DRIvIN' RAIN- 1994-2003 YEARS IN REVIEW. Features highlights from new and past News Letters. Cool band facts, and history. Plus storys and photos of some current and ex-DRIvIN' RAIN Members. ~ This page is currently under construction and LOTS more will be added.~

DRIVIN' RAIN was formed in the summer of 1994 in Cape Girardeau Missouri. The town sits on the banks of the Mississippi River, and is just south of St. Louis, and north of Memphis. (Cape is also the home town of radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh.) Cape Girardeau is located approximately 100 miles south of St. Louis, nestled between the Mississippi River and Interstate-55. Cape Girardeau has a population of more than 36,000 people and is the commercial, educational, and medical center of the southeast Missouri region. Although Cape Girardeau is known for its small town atmosphere and hospitality, it is estimated that as many as 90,000 people come into the city daily to work, shop, attend classes at Southeast Missouri State University, or receive medical care from the two full-service hospitals. Rising from the bedrock of the Mississippi River, concrete spires emerge from the water like monoliths from a science fiction movie. Meanwhile, graders move earth along the shores of the river, preparing for a road that by 2015 is expected to carry 26,000 cars across the river in and out of Cape Girardeau every day.

Timexx Nasty had been singing in bands around Cape since age 13. He bagan his love for music at a young age. Timexx's first concert was Krokus and Dokken at the Arena in Cape. Later he saw concerts from bands like like Black Oak Arkansas, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Guns N, Roses, Megadeth, Poison, Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, KISS, Motley Crue, and others. Massive rock concerts like these gave the young Mr. Nasty a dream, and a hope for a better tommorow. One that would feature his presence on a stage. He had recorded his first LP "Killing Time" (T.C.B. Records) with Stage Crew at age 16. Nasty later moved on to other local rock/metal bands like Tezer, Timexx, Passion Play, Forcer, and Briar~Rose. Then on to Beggars Jury, A semi-national hard rock/metal act that received some nationwide attention with it's debut album "Just Because We Can" (uncle fetus records) in 1991. Following Beggars Jury's breakup in 1992, Timexx went to short stints with Witness The Band, and Nasty Granny. But after not finding exactly what he was looking for, he decided to start his own group. “I was determined to start my own band. So I would not work hard to promote a band, only to have it break up and fall apart. I saw guys like David Coverdale of Whitesnake and Ronnie James Dio, who would change line-ups every year or so, but still keep their bands alive.” With his massive metal vision Timexx sets out to find the right line up for his new creation. He remembers, “The first guy on my list was Tommy DeWolf, he’s ALWAYS been my favorite guitarist and best friend.”

Timexx and SEMO student Tommy DeWolf first met camping out for Alice Cooper tickets. DeWolf say's "It was the late 80's and Cooper was coming to town. And that's where I met Timexx." Timexx remembers, "We were like the only two idiots out there. Tommy had on a black leather biker jacket, black shades and a fifth of whiskey. We found out that we were both musicians and we hooked up on the spot." They played together in several local cover bands through the last half of the 80's.

DeWolf was a local rock veteran, and had played with bands like DeWolf Pack, RISK, Diligence, Nasty Granny and in Stage Crew, Tezer, Forcer, and Bad Dreams with Timexx. However, Tommy was currently recording with the band Thunder Bay in Illinois. But he agreed to try and do both bands. "I really wanted to be in DRIvIN' RAIN, but, I was working with some good friends in another band. And I just didn't want to walk out on them." Timexx adds "I was also friends with the guys from Thunder Bay, so I respected Tommy for staying with them."

Timexx and Tommy set out to find the rest of the band. "We knew we wanted some guys from outside of Cape. Someone no one knew here in town" said Nasty. The boys run an ad in the local Carbondale Nightlife's Wanted Ads. When the ad runs in the next weeks issue the boys find who they are looking for. Tommy says "You couldn't have planed it any better. Our ad says, "Singer and Guitarist Looking to Form Rock Band". Just below ours, was an ad that said, "Drummer and Bassist Looking to Join Rock Band". Ba-da-bing-ba-da-boom! Timexx calls the duo and sets up a meeting." Nasty says "I called and talked to Brad Dutton, who had played with a band called Frozen Rose around Carbondale. And a cool dude named Joe DeGrave, who I knew of from Broadway."

Brad Dutton lives in Cave-In-Rock Illinois a town famous for its pirates and outlaws. However, Dutton may be Cave-In-Rock's finest treasure and newest legend. Brad and Joe had formed the band Broadway in 1988 which led him to other bands like Quik Adixion, Axiom and later Frozen Rose. He reached #1 overseas when his former band Frozen Rose released a self titled CD in 1991. Brad is one of the most visual and talented drummers in the Midwest. His drum style has been compared to that of legendary skin bashers Tommy Aldridge, Scott Rockenfield, and Tommy Lee. "Dutton is the most powerful drummer around, utilizing over-the-top-fills which should destroy most kits." (Nightlife 4/6/95) Dutton is a key part of the groups success. Brad is the drive behind the rain.

Joe Degrave's musical journey began as a lead vocalist for a keg party band around southern Illinois. And then on to bands like Quik Adixion, Spittin' Image, Axiom, and later with Heavens Rage. But DeGrave wasn't happy with his roll as a lead singer. He felt he wasn't meant to be a front man, like Timexx was. So Joe decided to conquer the big four-string. Joe DeGrave's diverse percussive playing style and performing with every ounce of energy. He gives DRIVIN' RAIN the pulsating grind which rumbled through the heart and mind. "Bassist Degrave anchors the groove in an almost nonchalant way. It's good that he concentrates on the groove, as Nasty has a voice that only dogs can sometimes hear."(Nightlife 4/6/95)

Timexx had rented a warehouse on S. Louisiana in Cape Girardeau for the band to practice in. So Joe, Brad and soundman Steve Board drove to Cape for the meeting. Timexx remembers "They pull up in an old beat up white van with the words White Zombie spray painted on the side, with a big Anarchy sign. I liked them right off!" After a night of drinking and jamming the band pack is sealed.

The boys spend months working on music, and putting together the perfect show. They lived weeks at a time in the warehouse, they even had to sleep on the floor. But it was all worth it, as the songs piled together. The band even did a few surprise shows for the workers of the local Thorngate Factory. Timexx says "We had this big door we could open, and it would be right where all these factory workers would sit to smoke, and eat lunch. So we would open the doors and play for them. My Mom worked there and would hear all the talk about us around the plant. One day some girls were in the bathroom, and they were saying all these wounderfully dirty things about me. Well my Mom was in there too, but she just smiled, and never told them she was my Mom. I had her point them out, so I could talk with those girls later. The boys threw a Privet Halloween Bash on October 22 1994 at the Warehouse as a Sneak Peek Show, for some very special female guests!

However the next day Tommy tells the band that he would have to devote more time to Thunder Bay and would not have time for DRIvIN' RAIN. Tommy remembers "Thunder Bay was just about to put out a CD and I felt dedicated to stay with the project, then it devolved a few months later." Timexx says "I tried to warn Tommy to stay with us. I knew Thunder Bay was having trouble with their singer and he was going to quit. But Tommy felt he should stay with them anyway. So I had to find a replacement." Tommy would remain out of the Raingang for almost five years, until he returns in 1999.

So Timexx, Brad, and Joe started looking for a replacement for Tommy. They tried out many people for the spot. A guitarist from an OzzY Tribute band, and some other local freaks. But no one seemed right for this project. The only other guitarist they could think of was Arick Reeder. After a short long distance phone call, Arick Agrees to join the new band.

Arick Reeder had played with Brad in Frozen Rose, and had also done some work with Joe in other projects. So it seemed Arick was the right man for the job. Reeder brought a technical ingredient to the band. He also added a blues tinge to the mix. "Guitarist Reeder is quite a find, using blinding fret-speed more than anything else to complete the metal sound of the group."(Nightlife 4/6/95)

Next the band needed a name. Timexx says "I had a working name of OUTLAW SERENADE. It was from a line in a Jon Bon Jovi song. And I kind of had this idea of a Southern Metal band. To look like Molly Hatchet but sound like Tesla." So the band is formed under the name OUTLAW SERENADE. They quickly book a show in Dowell Illinois, at a club called Van Zandt’s. Timexx had been playing this club for years with Beggars Jury, so it seemed to be a great place to break in a new band. On December 16 & 17 1995, Timexx, Brad, Joe, and Arick step on stage for the first time. The boys pound out song after song, of nonstop rock. With a energy that seemed to light the entire room. Completing the sound is something most metal bands of the area avoid, background vocals. On tunes like Collective Soul's "Shine," DRIvIN' RAIN uses three-part harmonies that many rock/pop combos forget exist, or shy away from. The boys get the packed house up on their feet. Timexx wades through the sea of girls to reach a chair in the middle of the room, where he belts out a drivin' version of 4 NonBlonde's "Whats Up?", then swims through the crowd during a cover of Melissa Ethridge's "I'm The Only One." The band makes several new friends at this show. And they promise to return very soon. However after the show two things were clear. One, this band KICKED ASS! And Two, they were not a Southern Rock band, The band's name would have to be changed. But changed to what? That was the hard question the boys would pounder for awhile.

The boys headed back to Cape and prepare to perfect the show, and to think of a good band name. Timexx tells us "We had two more shows booked and we need to get every thing right. So we spent a month working on more songs, and thinking of names. We all had names we liked alot. But none of us could agree on anything. We had agents calling us and saying this bar in Virgina is needs to put your bands name on the sign. But we didn't have one yet." Names like Dirty Weapons, Misery's Company, Warcry, and Playground were all being kicked around. But none seemed to fit the band. Timexx tells us, “We really needed a name, but we couldn't find anything that seemed right. So we decided to take a break and walk across the street to get some more beer. And just as we all step outside the sky opens up and rains like hell. A good hard, cold, sideways, January rain beat down on us relentlessly. Then Brad says, "Damn it’s just a drivin’ rain". And I say, "THAT’S IT! DRIvIN’ RAIN! That’s our new name!" Everyone agreed and we went in, dried off, and called our agent.”

