Rock band talks about fame and coming home.
SAGINAW -- They are the newest rock band to make it big from Michigan: Pop Evil. Much like the band’s breakthrough hit “Hero”, the members of the band are often treated as hometown heroes when they play shows back in their home state.
The Muskegon-based quintet was originally scheduled to perform last week with Saving Abel at the Dow Event Center before a case of H1N1 forced the cancellation of the show.
Not wanting to let the fans down, Pop Evil held a meet and greet party at the Perry’s Schuch Hotel Sunday night. Four members of the band spoke with NBC25 about their national success, following in the tradition of Michigan rock stardom, and some of rock n’ roll’s misconceptions.
“I had my 40 hours a week job,” said bassist Matt DiRito on life before the band. He can relate to the high energy fans give out at homecoming concerts; something that can mean more given Michigan’s economic challenges.
“I was always looking for a good release on the weekends, to go out to a good show. I think especially being a Michigan band like ourselves who have lived here and been through all of that, people really come out to support us give us all they've got,” DiRito said.
Guitarist Tony Greve hails the tradition that began with greats like Bob Seger, Alice Cooper, MC5, Grand Funk Railroad, and continued with newer bands like The White Stripes, Kid Rock and well… Pop Evil.
"Whatever it is man, it runs in the Great Lakes,” Greve said. “It runs in the Michigan blood. It's pretty amazing to be apart of that and to be able to say we come from the great state of Michigan."
Pop Evil toured with Whitesnake and Judas Priest this past summer. They can now call childhood idols friends, said guitarist Dave Grahs.
“I remember being young and drawing Metallica pictures and listening to Tesla and to actually meeting the guys and being on tour with them and learning a lot about the business from them you know? It’s just been great,” he said.
While fame and stardom can carry many benefits, there are several misconceptions according to drummer Dylan Allison.
As soon as you get a record deal you are rich and have money, everything is taken care for, it's all easy street after you get signed,” he said, speaking of the things that don’t typically happen right away.
“It's like, once you get signed you have to prove yourself to your hometown and you have to prove yourself to the country,” Allison said.
Pop Evil return to Mid-Michigan next month. They will play at the Machine Shop in Flint on December 17.
