May 24–31, 2001

naked city

Reality Check

VH1 is currently casting for the second season of Bands on the Run. We asked some local bands what they think of the show and if they would ever go on. Here are their replies (via e-mail):

Scott Rodgers, Three 4 Tens:

VH-wonders: Local rockers Three 4 Tens would gladly log time on Bands on the Run.

Of course, I’d go on the show. It’s about as far away from real-life D.I.Y. indie-band touring as you could get — hence the appeal. For starters, you get $20 a day per band member, and your transportation, lodging AND shows are provided for you? Sounds great! Touring should be so easy! Plus, I think the Three 4 Tens are far more interesting as personalities than any of the well-manicured rich kids on that show. I only hope they would film an off night with us at the bar. Not to mention all the sales we could rack up from being on that show — and, of course, the eventual Behind the Music (or, at the very least, Before They Were Rock Stars ) down the road. Sign us up!

Lauren Hamilton, lead guitarist of KeN:

I would encourage KeN to try out for the show, but would hope we didn’t get picked, because I think saying that we were show rejects will have more cred. Just trying out may give us some rock network connections. I think being on that show would be bad for a band, a bit of over-exposure. I think the mystery of what celebs/rock stars are like as real people is what keeps people/fans interested. I would bore people into hating KeN with my sparkling personality.

Robert Fanelli, The Beach Balls:

	Ready to get real: The Beach Balls, gangstas in training.

The Beach Balls are too old, but damn, we’ve got gangsta rapper-type street cred. With Ed’s drug use, and James’ kills (he shot and killed someone with a handgun), and my combination of alcohol and drug use, eccentricities and irresistible charm, we’d be a fun band to watch. We did apply to VH1 for their "cover band" competition thing coming up.

Dallas, drummer of Thorazine:

A few years back, MTV was looking for people for another Real World show. Our label felt it would be a good idea to apply so we hopped right in there and applied. I mean with us, you don’t have to rent a house or send us on wild nights to get some interaction for the show. We’re a rock band that lives together under one roof and have for years. We have the multi-cultural thing built right in! We have a black guy, a Jewish guy, a woman and a long-haired Nordic guy. We even have a roommate that lives with us to watch the house and pets (one dog and two turtles) and he’s got a girlfriend and lotsa sexy goings on. Hell, they have the Jacuzzi in their room! But it was not to be. We were too OLD! They felt the cut-off age to keep the viewers interested was 27. Needless to say, we got a nice "get yo’ ass some Geritol" letter.