With the new name sealed, DRIvIN' RAIN was set to do its first show. On February 3 and 4 1995, the boys debut the new band on Broadway, at Players in Cape Girardeau. And DRIvIN' RAIN is on its way. The group centers their covers around late eighties metal such as Guns N' Roses and Judas Priest, but also makes successful forays into newer, grungier material such as Alice in Chains and Live. The group promises that originals and a demo are in the works. The sign out front of the bar said TIMEXX, but the band inside the bar was DRIvIN' RAIN.

The next day the band packs up the gear and travels to Virgina Minnesota. Where they play February 8, 9, 10, & 11th 1995 at Norman's Nightclub. DRIvIN' RAIN pulled into town under cover of a blinding snow. Several feet an hour had fallen on the town of Virgina over night, and the Missouri bad boys were in town to heat it up. Timexx tells us "We get to the bar and there is a phone booth out front of the place, and it was covered in snow, about half way up the side of the thing. And snow just kept coming down, it never seemed to let up. We were freaking out, but the local folks just acted like it was nothing. I sware I had never seen so much fucking snow in my life! If that much snow would come down in my home town, it would be shut down for weeks. We were not ready for this kind of cold, we had each grabed our heaviest Missouri leather coats. But it did nothing at all to keep us warm. So we spent much of the time inside the bar. We lived in that place for like a week." The club was nice enough to let the band stay in some empty rooms up stairs. Each member had their own room to stay in for the week. The bar was just down stairs, luckily they opened early and closed late. Timexx remembers "The local folks treated us GREAT! When they found out we was from Missouri, people started bringing us pots of hot chili and stuff to eat. All the girls knew we were staying up stairs, so they would sneek up, and wait for us after the show. Hell on Friday night, I get to my room, and two fine looking local girls are in my bed, naked, waiting for me. I open the door and one girl says, "We heard you were cold last night, so we thought we'd stay tonight and keep you warm. Of course I stripped down and crawled in the middle!" The shows were awsome, and the band was amazing. Nasty tells us "People seemed to trip out that we played real rock they just went nuts. We sold a box of t-shirts in that town alone! It was such a cool bar and a great place to play. We'd come back to Virgina and play anytime! THOSE PEOPLE FUCKING ROCK!!!" Timexx and Joe have the chance to meet some members from the classic rock band CROW. DeGrave told us "We spent about an hour just talking to them about, rock n roll, then and now. Great bunch of guys, and kick ass band." It wouldn't be long and DRIvIN' RAIN would return to Virigina for another round of fun.

March 1 & 2 1995, DRIvIN' RAIN plays a show in a little bar in Eden called The Garden. Timexx says "We had known this girl named Melissa Rose who lived in Eden, she begged us to come and play. And I knew some of the guys from HEAD EAST lived just up the road in Sparta. So it seemd like fun to me." The boys set up in the small club for a weekend of Raingang madness. The owner was very cool and everyone had tons of fun!

March 10 & 11, back at Players in Cape. Where the DRIvIN' RAIN boys rocked the packed house, with a massive dose of metal and rock. The hometown crowd was jazzed to see this hot new band. The whole town seemed ready to get down to some real rocking. Many members of other local bands popped into Players to catch the show. It was a great gig and the boys had lots of fun!

APRIL 5,6,7,& 8 1995 it was back to Normans in Virgina for another weeklong batch of fun. DRIvIN' RAIN headed out to play for all our northern yankee friends. The band did a all out rock n roll onslaught of metal madness for the packed house. Drummer Dutton tolds us. "All week we had a great crowd and we made lots of new friends." Again the boys stayed up stairs above the club in the old rooms that were up there. Singer Timexx Nasty remembers. "We got our selves into some big trouble this trip. After the show saturday night we had a two day layover in Virgina before we went to St. Paul. And we kind of got crazy Sunday in the building all by our selfs. So we decided to pull a prank on Arick that night. See his room was at the end of this long hallway across from a bathroom. And after he went to sleep we took the light bulb out of his end of the hall, then we poured water all in the carpet outside of his room, so he'd get soopsock soon as he steped out. We knew he would go straight into the bathroom, so we took out that bulb too. The we put shaveing cream all over the toilet and water facet. we also turned off the water and took all the T.P. and hand towles. So he would not be able to clean up. We then took all the mattress off the beds in the unused rooms and barracaded him into that end of the hall." Bassist Joe Degrave said. "After all the work we did we were afraid we wouldn't hear him trying to get out and miss the funny part. So we ran a rope all the way down the hall to our rooms and attached it to a big sack of beer cans, that way we would hear the bag fall when he moved the mattresses." Reeder told us, "It all worked out great, I fell for everything just as they had planned it to go down. They got me good! It's was so good I had to go and call my Dad to laugh about it and tell him of the joke they pulled." The trouble came when the bar owner stoped in first thing in the morning before the band could clean up. And he when crazy. Shit hit the fan and he orderd the band out, saying that the Cops were on the way to arrest everyone. Nasty says "We were going to clean up and he'd have never even knew about it. But he got there before we did it. I think he tought we broke all the stuff, and that was why he flipped out on us. We did a quick clean up and hit the road. Our Agent Mark told us to get the fuck out of town ASAP. He booked us a room in St. Paul so we went there and hide out untill Mark could calm down the bar owner. After he saw we didn't break anything, everything was better. But we would like to say we are Sorry for getting him mad. And we'd love to come back and play anytime."

APRIL 12,1995 the Raingang slids into St. Paul Mn. For a one night stand at Ryan’s Nightclub. It’s a huge club that sits at 4th & Sibley. The snow was falling in bucket loads. And the band was ready to rock the house. However The band is waiting for the soundman to fire up the PA, but he never shows up. Just then the Club Manager storms into the dressing room wanting to know WHY the band wasn't on stage yet. After explaning that the clubs house soundman was missing he goes to check on him, they find out the local soundtech for the club had been arrested up the street for buying crack. So DRIvIN' RAIN had to have their sound guy run this system he knew nothing about. The crowd that showed up was very pleased to hear old school hard rock. And DRIvIN' RAIN was sure pleased to give it to them!

DRIvIN' RAIN did many shows through 1995, all of them rocked! Here are just a few of the other shows the band did that year.

April 28 & 29, DRIvIN' RAIN returnd to The Garden Of Eden. Local rock hero Roger Boyd from HEAD EAST came and hung out with DRIVIN' RAIN on this show. He listened to the band, and talk with them during the break. Sharing some great, old, Head East road stories, with the band.

May 16, 17, 18, 19, & 20, DRIvIN' RAIN was in Kansas City Missouri at The Nightlife. The boys did five days of all out heavy metal thunder. On the last day some members from SHOOTING STAR stopped in to see the band they had been hearing so much about. They stuck around after the show to for some drinking and rock n roll fun. They boys had rooms at The Queens Motel nextdoot to the club. Timexx tells us "We had two rooms and a Taco Bell across the street, what more could we want."

June 16 & 17, it was back to Van Zandt's for another show. And the band had a great time doing some awsome Rock N Roll covers for the happy Rock N Roll crowd of locals. DRIvIN' RAIN tore the satge apart with a show many will not soon forget. Timexx says "Van Zandt's is a biker bar, so we always know how to play that rock that bikers love!" The following week at Van Zandt’s was Tommy DeWolf and Thunder Bay!

July 10 the band set up at Riverfest 95 in Downtown Cape Girardeau. For a show in the City Of Roses with Diligence, Thunder Bay, Gold Dust (with Stephanie Avila), Brix, and Eulogy. The show was in The Civic Center parking lot, and was the last year Cape Girardeau would host a Riverfest Celebration.

October 13 & 14 1995, it was back to the Garden Of Eden. DRIvIN' RAIN rolled into town for yet another weekend of grave fun and rock n roll madness. The boys pound out enough metal to build a ship.

DRIvIN' RAIN also played the first of many shows at Hurley's Showbar in Johnson City. IL. A club where Minnesota Fats would play. And bands like Black Oak Arkansas and Head East once did shows. This club would be very important to DRIvIN' RAIN over the next several years.

But more changes were in store for DRIvIN' RAIN in 1996, when the other founding members, Brad Dutton, and Joe DeGrave, leave the band.

Brad Dutton leaves do to disagreements with new band management, and because he was getting married. Plus the distance between Cave-In-Rock Illinois and Cape Girardeau Missouri is about 3 hours, so it was getting very hard for Brad to travel that distance three times a week.

Joe DeGrave also leaves, do to the stress of losing our good friend Melissa in a Car Accident. "The band and I were all just crushed when Melissa died. But for Joe, it was the final blow, he just needed some time away from everything. I guess it seemed a good time to go since Brad was leaving also."

Now it was up to Timexx Nasty and Arick Reeder to carry on the DRIVIN' RAIN banner.

WE WILL BE ADDING A NEW PART HERE SOON! DRIvIN' RAIN- The Club Daze 1996-1998 (YEARS IN REVIEW). Will features highlights from past News Letters. Cool band facts, and history. Plus storys and photos of some ex-DRIvIN' RAIN Members. ~ This page is currently under construction~

DRIVIN' RAIN gets a old line up for the new Millennium. TIMEXX, the groups frontman, spokesperson, and vocalist, says it was time for a change. "The idea of DRIvIN' RAIN was always to be an original project. But over the years I've had a hard time finding guys that wanted to do the same thing. Most of the guys we had playing in this band before want to stay in the safe zone of cover band hell. Now don't get me wrong," Timexx goes on, "I had a great time doing covers. I was able to entertain thousands of people. But there comes a time when you have to do your own thing. And this is DRIvIN' RAIN's time."

