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Staind Rocks at Spotlight 29
Article: Jill Doyle, Photos: Ron Doyle
It has been said behind every great musical act is at least ten years of legwork prior to becoming successful. While popular American rock band Staind took about half that amount (they formed in 1993 and secured a record deal in 1998,) establishing themselves took time. After extensive touring with other established metal acts helped them sell 2,000 copies of their self-released debut, by 1997 they were primed for a big break, and the hard work paid off. After Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst witnessed the band open up a Bizkit show, he signed them and co-produced their 1999 breakthrough Dysfunction and there was no turning back. Nine years, six studio albums, and multiple chart-topping singles later, the band has sold 15 million records worldwide.
It was on this rock star foundation that Staind rolled into the always enjoyable showroom at Spotlight 29. Sporting a state-of-the-art light show that dazzled even this seasoned concert goer, the band ran thru a powerhouse set that included hits like “"It's Been a While," "Fade," "For You," and "Epiphany”, a few rare songs and of course the show-stopping “Believe”.
Post-grunge California groovers Hoobastank opened the show with a solid set that included their hits “Crawling In The Dark,” “Running Away,” and “Out Of Control.” Interestingly enough, Hoobastank got their career break around the same time as Staind.
Before the show, we were able to get an exclusive backstage interview just for Tribal Entertainment. Enjoying a cold beverage and cigarette inside his large white motor home, founding member Aaron Lewis relaxed behind a coffee table.
TE: Do you notice any difference in the fans playing for a native casino?
AL: A fan is a fan. In the past, most of the LA fans sat back in their seats with fold arms. But when we played at the Nokia Theater in Downtown LA a couple of days ago, the fans were off the hook. We have been playing show after show these last couple of weeks and my voice hurts. I hope it is okay for tonight.
TE: Is there any song that you have wrote that sums up your life or experiences?
AL: All the songs I write relate to who I am and where I have been. When you write lyrics you write them in such a way that many people can relate to them. What you may think a song is about is not always the case. For example the song “Epiphany” is about A.D.D. but when you listen to the song you would never tie the two together.
TE: How tough is it for the four of you to be on tour for months on end, being away from your families, and how supportive are they?
AL: As far as Mike, Jon, Johnny go we have been together for 15 years. We are more like business partners as our fans won’t let us stop playing. We have the best fans and disappointing them is out of the question. I have three daughters at the ages of 7, 4, and 1.5 years old, two sisters and a brother. We all live within a short drive of one another and will get together for BBQ’s and birthday parties. It is difficult to be away from my daughters so much and watching them grow-up.
TE: Is there a specific song that you like playing that the rest of the band gives you grief about?
AL: Yes indeed. When I play alone with just my acoustical guitar and stool, I play songs by Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, and even some Poison “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”
TE: (Randomly Aaron started telling this story)
AL: I went to Russia with Pauley Shore and he decides he was going to take me to a Russian Bathhouse. Now Pauly can talk with a feminine flair and I was more than a little concerned about where we were going (he said with a smile). When we walked in it was like the Russian Mafia Men’s Club; large round men sitting in tubs, guns, cigars, and hot and cold pools. We went into a large sauna with multiple levels of seating. The higher you were the hotter it was. After a while one of the staff members came in with two handfuls of small eucalyptus branches. He beat my back with them and rub them deep into my skin to release the natural oils. It was a great experience.
TE: You received your first big break in 1997 when you were the opening act for Limp Bizkit. Tell us about the experience.
AL: The first night we were to take the stage, Fred Durtz of Limp Bizkit barged into our dressing room, threw a copy of our first CD on the table, and told us were we out after this show, He was not going to have devil worshipers as an opening act. Our cover art could be interpreted in may ways just like our songs. And what Fred saw he did not like. After the show came up to us and said “you guys rocked” and we could stick around. Since then Fred has become a close friend. Fred is producing movies now but we still talk and get together from time to time.
TE: What continues to drive you night after night after all these years?
AL: Our fans. We are lucky in every way; as a band, all the years, all the music, all the fans, and all the time. We enjoy what we do.
TE: What are some of your favorite clubs back home near Springfield, Connecticut and why?
AL: All the clubs we used to play at are closed down. One of may favorites was a a club called “Infinity” We first played there on A Thursday night in 1994. By 11:00 they were completely sold out of beer. After that we would play that club one Friday a month. Every time they would run out of beer because they would let in too many people, management could never get the beers per person up to where it needed to be. (as he laughed).
TE: What is your favorite song by Staind and why?
AL: “Zoe Jane” and it is obvious.
FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND:
TE: Chicken or steak?
AL: Steak all the way! No dirty birds scratching around in the dirt, fowl is loul
TE: Blonde or Brunette?
AL: Brunette
TE: Dog or Cat?
AL: Dog
TE: Lakers or Celtics
AL: Celtics! (with a look of “are you kidding me” on his face)
TE: New England or So Cal
AL: New England
TE: What do you like about playing in Native American Casinos?
AL: Seth Holmes books our shows. I have played in most them. Other than Spotlight 29, we enjoyed playing at Pechanga. Some of the Native American Casino are looking for acts like “Tom Jones” or “Paul Anka”. Those same Casinos aren’t willing to take a chance on a band of our genre. One of my favorite places to play is Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. Back in February I played 15 sold out shows in a row there. The venue normally seats about 6,000. Since it was just me and my acoustical guitar on a stool, we were able to squeeze in 7,900. That was great and the fans were awesome. Of course, I enjoyed playing golf today on the Bob Hope course. Palm Springs is beautiful this time of year!
(Editor’s note- Tribal Entertainment wishes to thank Spotlight 29 and Aaron Lewis for granting us the exclusive interview.)
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This was a great article
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--- James Alto ( 2009-10-07 11:26:52) Report Spam
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