other bands, though,'" Grubb says, while emulating Cayla's then sarcastic remark. "I was at Robbies with a friend and Cayla was coming in on a blind date. My friend, who had set her up, introduced me and asked if I knew Cayla. I said, 'I know of Cayla Hugo, because she was just on the radio the other day cutting down my band.' Then I said, 'So, big talker, why don't we put you on stage?' Being the smart aleck she is, she said 'sure.'
"She was awesome during her first performance. She is the age of our own children - we adopted her."
In essence, its part of the extended family - spouses and children included - that's become Rock of Ages.
"I'm friends with their kids," says Hittmeier. "We're all friends and we love playing together."
So here I am, ready to partake in the experience known as Rock of Ages. The date: Friday, May 9, 2008. The location: Lock Stock & Barrel. This is a unique occasion. Tonight's gig will mark the bands 10th anniversary at the place where it all got started. Then, Rock of Ages' inaugural show was for Lock Stock & Barrel's 20th anniversary party. It's amazing how 10 years can accelerate past you when you're having fun.
Talking to the crowd beforehand only affirms the fun factor. "They make sure everybody has a good time," says loyal follower Susie Aubert (who was part of the fan contingency that traveled to Chicago last year). "It has a lot to do with the interaction; it's how Jon and the band interact with the crowd, so that everybody has a good time."
It's such a good time, in fact, that Aubert estimates that she attends some 25 gigs per year. And she's been doing that since the band played at the Decatur Bennigan's St. Patrick's Day party in 2005.
"We've been a family," Aubert continues, while anxiously awaiting tonight's show. "I started going because of Jan Morrow. And then I find out that Jon went to school with my oldest brother and his oldest son and I raced together. I worked with Cayla at the radio station.
"And, of course, they'll humor me and let me have a mic sometimes."
As soon as the band starts, I realize why it has such a loyal following. Grubb's energy and ability to make the audience part of the performance is artful. It doesn't take long for me to feel as though I'm back in college at a Friday night house party. The intimacy of Lock Stock & Barrel doesn't hurt.
However, there's one resoundingly profound difference between Rock of Ages and your typical college garage band: these guys are fantastic. Hittmeier's show choir-style performance background is a great balance to Grubb's shtick. The girl can belt out tunes second to none.
Joining Grubb and Hittmeier on the front line are saxophonists Marvin Knox and Steve Jackson. It doesn't take long to realize what a great musician Knox is; he's quite the showman, as well. Jackson, the group's longtime sound man, also joined them on baritone sax several years ago, adding a new layer to the band's repitoire.
Somewhat in the background is the rhythm section of Phil Hazenfield and Dave Morrow. Hazenfield's steady and solid bass combined with Morrow's jazz-influenced drumming sets a rhythm over which the rest of the band can fly. Add-in the textures of keyboardist Doug Nicholson, and audience members are treated to a very full sound on every Rock of Ages number.
Almost overshadowed by the rest of the personalities is guitarist Larry Clark. It's somewhat hard to believe, considering what an absolute talent he is on guitar. Clark's virtuoso style and ability to pick-up on, and play any number is pretty darn impressive. No wonder the band refers to him as the one with the "phonographic memory."
The band rips through three sets of some of the best rock-n-roll ever recorded. I feel as though I'm a kid again, listening to WLS in the early 70s. Songs such as "Proud Mary," "Play That Funky Music," "Respect" and "Sweet Home Alabama" are crowd favorites that pepper the set list. There's no doubting the songs from the opening chords on. As Clark points out, that although the band puts its own stamp on a song, Rock of Ages makes sure and pays proper homage to whichever rock-n-roll classic it's playing.
Grubb's master of ceremonies performance makes us all feel as though we're on stage. As if roaming through the crowd with a camera and press badge isn't obvious enough, Grubb makes sure and let's the audience know just who I am. As well, other audience members get pulled into the show: LaVell Peete sits in for a few numbers on Morrow's drum kit while Susie Aubert gets the tambourine while on the dance floor. When the band fires-up "Born To Be Wild," Grubb dedicates it to a certain biker/photographer in the audience. Like I said, they have a way of making audience members feel a part of the show.