People that have seen DRIvIN' RAIN in the past will love the new show. It's even more high energy than before. DRIvIN' RAIN had to wade through alot of musicians to get here. Some would leave to pursue other things outside of music. Others were fired for drug and alcohol abuse. We all like to party, but it can not get in the way of the show "You just can't cheat a crowd like that," says Timexx.

DRIvIN' RAIN now has TOMMY DeWOLF on guitar. Tommy has played in bands with Timexx in the past. In local cover bands like Stage Crew, Tezer, and Forcer. Tommy also recorded an album with now defunked Thunder Bay. He spent time on the road as the guitar slinger for Nasty Granny and played around Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Carbondale, Illinois with DeWolf Pack, Bad Dreams, and Dillagence. But Tommy can't wait to get out on the road with DRIVIN' RAIN. He's been very busy writing new music for DRIVIN' RAIN and a solo CD he hopes to put out in the near future.

Timexx and Tommy played together in several local cover bands through the last half of the 80's. Then Timexx joined Beggars Jury and released the album "Just Because We Can" (Uncle Fetus records) in 1991. Tommy went on to play with other bands. They rejoined for a brief time in 1993 and started Outlaw Serenade. However, DeWolf had already made a agreement with Thunder Bay to record a album.

After Tommy left the band changed it's name to DRIvIN' RAIN. Timexx later took the band and hit the road making DRIvIN' RAIN the hottest act on the club circuit. They were doing nonstop touring and playing every club they could get into, booking shows four to five nights a week. Now years later, DeWolf has returned to fill the spot he originally held as he is looking forward to lots of big thing as part of DRIvIN' RAIN. "It's so great to be back with Tommy. When we hit the stage together, Lord help us all!" states Timexx.

The other returning member to DRIvIN' RAIN is original drummer BRAD DUTTON! Brad helped to start the band back in 1994 when he and bassest Joe DeGrave ran a ad in "The Carbondale Nightlife " looking for a band. Timexx and tommy spotted it and gave the two a call. Soon they hooked up at a warehouse in Cape Girardeau Missouri and the bands was formed. "Brad has always been the REAL drummer in DRIvIN' RAIN" Timexx tells us "He had to leave for a while and it was real hard with out him." Brad Dutton had left the band after two years due to a marage, management disagreements and to deal with some personal things. But The Bradman is back and ready to kick ass. The king has returnd to rule his thron. Bradman says he can't wait to get into the studio and record the new original songs. "We want to have a live show that really works. With great originals and a few cool covers by new bands like Limp Bizkit, Creed, Buckcherry, Staind, and Godsmack. But still do some of our favorite bands like Queensryche and Metallica. Songs that people will be shocked and pleased to hear us play live."

The band will soon announce the new basest for DRIvIN' RAIN. We've had a few guys sitting in but we've yet to find the right guy. Tommy has a friend named Greg that we will be looking at next week. He just might be the one we need to fill out the band.

The Official DRIvIN' RAIN Homepage is going up now. It is on the Rose City Net web site at "DRIVINRAIN.net" The FIRST ONLINE DRIvIN' RAIN site can be found at "http://www.rocknworld.com/artist/drivinrain" This site has a message board for the bands friends to leave a note. The band also now has it's own Chat Room. It can be found on line at "http://www.egroups.com/drivinrain" You can also e-mail the band at DRIVINRAIN.

The band will be playing out live very soon. "We are already booking some dates for this summer and fall," Tommy tells us. Watch for shows with Jim Dandy's BLACK OAK ARKANSAS in the near future. Dates are being filled so contact the band for booking info.

DRIvIN' RAIN will be out doing NEW shows soon, Timexx says "When we get this thing rolling again lord help us all" Katy bar the doors! I think there gonna be a storm!

Spring of 2000 is here and soon folks across the country will be asking, where is the DRIVIN' RAIN? And the Raingang is ready to answer that
question. A Midwest Summer tour is being booked now for DRIVIN' RAIN.

The band will be doing many club dates and several showcases. Shows in Carbondale IL, Cape Girardeau MO, St. Louis MO, Mt. Vernon IL, Sauget IL, Chaffee Mo, Cairo Il, Harrisburg Il, Memphis TN, and other towns will be announced soon. DRIVIN' RAIN is also planning a showcase date in cape Girardeau JUNE 10 at ROCK's with the bands DC TRYAL a 80's style Glam Metal band from Carbondale, IL. And DEEP REST a very cool original rock band from Cape Girardeau, MO. (Show starts at 9:00) All three bands are excellent live acts and feature tons of original music. Tickets for this show are on sale at the club. Another BIG ASS ROCK SHOW is set for JUNE 10 at JEREMIAH's in downtown Cape. DEEP REST will also open this show.

The band would also like to Officially introduce the newest member of

DRIVIN' RAIN. GREG "The Meister" WOLF is the Raingang's new bass player. Greg replaces Brian "Dogman" Russell who left under good terms and with the best of feelings. Brian departed to pursue his own musical passions. Rumors have it that the "Dogman" may soon be playing drums in his own band! And the boys wish him the best of luck.

Greg "The Meister" Wolf joined soon as the position was open in DRIVIN' RAIN. "When we first put the Original DRIVIN' RAIN back together we
of course asked Joe DeGrave to come back," The bands drummer Bradman tells us. "But Joe declined the offer due to personal reasons. We really needed someone to help out. And Brian Russell was there when we needed someone. He jumped right in there, but, he let us know up front that he wasn't going to be permanent. And it was very cool of him to do that." Brad goes on to add
"We needed someone to fill in, till we could find the right guy for the job. And then
Greg Wolf showed up."

Timexx Nasty remembers, "I'm sitting at the bar drinking Jack and Coke, when one of our crew guys John brings Greg over. And he says "Hi I'm the new bass player in your band, here's a shot." And he hands me a shot of
Jagermeister. Right off the bat the guys trying to kill me. So then he takes
me to Regina's House of Dolls and buys me my very own lap dance! I knew right then he was right. He WAS the new bass player for DRIvIN' RAIN." The Meister is also guitarist Tommy Dewolf's partner in crime. Tommy says "Greg really fits in with us, he's just as twisted as the rest of the band."

DRIvIN' RAIN will return to Froggys above Jeremiah's in downtown Cape on July 13 2000 with special guest DEEP REST (features ex-Beggars Jury members). Cover is only $2.00 to see BOTH bands. Don't miss this cool local show. This will be Greg Wolfs first official gig with DRIvIN' RAIN.

The Original music is coming along very well. The band will use the money from the summer shows to pay for studio time. The song "Too Young To Kill", "Last Days", "Tear Drop In The Rain", "Hellwater", and "Toys For The Witches" are ready to be
recorded now. New tunes like "Mariah Halsay", and "Dizzy Red" are coming together great. And still other songs are being written. As all four band members are writing songs for the new CD.

More NEW stuff has been added to The Official DRIVIN' RAIN Homerage. The Rain's Webmaster Danny Farrow just put up new band photos. Pics of
DRIvIN' RAIN with members of the metal band W.A.S.P. are now on the friends page. Other photos with members of JACKYL, STARSHIP, and DRIVIN-N-CRYIN will be added soon. Other links to our friends and favorite websites have also been added. Please visit all the links (and don't forget to sign their
guest books, and tell them who sent you!) Once again the band would like to send a very special THANK YOU to our webmaster DANNY FARROW. Your are the Web King!

The band has lots of great stuff planed for the summer and fall. So keep
checking in to the Official DRIVIN' RAIN HomeRage. Timexx says that "Energy flows best when it is connected to a live circuit, so right now our job is to stay connected."

10/16/2000

THIS IS IT! DRIvIN' RAIN needs your help right now! The band was just featured on Mid Coast Mania, a St. Louis TV show that features only the best in local and regional music. DRIvIN' RAIN appeared on KMOV Channel 4 Friday the 13th from 1 to 1:30AM. The video for "A Law Against Me" played on the both the MCM TV show and the MidCoast Mania Radio Hour on KNSX 93x in St. Louis. Each week three bands will be aired on the show, then the videos will be showcased on the MCM Website Mid Coast Mania. Viewers will have three bands a week to vote on. At the end of each week the band with the highest votes gets moved to the finalist category. At the end of the eleven weeks there will be 11 bands eligible for the Grand Prize. Viewers will then be asked to vote on their favorite video from the final list of
bands. There will only be one vote per email address per week for bands showcased on the website. And DRIvIN' RAIN needs your support to vote and to get all your friends to do the same.

On the 12th week the winning band will be announced LIVE at POPS during
MidCoast Mania Night and also broadcast on the MCM TV and Radio shows. The videos for that nights show will be the top five bands as voted on the MCM
Website. The 13th week will feature the winning band in a special 2 hour recorded show. With the runner up opening the show. The winning band gets
the Grand Prize, a complete half hour Midcoast Mania TV Show dedicated to the winning band featuring interviews and approximately 4 live performance
videos. Plus they will get to open for a major national act to be selected by POPS (TBA).

Please go vote NOW for DRIvIN' RAIN, and don't forget to tell ALL your online friends to do the same. The Raingang needs you support to help us show the world the Real Rock is not DEAD! Visit Mid Coast Mania you can see a clip of the video right on the web site and vote there at the same time. With out your help we don't stand a chance to win. We can only do this with YOUR
support! PLEASE, PLEASE VOTE NOW!!!! There are only six days left to do it. If you have more than one e-mail vote again for each e-mail address you have! Get all your friends to do the same. The three choices are DRIvIN' RAIN, A Room Away, and Conscious Youth. These bands will no doubt have there friends doing the same thing. So we are counting on your help.

