One of my best friends makes (and has made for years) his living from rock ’n’ roll. I say it off-the-cuff like that, like it’s nothing, like it’s easy, but you know, it’s not.
I mean, how many artists do you know? How many painters, how many writers, how many musicians? Who aren’t substitute teachers or waiters, or telemarketers on the side? There are relatively few people with his kind of talent combined with drive, who can eat and pay rent by doing what they love to do. If I did not absolutely and totally love who he is with everything I am, I think I might envy him.
I met him when we were in high school, and even then I recognized his talent for what it was, as flighty and misguided as I was. He taught me everything I know about integrity and honesty.
His band, Local H, is now on Day 2 of a week-long set of sold-out shows at Chicago’s Beat Kitchen.
Local H is a band comprised of my dear friend Scott Lucas and Brian St. Clair, (of Chicago’s Rights of the Accused and the wondrous Triple Fast Action).
You might be familiar with one or two of Local H’s songs without even knowing it: Bound for the Floor (which can be found here) or Eddie Vedder (which I can’t find anywhere that I can link to, but trust me, you’ve probably heard it).
This week-long series of shows is a kickoff to a US tour in support of their newest album, Twelve Angry Months, a concept record of 12 songs representing each month in a year of overcoming a major relationship breakup.
You can see if they’ll be touring anywhere near you at LOCALH.COM – The Official Local H Website.
I’m unbelievably sad and envious that I will not get to see them live at ANY of these shows. I would be singing my bloody guts out to every song, if I could.
These are just two incredibly talented, laid-back, down-to-earth, normal guys who happen to frickin’ rock.
Check out these dynamite photos, all taken by the gifted Matt Birhanzel of ShatterTheLens.com > Home
Hmmm. June 10th in Portland…
By: Joyce on May 9, 2008
at 6:47 am
Heather…I love Local H and am so envious that you are “in” with them!!! I have loved them for years! They get lots of play on the radio here (in MA)
By: Jillian on May 9, 2008
at 9:50 am
Groupies are hot! I’m totally way diggin’ you even more now! I’ve never heard of these guys before *runs off to check em out* Thanks Rocker chica!
By: lisaloveloca on May 9, 2008
at 10:38 am
Joyce: If you like loud and high energy rock shows, you’ll enjoy it. Watch out for the crazy kids in the pit, however.
Jillian: Cool! Are they playing near you anytime soon?
Lisa: What do you mean you’ve never heard of them before?! I thought you’d read the entire internet.
By: heatherinparadise on May 9, 2008
at 11:09 am
i will have to have a listen… one of my frind’s sons is in a band that has won some local competitions… not as polished as your guys, but the oldest in the band only just turned 16, soooo…
http://www.foreverydayrock.com/Site%204/Welcome.html
By: charmarie221 on May 9, 2008
at 12:16 pm
Wow, has James read this yet? He’ll be calling them for tips about how to quit his day job so he can rock out full time…
I agree, it’s awesome that they are able to do this for a living. How fun for you that you know them and know about their story. I’ll check out their music on the interweb.
By: Julie A. on May 10, 2008
at 3:27 pm
Oops I missed a spot! LOL
By: lisaloveloca on May 14, 2008
at 3:49 pm