I have to admit, though, I was sweating it when I was taking audience shots from the band's vantage point. There was fear of Grubb getting a grand idea of having me perform in some way. My singing can best be described as "Shatner Style," if that gives you any type indication of my singing abilities.
And unfortunately, for my performing abilities, my dancing is only slightly better than my singing. So, I have no idea how I got drug out on the dance floor later in the evening. I'd like to think it was the cumulative effect the Long Island Iced Tea's (yes, plural) had on my inhibitions. More than likely, though, it was the amount of fun I was having that let me drop my guard.
It's obvious that the love shared between Rock of Ages and its fans is a two-way street. "We have our photos up around town - L.S.B., Robbies, a lot of these places have embraced us," says Hittmeier.
"The crowning feature is that we've been voted the No. 1 local band four years in a row in the Herald & Review's Readers' Choice awards," adds Grubb. "We have a nice thing that works well together. It's all about the joy of playing."
So much joy, in fact, that Hittmeier, who is mother to a toddler, isn't going to give-up her weekend avocation anytime soon. "I have to find a balance between work, playing and being at home with a toddler," she says. "There's no way I'm going to give it up! It's fun; it's a creative outlet."
"This is fun. If we didn't play for two to three weeks, I'd miss it," adds Grubb. "I eat lunch once a week with Dave (Morrow).
"You're touching on something no one else is touching on."
Phil Hazenfield
Favorite Bands: The Eagles, Cryan Shames (60's Chicago band), Amazing Rhythm Aces and Lynrd Skynrd
Who is the musician you would most like to meet, and why? Unfortunately, the one person I would like to have met and talked to has passed away. James Jamerson was the ultimate bass player for Motown, and he played on nearly every major hit that label had in the 60's for such groups as The Temptations, Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Martha & the Vandellas, etc. Check out Standing in the Shadow of Motown DVD for a great concert and the story of the Funk Brothers.
Where do you see Rock of Ages in the next 10 years? I really think we could be playing, at least in some capacity. I've always thought a walker would make a really great bass amp stand.
Jon Grubb
Favorite Bands: Robert Randolph Family Band, Doug and the Slugs, Bob Seger and Bare Naked Ladies
Who is the musician you would most like to meet, and why? I think Eric Clapton. Besides being an incredible musician, he has lived a sad, but interesting life. He has battled addictions, was in a number of "super-groups," fell in love with his best friend's wife ("wrote a song about it, wanna hear it, here it goes"), and lost a child in a devastating accident. It would seem, at the very least, he is a survivor!
Where do you see Rock of Ages in the next 10 years? Well, DURING the next five, playing. At 10 years, five or six of us will be pushing 70, so I imagine we'll plan a bus trip from the "home" to see Cayla sit-in with her niece, Chloe's, band (her niece is a diva, too!).
David Morrow
Favorite Band(s): Steeley Dan and The Eagles
Who is the musician you would most like to meet and why: Walter Becker and Donald Fagen (Steeley Dan). It's their unique song writing abilities that have allowed Steeley Dan to endure for more than 30 years.
Where do you see Rock of Ages in the next 10 years? Still playing in some form or another. All of us are performance junkies. Maybe I'll die on stage; that would be a tough act to follow. No encore.
Larry Clark
Favorite Bands: Many, many good ones. Major influences: The Beatles, The Byrds, Queen, Rush, Gentle Giant (British 70's progressive group), Les Paul, Chet Atkins and my dad (Larry Sr.)
Who is the musician you would most like to meet, and why? It's probably a toss-up between Les Paul and Brian May of Queen. Les Paul is an unbelievable living legend with all he has accomplished and inspired, and Brian May, in my opinion, plays with more beauty, majesty and power than any other rock guitarist (plus how many rock guitarists out there have a PhD in astrophysics?).