TIMEXX, BRADMAN, TOMMY, GREG and the rest of the Raingang thanks you for taking the time to help us spread the word of Rock N Roll! We will not let Hard Rock die, because DRIvIN' RAIN has carried it into the year 2000. And the rock rolls on!

ALSO don't miss out! THE CITY OF ROSES ROCKS 2000 (Digital Labs Records) Featuring DRIvIN' RAIN 2Y2K (Too Young To Kill), DC TRYAL "God Is A Alien" plus songs from Mana, Van Gogh's Ear, Storybook, Acme Blues Band, and others. In store NOW for a limited time!!! Get your now online at
http://www.digitallabs.com OR http:// www.cdwarehouse.com ___________________________________________________
And Hear 2Y2K (Too Young To Kill) NOW on MP3 at
www.DRIVINRAIN.net

Winter is here, the time when rain drops turn to snow flakes. And fires warm our toes. But don't think for a minute that it means DRIVIN' RAIN will be hiding in a den. The Raingang has been moving around the state of Missouri like Frank and Jesse. And lurking in the alley ways like Jack The Ripper.

DRIVIN' RAIN played three amazing shows at this years City Of Roses Music Festival. Friday night the boys mystified the crowd at the foot of the Court House stairs. As a full moon hung above the stage the song "Toys For The Witches" could be heard six blocks away! Saturdays performance on the Water Street stage was nothing short of magic as it drew a large crowd to the stage. It was in fact the largest crowd for the weekend at that location. A huge cheer when up as Tommy slid into the opening riffs of "Too Young To Kill". The band then moved it up to Port Cape where friends were already packed into the club, since Timexx had told them on Water Street that they would bring out the heavy stuff for this set. The crowd was ready to jam, DRIvIN' RAIN opening with a cover of Alice in Chains song "We Die Young" also packed tons of originals and jamming covers of Godsmack, Creed and Queensryche hits. And ended with a storming version of "Break Stuff" from Limp Bizkit, The Bradman once again showed why he IS the hottest drummer
in four states. The band then signed photos and talked with the crowds after each performance.

Many people who visited this years festival said they loved DRIvIN' RAIN's show and were floored by the high energy that could be felt across the crowd of people in front of the stage. The bands good friend, Geep Clark of DC Tryal, stated it was one of the best DRIvIN' RAIN show's he's seen so far. "And since we're touring together I've seen alot of their shows" To top off the whole event DRIvIN' RAIN's photo appeared on the cover of the Festivals Program. Every member of DRIvIN' RAIN stated that it was their favorite show of the year. And if their not all in jail next year they plan to play at the 2001 event.

The boys also attended the City Of Roses Festival Music Heritage Music Awards banquet. Although being nominated every year they have yet to win an award. The 2000 awards show was no exception. Many letters reached the band after the winners were announced. People were outraged that DRIvIN' RAIN didn't win. The band was honored however when Emaciation chanted "Timexx, Timexx, Timexx" during their acceptance speech. DRIvIN' RAIN did however drink more free beer, eat more free food, and break more stuff then any other band at the ceremony. Nasty was asked the next day why the Raingang was overlooked again this year. He stated, "Look, Cape doesn't want to give us awards, they want to lock us up!" "Besides" he goes on, "...they didn't like Jesus in Nazareth either."

The Raingang did not let it slow them down a bit. They packed up and hit the road where they played the First Annual Twin Rivers Monster Mayhem in Cairo Illinois, Saturday November 25, 2000 at the C. C. Boiler Room. The show started at 4:00 and featured Delta 9, Tower 9, DC Tryal, DRIvIN' RAIN, and Emaciation. The event was also picketed by a local Cairo Baptist Church,holding up signs and yelling at concert goers for more than an hour before the Cairo Police asked the protesters to leave. Timexx seemed happy to see them and even stated "Hell, I'm glad they cared enough about us to come out! I'm honored really!" Tommy in fact was mad at the Police for making them leave. "It would have been great to just open the doors and let them "HEAR US!" It was really like a scene right out of the 70's. Signs saying "NO ROCK N ROLL", "We don't need to be NASTY", and of course a sling of church favorites were held up by an angry mob of Christians. The show did however go on as planned. And nothing but wickedly good fun was the event of the evening.

Many new things will be coming to the web site in the next year. Like song lyrics to all DRIvIN' RAIN songs, Video feeds, MP3, band Member BIOs, and of course lots of photos. The Official DRIvIN' RAIN HomeRage can now be found at www.DRIVINRAIN.net . TELL YOUR FRIENDS! And again DRIvIN' RAIN would like to Thank Danny Farrow for all his help!

November 7, 2000 DRIvIN' RAIN did an all original opening set for BLACKFIRE A Navajo/Dine' punk band from Flagstaff AZ. Blackfire is traditionally influenced, high energy politically driven group comprised of three siblings. Born into the heart of a political land dispute area called Big Mountain on The NAVAJO NATION. This band reflects the hopes, freedoms, and barriers of today's world. You can read more about Blackfire at www.BLACKFIRE.net. And DRIvIN' RAIN would like to invite all of our friends to check this GREAT Native American Punk band out. Blackfire rocks!

The November show at the University Center Ballroom was a hit. DRIvIN' RAIN did a tight 30 minute set of original music from their up coming CD. Opening the show with "A Law Against Me" and ending with the very heavy "Last Days". This event was free and open to the public and was sponsored by The University Committee for Native American Relations, The Department of Anthropology and Sociology and The Department of English. Many of the bands friends we're in the crowd. Friends from Native Voices Radio show, the band Neon Nites and Uncle Big Bad all showed up to rock a little.

On Friday the 13th, while DRIvIN' RAIN was mystifying the City Of Roses, their live video for "A Law Against Me" was aired on Midcoast Mania on KMOV TV in St. Louis Missouri. And was placed into a contest for MCM online. Although the band didn't win they wanted to thank Midcoast Mania and to congratulate the winning band A Room Away. Raingang drummer Bradman said that "We really hate these battle of the bands kind of things, we just love to play. But we were very happy to be on Midcoast Mania." Timexx adds "..the singer of A Room Away is very sweet, she is a great person, and a wonderful vocalist, very real and folksy. Plus the band was tight and super great guys to talk with. We were happy to have met each of the members from A Room Away and we wish them the best of luck!" DRIvIN' RAIN also wants to send a special thank you out to all our friends that took the time to vote on line for us.

Looking for something to do on the last day of 2000? DRIvIN' RAIN and partners in crime, DC TRYAL, will be doing a very special NEW YEARS BASH!!! It will be December 30th and 31st at a club called The Library on Main Street in Cape Girardeau Missouri. Seating is VERY limited so get there early. Both bands will rock you into 2001. The Library is a very cool little bar in Downtown Cape where in years past King's X played on its stage regularly before they were signed to a major label. There will be drink specials all night and a special countdown to the new year. And as a special treat DRIvIN' RAIN will debut several new original songs. They will perform "Cracks In The Armor" and the newest song "The Mainstream Is Polluted" at this show.

DRIvIN' RAIN's skinbasher is now online at his own site. THE WORLD OF THE BRADMAN is a fun look at the man behind the drums. It features information and photos of DRIvIN' RAIN, personal photos from Brad's photo album, a message board and a fan guestbook. The Man says he'll be up dating and adding lots of new stuff soon. He says to watch for live video feeds of DRIvIN' RAIN live! He'll also be adding sound bites and even information on The Bradman's Hometown
Cave-In-Rock Illinois. You can find The World of The Bradman on the DRIvIN' RAIN LINKS page. Visit Brad today......

The band has a special Christmas gift for all our friends. Just mail a SASE to the address below and DRIvIN' RAIN will send you an autographed black and white glossy photo. It's the last box of the 2000 photos the band handed out on the road this year. Remember the bigger the envelope the more free stuff we can put in it! This is a special offer to our friends, a small way to say THANK YOU for all your support last year. 2000 Rocked but 2001 will be the year of DRIvIN' RAIN. Watch for some major events to come! And as always the boys hope to see you all on the road this year!

The NEW OFFICIAL DRIvIN' RAIN STORE is NOW On-Line! Stop in to pick up all your Christmas Gifts. NOW in stock three special holiday gifts. Get a warm fuzzy DRIvIN' RAIN Teddy Bear, or a DRIvIN' RAIN Christmas Stocking to hang by the fire. ALSO a special red white and blue DRIvIN' RAIN Christmas Ornament. You can also get your OFFICIAL DRIvIN' RAIN "Blow Up Your Radio" Gear. Like Hooded Sweatshirts, Tile Coaster, Coffee Mugs, PLUS Jerseys, T-Shirts, Ball Caps, Thongs, Stickers, and even more! You can now get a OFFICIAL DRIvIN' RAIN Metal LUNCHBOX! Ready to take to school! These collectors items are available ONLY on-line from this OFFICIAL SITE! You can pay with easy Credit Card Service, or with a Money Order or Paypal! You can find the LINK at www.drivinrain or go direct www.cafeshops.com/drivinrain PICK up your OFFICIAL DRIvIN' RAIN stuff now, beat the Christmas Rush, and stay out of the malls. Give the gift of DRIvIN' RAIN this year. MERRY CHRISTMAS

SPRING 2001

Spring 2001 is here and the DRIVIN' RAIN is about to pour down across the country. Are you ready to get wet?

The Raingang will officially release their new CD "The Mainstream Is Polluted" on July 4th 2001. It maybe available at a few on-line sites before that. At press time the CD will feature the original songs "A Law Against Me". Timexx says "This song is a Hot & Nasty meets Youth Gone Wild style tune. In fact, if you ate Skid Row and Black Oak Arkansas, this is what the turd would look like! "Too Young To Kill" is a song for today's youth. Ironically DRIVIN' RAIN had played a gig at a teen club in Paducah, Kentucky the weekend before the school shootings, coincidence or Psychic?

"Hellwater" is a rocking jam written by Tommy about a subject he knows way to much about. "Toys For The Witches" is a dark and evil little tune to play at midnight. "Tear Drop In The Rain" is a true story and a favorite of girls everywhere. "The Mainstream Is Polluted" is of course the albums title
track. "Cracks In The Armor" is Brads favorite DRIVIN' RAIN song so far.

Another new song "A Downward Spin" is like having a house fall on you. This is the newest Raingang tune, and it really shows a lot of Greg's influence. It ends with "Last Days" a song about our world today and the one we see tomorrow.

April will have the DRIVIN' RAIN in the studio recording and mixing the tracks. May will be the printing time and by June some on-line websites like Rose City Net and Rock N' World may have them for sale before the release date. The CD's "Official" release date is July 4th. We will keep you up to date with all the cool studio news and photos.

THE NEW DRIVIN' RAIN CD "THE MAINSTREAM IS POLLUTED" ON SALE SOON!

http://drivinrain.net and http://rosecity.net/rosenet.html

DRIVIN' RAIN made a surprise appearance at a FRISCO's in Chaffee, Missouri for St. Patrick's Day. The little club hosts a Jam Night once a month. A lot of local musicians hang out at Frisco's for the jam. Including our friends from Deep Rest, and Last Rebels (the Skynyrd Tribute Band). The jam got started with some kick ass down home midwest southern boogie from 10/650. The next up was some southern fried blues whoopass rock from TANGO. DRIVIN' RAIN then took the stage to blast through some originals, and a few choice covers for the crowd. After that SEAN CAMP & TOASTED FLAKES OF CORN rocked the house with some true rock and blues. The boys hung around to drink, smoke and visit with old friends (and to meet the new ones)!

The DRIVINRAIN web site is off and running with over 11,000 hits this month alone! Lots of new thing will be POPPING up on the site. Tommy DeWolf, DRIVIN' RAIN's six string assassin, says he would like to add live web cams to the site soon. The bands P.R. people say "...this is only one of many ideas we are toying with like witches at a brew. The trouble with web cams is where to put them. Tommy would like the webcam in his bed room for a free peep show." Timexx adds "Mine would go in the bathroom so everyone could watch my cat poop!" Other such ideas are being past around so keep your eyes on the new site. You never know what might happen at www.DRIVINRAIN.net.

Details on DRIVIN' RAIN's upcoming show at THE BANDING OF THE HANDS 2001
with Jim Dandy's BLACK OAK ARKANSAS! Black Oak Arkansas is a legendary Rock N' Roll band. They had a sling of gold records through out the 70s and 80s. Featuring massive hits like "Jim Dandy To The Rescue", "Hot & Nasty", "Lord Have Mercy On My Soul", "Hot Rod", "Uncle Lijiah". These bad boys of the south set standards for live performances, and still electrify audiences to this day. Early in their career, their touring schedule kept them on the road for as many as 10 months at a time. They have 3 gold albums, and have appeared on such TV shows as Don Kirshner's 'Rock Concert', 'Midnight Special', and ABC's 'In Concert'. The King himself, Elvis Presley, encouraged them to perform the LaVerne Baker Classic, which has become their "signature" song, 'Jim Dandy to the Rescue'. Both KISS (1974) and Bad Company's first American tours were opening acts for BOA in the early 70's. Black Oak Arkansas was also the first rock band to take comedians such as Steve Martin and Cheech and Chong on the road. Evel Knievel's daredevil show highlighted a few of the outdoor festivals. A concert at the Paladium in Los Angeles featured BOA with Chuck Berry and The Rolling Stones as his backup band.Black Oak Arkansas has been named the influence of countless artists -- a few being David Lee Roth, which holds a similar likeness to the infamous Jim Dandy, and Jesse James DuPree (Jackyl). When the band did find the time to relax, they would retreat to their "mountain" lodge in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. The band members and families shared a 1,500-acre spread. There were several cabins, a community center, and even an in-ground heated swimming pool. Even amidst all the fame and glory, they never forgot where they came from. The band had donated money for some of the schools in the Harrison, Arkansas area for renovation and additions, BOA was also responsible for replacing the last one-room schoolhouse in the state. BOA Today is Jim "Dandy" Mangrum (Original founding member and lead vocalist). Rickie "Ricochet" Reynolds (Original rhythm guitar, and background vocals). Pat "Dirty" Daugherty (Original bass player and background vocals). Rocky Athas -- lead guitar player from Dallas, Texas. Johnny Bolin -- Drums, who is brother to the late Tommy Bolin (Deep Purple, James Gang; along with a solo career as well). From Sioux City, Iowa. (Bio and photo courtesy Linda Emrich, Webmaster of The Official Black Oak Arkansas Website.) The show is set for Aug 18, 2001 and will be in Ememince, Missouri at the Double Tree Campground. Also appearing at this show will be THE PAT SAVAGE BLUES BAND. Pat is a former member of The Doobie Brothers. This will be a fundraiser for BIKERS4kids and BIKERS AGAINST CHILD ABUSE. The next day will feature a float trip down the Jack's Fork River with the members of DRIVIN' RAIN, Pat Savage Band and Black Oak. FULL DETAILS SOON!!!!!! You WILL want to come to this show/float trip! JIM DANDY TO THE RESCUE!!!!!! www.bikers4kids.org

Other shows are being booked right now and will be announced A.S.A.P! Watch for information on a new DRIVIN' RAIN show in Mt. Vernon Illinois. And if your favorite local club or group would like to have DRIVIN' RAIN in the house e-mail us at BOOKING@DRIVINRAIN.net

The boys have a bucket full of surprise for the the summer tour. Remember, the new CD album "THE MAINSTREAM IS POLLUTED" will be out JULY 4 2001. And they will proudly boast that DRIVIN' RAIN is old school Rock N Roll representing! The bands frontman, Timexx Nasty, left this message at imusic.com. "DRIVIN' RAIN ain't the Stones, we ain't Aerosmith, we sure ain't KISS. We might not be remembered in the Rock history books, but we're damn sure going to leave One
HELL of a skid mark in the underwear of Rock N Roll."

SEE YOU ON THE ROAD IN 2001

September 17, 2001

The Dog days of summer are on us once again. And mass groups of people around the country, beg for some DRIVIN' RAIN. Don't worry friends, that cool refreshing rain is on the way. This summer as been a very hard and hot one for the band. Many things have changed, but still the Rain rolls on.

DRIvIN' RAIN's CD was to have been released on July 4th 2001, However sadly just days before the band was to enter Digital Labs Studios to begin recording, studio owner and friend RICH COMEAU lost his battle with cancer on March 31 2001. DRIvIN' RAIN frontman Timexx Nasty said "Rich was always so full of life and one of the most brilliantly eccentric people I have ever met. We only worked with him on one project (The City Of Roses Rocks 2000 CD) and it was a memory none of us will ever forget." Raingang member Tommy DeWolf told us "We were all shocked when we got the news about Rich, and, we feel a great loss with his passing." Rich Comeau also played in the band Storybook, and his song "Outside The Lines" opens the C.O.R. 2000 CD. He told us all "not to be afraid to color outside the lines". Rich will be missed and never forgotten. (DRIvIN' RAIN would like to ask you to donate money at least once this year to cancer research.)

But, not letting the loss of their producer weigh them down, DRIvIN' RAIN hit the road again to play a wild bunch of shows, stopping back into Carbondale to do two shows at Boo Jr's. The bad boys from Missouri showed them how it's done on the other side of the river, and rocked long and hard for two days. "One of the best things about that Boo Jrs show was meeting the guys from Krimzin." Said Tommy DeWolf. Krimzin is a three piece band from Mt. Vernon and they were the opening band on the two Carbondale dates. DRIvIN' RAIN's booking team says Krimzin will be doing other show dates with DRIvIN' RAIN this fall and winter. Greg Wolf said "We had a great time hanging out in a true party town like Carbondale, and... you just gotta love a hotel that gives you free condoms!"

Next, the Raingang packed it back home for another show at Jeremiah's in downtown Cape. At this show the boys had a all girl punk/metal band called DICKLESS (aka: Eve's Downfall) open the show. "Man they were cool as hell, they were like a pissed off, punk rock Go-Gos! And it was great to see girls get up and really ROCK!" says Timexx. DRIvIN' RAIN hopes to see them play more shows together in the next year.

Recently DRIvIN' RAIN made it's long awaited return to Mt. Vernon Illinois. The boys were asked to play at this years TREAPLOOZA event at the Holiday Inn's Off Broadway Club. A huge light show and PA was rolled into the club, and, the packed house was treated to a wide range of rock. From classic rock to eXtreme metal Treyapalozza had it coverd! DRIvIN' RAIN was thrilled to play with some of Southern Illinois hottest bands like Black Horse, who opened the night with some down right rocking classic and southern rock, and Metal/Core masters Lunatic who rocked harder than anyone that night. Christian Rap/Core band Kod Red mixed it up great as they slammed through their set. Local favorites 16'TILL played hard and heavy and had the floor packed up tight. DRIvIN' RAIN ended the night and recorded their set for a future release. Timexx, Tommy, and Greg did some very cool interviews in the WDML Rocking Rhino Mobile Station. Timexx told us "This thing is bad ass, it looks like a huge rolling Rhino. And Ted Nugent set in the same seat as me and did a interview a week before mine." Nasty added with a smile "I could still smell the raw meat and gunpowder in the air! And you just know Ted wanted to shoot this thing dead." Over all the event was a blast and DRIvIN' RAIN would love to come back next year. "Only next year we want to play earlier so we can drink sooner!" added Tommy. The Raingang had a great time in Mt. Vernon and look forward to coming back again soon.