Where do you see Rock of Ages in the next 10 years? I do hope we're still playing in some capacity, but at the stages of life we are all at now, that could be tough. But I've promised myself that I will play in whatever way I can, as much as I can and as long as I can. It's the secret to everlasting youth, as far as I'm concerned.
Doug Nicholson
Favorite Bands: The Beatles, James Taylor, Chicago, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Bill Evans, Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Chicago Symphony, etc.
Who is the musician you would most like to meet, and why? The best concert I attended as a youth was Stevie Wonder, and I think he would be fun to meet. He's such a multi-talented composer/performer, and he sustained the quality and quantity of his musical output over an incredibly long period of time.
Where do you see Rock of Ages in the next 10 years? The positive attitude in this band prevents me from seeing anything negative in the future. Performing seems to keep the positive energy going, and helps us ignore any problems involving our age. I just see us having a good time on stage as long as an audience shows up and has a good time too.
Cayla Hittmeier
Favorite Bands: Of all time, I would probably say The Commodores. There's not a song I dislike by them.
Who is the musician you would most like to meet, and why? Faith Hill, I love her soulful voice.
Where do you see Rock of Ages in the next 10 years? Well, probably half of them in nursing homes - ha-ha, just kidding. We'll be rocking still, but I will most likely have to drive all the guys to each gig. (NOTE: insert smiley fact)
Marvin Knox
Favorite Band(s): Earth, Wind and Fire, Mint Condition and Lo' Key
Who is the musician you would most like to meet, and why? Maceo Parker. He was a saxophone player for James Brown and now plays with Prince. He's one of the first sax players whose solos I learned to play. It was from James Brown's "Cold Sweat, Part I and II." And throughout my career, he's never stopped playing. He was never rich and famous or a superstar, but he's never been begging for bread.
Where do you see Rock of Ages in the next 10 years? Hopefully, some of us that are present members now will still be members and we'll have had to replace others. I see us still going.
Stephen Jackson
Favorite Bands: Blood Sweat and Tears, Tower of Power, Chicago (horn bands). I also love big band going clear back to the 20's
Who is the musician you would most like to meet, and why? In studying for my vocal solo this year with the Decatur Municipal Band I realized who that performer is. This year one of the selections I am singing is "Send in the Clowns." In my study I have been listening to Barbara Streisand's recording of "Send in the Clowns." Just listening to her still brings tears to my eyes. She is with out a doubt the most talented singer I have ever heard and would love to meet her. I think it a shame that such a talent is not performing, her voice is just one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard.
Where do you see Rock of Ages in the next 10 years? Participating in the evolvement of ROA has been a fun filled experience. While the band keeps changing it seems to just keep going. We all remember the bands of our youth, where egos eventually seemed to get in the way and things fell apart. ROA is not like that at all, we are all great friends and the fun just never stops. Neither does the B.S. But as people have come and gone the basic core and character of the group has remained intact. I can see ROA going on as long as there are people out there that enjoy watching good friends playing feel-good rock and roll music and having great fun. The names may change but the music just goes on and on, and so will ROA.
Name: Ralf Pansch
Instrument: iPod (unfortunately)…at least until Larry teaches me bass
Day Job: Special Projects Editor, Herald & Review
Favorite Band(s): Led Zeppelin, Audioslave, U.K., King Crimson, Mission U.K., The Firm and the David Coverdale/Jimmy Page collaboration
Who is the musician you would most like to meet, and why? Easy: Jimmy Page. I spoke w/ him in 1988 on one of those call-in radio shows. I was so nervous about not saying anything stupid, I, to this day, can't remember what I asked him. I do remember he was very cordial and polite. I'd love to talk to him about the big picture he saw when he formed Zeppelin and his philosophy on recording. To me, he's the Stravinsky/Mahler/Wagner of rock music.