Unfortunately, on August 1 2001, Brad Dutton announced his departure from DRIvIN' RAIN, in a press release on his personal website. Brad stated "We were together for a long time, but, I decided to leave the band for personal reasons and under the best of terms" Bradman says details about his new project will be announced soon on his website. He promises new photos, video clips, showdates, and details on his next CD will be forthcomming. "I'm working on preparations for my next project now." Brad added. DRIvIN' RAIN singer Timexx Nasty Rainwalker stated "We think alot of Brad and we send him a Laurel and Hardy handshake to our brother. We wish Brad and Steve the best of luck and they will always hold a special place in this band." Timexx wanted our friends to know that "Brad had let us know over the last few months that he had a strong desire to follow other musical directions." Guitarest Tommy DeWolf said that "We wish Brad the best, and he knows that without us having to say it. We'll always be friends no matter what. And the same for Steve too!" Bassist Greg Wolf sent his best wishes to The Bradman and said he's looking forward to seeing what Brad does next and ended by saying "It was great to have played with you man!"

The following day, DRIvIN' RAIN announced that Brad's replacement will be G.P. "Geep" Clark, formally of DC TRYAL. Geep is a native of Los Angeles and is a power house drummer. Many of you have seen Geep with his last band on the road with DRIvIN' RAIN over the last year. Clark is a former member of the west coast band with a east coast name NEW YORK ROCKS with Tony Matuzak of Lizzy Borden. He later joined Southern Illinois band DC TRYAL and was featured on two independently released CDs. G.P.'s influences are Tommy Aldridge (B.O.A./OzzY/Whitesnake), Buddy Rich, and Neal Pert (RUSH). Timexx says "Geep is kind of an old new member of the band. He's been friends with us for a very long time now, and, we're happy to have him as a official member of the band." Geep added "I'm ready to play, and I can't wait to hit the road with these guys. This is the band I've always wanted to be in, and, I'm very happy to be playing with a real bass player like Greg, and getting all crazy with Timexx & Tommy." More details on Geep, NEW band photos, and more show dates will be added to the website over the next several weeks.

November 13, 2001

It's that old spooky time of year again, when the leaves change colors and fall from the trees, and a cold night air fills your lungs. The days grow shorter and people begin to migrate indoors. It's Fall and this is your DRIvIN' RAIN NEWS for AUTUMN 2001.

The DRIvIN' RAIN boys have been busy this Fall with several new shows around the midwest. Starting with two shows at Mudds' Memories in Ashley Illinois. "We just love Mudds, it's a very kick ass black light club with lots of old dead rock stars on the walls." says drummer G.P. Clark. The band also did another show in Ashley at the Last Call. "It was cold as hell but we drank enough Jack to warm us up. The truth is we just love Ashley because the People are so cool! I also have alot of family from around there." Geep added. DRIvIN' RAIN will be booking more shows in Ashley soon. So keep an eye on the Show Dates page to know when.

DRIvIN' RAIN also did a show in Cape Girardeau this Fall, with local punkers I.D.C. Greg Wolf, bassist for DRIvIN' RAIN, told us about the show. "I.D.C. is a very good punk band that reminds me of The Offspring and Blink 182. I.D.C. asked us if we would do a show with them. We said HELL YES because we love to play all the time." The show was tons'o fun and DRIvIN' RAIN hopes to play another show with our home boys I.D.C. again soon.

On September 28 and 29 The Raingang rocked the City Of Roses Music Festival again this year. At the Friday Night show, DRIvIN' RAIN had a blast playing with Coeli, Steppin' Out, Krimzin, and others. Plus on Saturday DRIvIN' RAIN did two more shows at this years fest. The first set was earlier in the day when DRIvIN' RAIN blew on to the Main Riverfront Stage to do a opening set for classic rockers EDDIE MONEY and LEE OSKAR of WAR. Two large stages were set up on two barges. Docked at the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Cape Girardeau Missouri. DRIvIN' RAIN did an ass kicking all original set. "It was wild." Timexx remembers. "We had like a crowd in front of us, and these people in boats behind us. It was all so very cool to be playing ON the river." Eddie Money later took the stage over and blasted through a string of radio hits like "I Wanna Go Back", "Two Tickets To Paradise", "Take Me Home Tonight", "Walk On Water", "No Control", "Shakin", and other massive 80s and 90s hits just to name afew. The former NYC Police officer turned Rock Star even took time out to remember those lost on September 11 2001. After Eddie's set LEE OSKAR (a former member of the 70s band WAR) took his turn to rock the Riverfront Stage. He rocked the night away with classic WAR hits like "Low Rider", and "Cisco Kid" plus other top hits. Lee preformed with The ACME Blues Band and The Water Street Band with Bruce Zimmerman as his back-up band. However as Oskar was rocking the MainStage DRIvIN' RAIN did another show on the METAL-STAGE at Mollies. Where they joined TRIBAL DUST, EMACAIATION, and DILLAGENCE for a all out metal assault on the City Of Roses Festival. DRIvIN' RAIN was also featured in that nights Local News on KFVS TV 12, a CBS affiliate. The 2001 C.O.R. Fest was a blast and The Raingang can't wait for next year. (No C.O.R. awards were givin out this year as all of our true hereos were in NEW YORK CITY!)

On Friday, November 9th, DRIvIN' RAIN headlined yet another music festival. This time in Jackson Missouri when they stormed the stage at The Jackson Jaycees's Community Center for METAL FEST I (Autumn Fest 2001). DRIvIN' RAIN unveiled two new songs "RADIO" and "NAIL IN MY COFFIN". The band played them LIVE for the first time! The opening bands were COELI, KNOTTED FEAR, BOKOR, THRED, VERDIGRIS, TRIBAL DUST, EMACIATION, and Jackson hereos POLYDUSTER. This was a all ages event and over 400 people packed into the Community Center to rock hard and heavy with the best Local Heavy Metal bands around. Metal Fest is part of the Four Seasons Metal Series, and DRIvIN' RAIN has already signed on to do the next four more Metal Fests. The band says a LIMITED EDITION METAL FEST II - DRIvIN' RAIN C.D. will be sold at METAL FEST II on 02/02/02. The disc will feature four original DRIvIN' RAIN songs, "A Law Against Me", "A Downward Spin", "Nail In My Coffin", and "Cracks In The Armor". Plus a cool GLOW IN THE DARK cover. KICK ASS!!!!

In October the Official, DRIvIN' RAIN website was forced to move from its .COM to a new .NET site. "The old one was stolen by an Internet Terrorist." Timexx said "Our webmaster was not doing well and was in the hospital. When the payment for the site came due again. Well, this fucker in N.J. bought it up. So I called him and sent him some e-mail to try and buy it back. I told the guy how it was a mistake that we lost it over night, but, he refused to sell it back to us saying "I thought it would bring a good price on the market". He's just holding out for more money and holding our site for ransom I guess. We'll just have to leave him to Karma, and I'm sure his life SUCKS ASS anyway! We'll just toss him in as one of our "Toys For The Witches." So you can now find the NEW DRIvIN' RAIN website at www.DRIVINRAIN.net. It took awhile to get everything switched over to the .NET site thats why this e-news letter was running a bit behind. Please change your links and bookmarks if you have any. The new site already has some NEW features like a New Message Board, Lyrics Page, E-Mail List, Photos, and new MP3s are going to be added soon.

DRIvIN' RAIN will NOT be doing any LIVE shows in December or January as they will also be moving indoors to cut new tracks at IBS STUDIOS 2 in Cape Girardeau Missouri. Kenny Keller ex-Beggars Jury member, and long time friend of Timexx and Tommy, will be turning the knobs and doing the mixing for the new CD. "We're going to record 11 songs for the new CD, and we'll be working very hard to get it out by Summer 2002." Tommy told us. Tony McCallister is doing all the Art Work for the CD, and he is producing a DRIvIN' RAIN DVD for release around Christmas 2002. It will feature live footage, interviews, TV footage, backstage madness and more. Watch for them BOTH in 2002!

DRIvIN' RAIN will be back out again on Febuary 2 2002, when they blast METAL FEST II this time at KAOS in Cape Girardeau, as well as shows in Ashley, Carbondale, Vandaila, Cairo, and Herrin, in Illinois. Plus dates in Cape, Sikeston, St. Louis, Emenince, Fredericktown, and other Missouri Dates this winter. Your NEW WINTER DRIvIN' RAIN NEWS LETTER is on the way and we hope to see you on the road in 2002! Make www.DRIVINRAIN.net your homepage and keep up with all the Raingang News and Show Dates- SEE YOU IN 2002!!!!-DRIvIN' RAIN

March 17, 2002

This is the DRIvIN’ RAIN Winter 2002 Newsletter. And let me tell you the boys have been busy. With new CD releases, studio time and even bigger shows to come!

DRIvIN’ RAIN entered I.B.S. Studios to lay down tracks for a new CD release they hope to have out very soon. The boys put down 11 hard rocking original tracks for the new CD. Longtime friend Kenny Keller (ex-Beggars Jury Member) got the band into his studio to do the needed work. “Kenny’s really helped us out a lot here, it’s easy to say we would not be in the studio at all right now if it wasn’t for his help” singer Timexx Nasty told us. “The work has gone great, Geep is a one take wonder, doing all the drum tracks perfect the first time.” Tommy says “I’m very happy to get this music recorded, because some of this stuff is quit old and I’ve got lots of new songs written.” Some of the tracks will be used for future EP releases, others have been added as MP3s to the website. Drummer Geep Clark told me “We want to get this music out to our fans soon as we can, many people have waited along time to get them.” The LIMITED METAL FEST II cd went on sale at Metal Fest on 02-02-02. The CD features a full color Glow in the Dark cover that has artwork by Tony McCallister. Four DRIvIN’ RAIN tracks (A Law Against Me, Nail In My Coffin, A Downward Spin, and Cracks In The Armor), this will be a very limited run of ONLY 150 so get them as fast as you can. The band will soon be going back into IBS Studios to finish the tracks and do a full mix down in late summer 2002, with a hopeful CD release date by Christmas 2002.

DRIvIN’ RAIN was back to rock at METAL FEST II (Winterfest)on 02/02/02 with Dilemma, Bokor, Killing Earth, Rusted Skin, Eve’s Downfall, Krimzin, Verdigris, Broke, Knotted Fear, Malachi Crunch, Tribal Dust, Polyduster, Elements Of Envy, Ornament Of Disgrace, GAG, Vampire Moose, Lunatic, Emaciation, and was headlined by the original Southeast Missouri Metal God BRANT (former singer for ENCHANTER). This time the event was held at the new KAOS Club on Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. Two stages were set up and the crowd was treated to a onslaught of vicious metal attacks by some of the Midwests hardest bands. DRIvIN' RAIN roared through an all original set, they then stuck around to sign CDs and photos for the fans. A collector's T-shirt for METAL FEST II went on sale and featured all the bands names on the back. (Some METAL FEST II t-shirts are still available at Real Rock 99.3). However, after DRIvIN' RAIN's set, Tommy DeWolf was messing around with a friend and was attacked by local Police Officers. "He was just screwing around with our roadie Kelly after the set. Then the fucking Cops drag his ass out the door." Greg Wolf remembers. "Really he was doing nothing wrong, but the Cops in this town all know Tommy, and wanted to take him down." Timexx added "I tried to tell the shithead Cop that Tommy wasn't causing any trouble, but they wouldn't listen. They just wanted to drag him across the parking lot instead." Timexx went on to say "This was some young punk ass rookie Pig that had a point to prove, he went there with the plans to push around some rock fans, and Tommy was the first one he saw." Tommy was booked for assulting a Police Officer but was let go later that night. Metal Fest originazer Kirby Ray said "We've never had any trouble at Metal Fest, and in fact, Tommy is the only arrest so far!" Geep reminds everyone "You know there is a reason why we put "A Law Against Me" as our first song on that CD, and we live up to it everyday." Metal Fest III (Springfest)will be a two day event,Friday May 3 & 4 2002. It will again be held at KAOS in Cape Girardeau. And DRIvIN' RAIn looks forward to playing again.

It's seems that at the young age of 30 DRIvIN' RAIN singer Timexx Rainwalker has already made it to the history books! Not for his many adventures as a Heavy Metal Rocker, but instead, for his work with The Cherokee Nation. His photo appears in the new book called "The History of the Northern Cherokee Nation of the Old Louisiana Territory" by Chief Beverly Baker Nourthup (Turner Publishing Company). The book is on sale now at your favorite book store, or check it out from your local libary. (if they don't have it, tell them to get it!) The book is available as both a leather bound collector's edition, or as a standard hard back copy. The book is full of tribal history and unknown facts about the Cherokee Tribe of American Indians. It can be orderd through the Northern Cherokee Nation or from Turner Publishing Company P.O. Box 3101 Paducah, KY 42002-3101 (or call (502)443-0121 for more information).

Once again The Raingang would like to give you some FREE stuff! Send a S.A.S.E. to DRIvIN’ RAIN P.O. Box 991 Cape Girardeau, Mo 63702-0991 USA for a FREE Autographed photo and other cool stuff.

June 3 2002

Can you feel it? That wonderful feeling of spring is in the air, and children around the state are singing “April Showers Bring May Flowers” this year they are getting what the want, as DRIvIN’ RAIN grips the Midwest with a metal fist!

Early this spring the band made a surprise stop in Sikeston Missouri. When they did a small show at The Drift Away Club, just outside of town. Massive rain slammed the town of Sikeston just as the band took the stage. The parking lot began to flood and the TV blasted tornado warnings across the screen. But, the band played on, as if they were a fish in water. Never seeming to worry for the trouble blowing just outside. Even if the crowd that night was small do to the terrible weather the Band slammed through a great set of originals songs, then played late into the night doing some classic Metal covers. After the show, the band went back to the local hotel where they had been staying. They had only been there for a half hour when Tommy comes bolting in the door. “Hey if the cops come looking I’m not here!” he yells, as he high tails it to the bathroom near an open window. “What the hell did you do now?” Geep yells at him. “Fuck I just killed a monkey!” DeWolf yells back. Timexx goes to see what the problem was and it turns out, the hotel has a pet monkey that lives in the lobby. Tommy (who was very lit up by this time) staggers into the lobby in search of a Coke to mix with. There he finds the monkey in the cage. Being the nice guy he is, he offers it a smoke, not noticing the NO SMOKING signs posted all over the walls. The monkey makes a strange sound, and then suddenly falls to the bottom of the cage. Tommy bolts for the door and looks for a hiding place. “Hey I was only being nice, I didn’t know the monkey couldn’t smoke! Fa Git Abot it!” Tommy responds. It seems the monkey had been trained to do this trick when unsuspecting guest walk into the room smoking. Tommy adds “Hey I’m happy the little guys OK, and remember kids, monkeys should never smoke!”

The next stop was Vandalia Illinois, where DRIvIN’ RAIN was asked to perform at The Mad Dog MCs Clubhouse bash. “This was sooo much fun!” Timexx tells us, “We met lots of cool people, and the club brothers and sisters were great to us.” Greg remembers “We just had a ball there, we got all fucked up, and played some Rock N Roll till like dawn or something.” The money that was made at this show was used to purchase a new Lighting Truss system for the band. “The Mad Dog Club gave us some extra money, and that paid for the rooms, so we were able to use 100% of the gig money for the new light show.” Geep told us. DRIvIN’ RAIN would like to thank the MAD DOG Motorcycle Club for your support, and we look forward to playing for you again. THANKS ALWAYS!

September 29, 2002

It's here again those blistering dog days of summer, when the humidity rises, and the sidewalks begin to melt from the 100 degree heat that scorches the Midwest. The only thing yor're able to do to avoid the heat is get wet. Just when you think you can take no more that fresh rain comes down.

DRIvIN' RAIN has been pouring it on with lots of shows this summer. Singer Timexx Nasty states "I'd say this has been our best tour so far, with all the cool shows we've done, I can't think of a better year."

On June 21 the first day of summer, DRIvIN' RAIN returned to Cape to headline their own show at Kaos. The opening band Verdigris from Jackson did a great job of warming up the crowd. They treated DRIvIN' RAIN Fanimals to some great covers and heavy originals. However just before DRIvIN' RAIN could take the stage the power in the entire street when out. Timexx remarked " This was no doubt a plot by the City of Cape to keep us from playing." Cops set up down the road to deter people from wandering near the club. Timexx adds "Sure they say it's because lighting hit a transformer, or someone ran into a pole or something, but I know better." After an hour the power was restored to the club and DRIvIN' RAIN hit the stage. Timexx began the show by warning "This might be the first day of summer, but it aint the summer of love baby!" Then the Missouri bad boys tore through four sets of music covering all the metal years, an of course, they ripped through a number of DRIvIN' RAIN originals! The house P.A. was giving the band trouble all night, but, they played on and rocked the place. Small mosh pits devolved as the boys slid into "A Downward Spin" and "Radio". Geep said "These were the hardcore rockers of Cape and they were not about to leave with out moshing." Over all the show was fun, even if it wasn't one of DRIvIN' RAIN's best nights. This show was sponsored in part by Real Rock 99.3 and Cabala Productions.

July 4th 2002, America's Independence Day, was a 4th of July folks around Murphysboro will talk about for years to come. It was the year a Scottish group and a band of Missouri outlaws rode into town, to hide out in a cave just out side of town. The day was hot but the shade under the enormous Shawnee Cave was cool and delightful. The day’s events started with some great folk rock and classics music from some local boys. The excellent classic rock band THE WORKS was up next and they did a great set of covers and originals. The following band was a new group from Ziggler Illinois called SINICAL. This was their first show and what a first show it was. This band will no doubt rule the Illinois club scene very soon. As the sun began to wane in the west the DRIvIN' RAIN boys took the stage and set it on fire. They started by plunging into "A Law Against Me" and rounded out with "Last Days" They did a amazing set that even got raves from the Headliners. The boys ended with a cover of Rob Zombie's "Dragula" and a few fireworks from Geep. Last up was the headliners, the reason everyone was here. It was time for NAZARETH to take the stage. A Scottish bagpipe rolls through the wind as a large white vehicle makes it way through the crowd to the stage. Out steps legends, of both rock and metal. Dan McCafferty, Pete Agnew, Ronnie Leahy, new guitarist Jimmy Murrison, and also new drummer Lee Agnew. The Scottish rock royalty took the stage and slammed into "When The Lights Come Down", "Razamanaz", "Miss Misery", "Please Don't Judas Me", "Holiday", "Dream On", "My White Bicycle", "Hearts Grown Cold", "Broken Down Angel", "Whiskey Drinkin' Woman", "Beggars Day", "This Flight Tonight", "Hair Of The Dog, and ended with "Love Hurts". Nazareth singer Dan McCafferty said "I must say this is the strangest place we've ever played." referring to the stage that was built inside of the cave. After the show Nazareth retreated to the A.C. comfort of their deluxe tour bus, and DRIvIN' RAIN stuck around to sign autographs and sale some CDs. Just days after the show some popular on line bootleg video sites we're already hocking and trading copies of the 4th of July show. Timexx sad "For me the whole thing was like a dream, there I was on stage before Nazareth. Hell I grew up jamming to my Hair Of The Dog record. Just listen to how I sing and you'll see some Nazinfulence there." Geep added in "Both my Dad and my school teacher knew who Nazareth was. It doesn't get any bigger than that." The show was presented by TAO ROCK 105 and Pure Classic Rock "The Bear" 97.7. The show was produced by Strauss Production along with Gettin' Lucky Productions and Soundcore Music.

Two days later DRIvIN' RAIN rolled back into Cairo Illinois for the 1st Annual Tri State Biker Bash at Smokin' Joes Bar, in downtown Cairo. The boys entertained the crowd of bikers with some driven rock n roll. The bands Ropel Ash and Astounded (featuring D.C. and Jerry Lee of DC TRYAL) also played.

Next the boys packed it up and headed to Springfield Missouri for a show at The 6th Annual Bikers 4 Kids Rally at the Hootenville Campground. At this three day rally DRIvIN' RAIN opened for The Jimmie Van Zant Band, he did his best to entertain the crowd with all those Lynard Skynard tunes we all grew up with. At this show was our friends from Harry Who, and new friends in The Sekks Kamelz who did some rockin' alternative music for the Biker Fest. Also at the event was a great Deep Purple Tribute band called Shades Of Purple, an awesome ZZ Top Tribute called El Loco, and another band D.T. Blues who got rained on and left before playing a note. DRIvIN' RAIN took the stage both nights and left the crowd screaming for more. Out of all their shows so far, this had to be one of the most electrifying and energetic yet! There was so much high energy eminating from each and every member, that you couldn't help but to dance when you heard the music. The huge crowd pushed right up to the front of the stage to get a good look at our boys. Timexx threw stacks of band photos out to the crowd and even a few CDs. You know when most bands do that, you'll find several lying around on the ground with footprints all over them. This wasn't the case! I beleve when he thrw them out, not a single one touched the ground! The boys were rushed by fans after their set to sign Autographs, which they did joyfully. It was FUN for ALL ages, with Kids games, swimming, fishing and even some kids on stage, Bike games, field games, loud pipes contest, $500 cash prize poker run Saturday morning, Bike Show, mud-wrestling, bikini contest, wet t-shirt contest, in the fields. Geep got a big special muddy hug from the two winning girls after the mud-wrestling. ON STAGE were crazy contests like the pickle lickin', taco lickin, and Tattoo contest. PLUS on Saturday night before DRIvIN' RAIN was FIREWORKS GALORE!!!!! We really enjoyed this since we couldn't shoot any off on July 4th due to our concert with Nazareth. The entire event was a blast and the boys had lots of fun meeting all the great and wonderful people. DRIvIN' RAIN has already made plans to return to next years Bikers 4 Kids Rally. Following the show on Sunday DRIvIN' RAIN took the chance to have another float trip, this time on tubes. Timexx enjoyed himself by floating down the river butt ass naked. He says "Yeah a few girls got to see our SPECIAL show, and they seemed to enjoy it!"

July 19~21 Tommy DeWolf popped into the NAMM show in Nashville to meet and greet people at the CGM Booth. NAMM’s trade shows are all about the experience. The experience of checking out the latest gear. Of networking with other music products professionals. Of attending free business-boosting classes. From the cool exhibits to the sizzling hot nightlife, music and music making always take center stage. The NAMM Show is the place to be for anyone lucky enough to belong to this industry. From accordions to zithers, attendees can find anything and everything musical there. Miles of aisles feature the newest, state-of-the-art music products, as well established classics and hot, up-and-coming innovations—all under one roof! In addition, attendees can choose from and dozens upon dozens of free industry-focused training sessions, all designed to help Members grow their business. The NAMM Show is always an unforgettable event, with more than 65,000 registrants packing the aisles of the Anaheim Convention Center to check out the latest gear. The show is a star studded event with endorsing musicians such as Tommy DeWolf, Carlos Santana, Sheila E, Stevie Wonder, Dweezil Zappa, Keanu Reeves, Korn, and Drivin’ Rain adding to the spectacle as they pose for pictures and talk shop with show attendees. From CBS to CNN and E! Entertainment Television, journalists from throughout the world come to cover the new instruments unveiled. Learn more at www.NAMM.com.

The first signs of cracks in the armor started to show, when the GMC Van DRIvIN' RAIN has been using over the last three years finally gave up the ghost, forcing the band to cancel its show at Mudds Memories in Ashley Illinois. Geep said "We we're very sorry and disappointed not to be able to make that show, but it was impossible for us to make it." Timexx says make up dates will be scheduled at a later time.

A few days later, (on August 6th) the bands world would take another one of life’s little downward spins, when guitarist Tommy DeWolf is involved in an automobile accident, on his way to the C.G.M. plant. His Jeep slid on the rain soaked pavement throwing Tommy into a tree. The Jeep he was driving rolled into a huge flooded ditch and was totaled. A passing motorist spotted Tommy on the side of the road and called for help. Tommy was raced to St. Francis Medical Center, then was airvaced to St. Louis' Barnes Hospital. And treated for a shattered hip, broken pelvic bone, and a broken leg in six places. Tommy says, “Yeah, they took out 2 Ibs of bone and replaced it with 40 Ibs of METAL, if I try to go thru a metal detector now they’ll try to do a body cavity search to find out what’s causing all the fuckin’ beepin!” It all goes to show that Tommy is Metal to the bone! Overall he was very lucky, and he is recovering nicely at home. Krista is taking extra special care of our brother. And DeWolf feels (with work) he will be back with the band by middle of December. Just in time to begin next years “RADIO ASSUALT TOUR 2003!”

It was quite apparent that DRIvIN' RAIN would not be able to play at the upcoming Metal Fest IV on August 16 & 17 in Cape. Causing the band to cancel a second show. However DRIvIN' RAIN had already agreed to supply the fest with sound and lights, so they showed up to do the promised production. DRIvIN' RAIN's soundman Auto said "We we're sick to death not to be able to play, and scared for our brother’s life as well. But we had promised Kirby that we would bring the PA and we didn't want to ruin it for all the other bands. So we did what we promised." The band was able to meet many new friends, like Shattermask and K.O.M.A. from St. Louis and to party with our old friends from Pollyduster, Tribaldust, Poor King, Emaciation, and Brant. Timexx recalls "The hardest thing was just being roadies for the show. Getting bitched out by a few of the bands, and putting up with bar staff who thought it was all too loud. It really makes me appreciate the sound companies we had to work with on the road." Timexx did get the chance to set in, when his brothers band Crustacean (now called Frogsweat) took the stage. Timexx shared vocals with Daniel on Godsmack's "Moon Baby". "That gave me a chance to scream a little and it was great to be on stage with two of my brothers JJ and Daniel." he said. (More details on Frogsweat in the next Newsletter)

However DRIvIN' RAIN still had two more shows booked and the dates were moving on them quickly. Geep told us "We hate to cancel shows, and Tommy didn't want us to cancel anymore, so we called Jerry Lee Prater, my old guitarist for DC TRYAL, to see if he would fill in for Tommy. Luckily for us he said yes. Jerry Lee worked very hard to learn the original show, and all the cover songs we do." The band worked hard into the day and night to break Jerry in. Timexx says "He did a great job of getting this stuff down for the shows. I was totally impressed with his learning ability and the speed in which he picked up songs. I’d have to say with out Jerry’s hard work we would not be doing the next few shows." You can learn more about Jerry Lee Prater, and pick up his hot new CD, at www.drivinrain.net/JerryLeePrater visit his site today.

On September 21, a wounded but still unstoppable DRIvIN' RAIN BAND pulled into New Athens Illinois for The Hell's Angels' Hellbound Summer Fest. Billed as Timexx Nasty's DRIvIN' RAIN, the boys found their safe zone on stage and proved why they are the hottest band in the Midwest. Raindrop Dancer Naughty Audrey gives us this review of the HellboundFest.

"HEY RAIN FANS! Once again, I have another cool review about another cool show! I'm gonna be giving you first hand info, but first and foremost, we'd like to thank Scott for inviting us out to play and making us feel at home! Thanx a lot Scott!! We hope to play for you again real soon, we'll definitely be ready! Some of the events of the day included a bike show, tattoo contest, raffles, wet-t-shirt contest {which ended up being an anything goes competition, we'll just leave you to your imagination!} and of course, live entertainment from the Backwoods Band and DRIvIN' RAIN. Lots of Biker wear, food and beer stands were on hand, so, if you needed a new wardrobe or a bite to eat and a beer, all you had to do was turn around and it was there!

One of the main events that day was the book signing by Sonny Barger, known as one of the most famous Hells Angels. Sonny arrived at 5:oo p.m. and stayed until 8:00 p.m., signing autographs and taking photos. If you want to learn more about Sonny and how the Hells Angels came to be, buy his book, “HELLS ANGELS-THE LIFE AND TIMES OF SONNY BARGER AND THE HELLS ANGELS MOTORCYCLE CLUB" or, check out his website SonnyBarger.com. Get the skinny on the legendary man and club!

A lot of really cool things happened at the show, but, the funniest thing that occurred actually happened to all of us. We all got lost at least once, either going to the club from the motel, or, from the club to the motel. At one point, leaving the motel, we were all following each other and somehow, we lost the bass player, guitarist, and a couple of roadies. We were due to go on about 9:30, so we pulled over, trying to find the rest of our crew. About 8:30, we decided to head to the club and hope that they made it on their own, on time. When we got there, they had beaten us and everything went on as planned. The night’s entertainment started with the Backwoods Band, an 80's classic rock crew that took most everyone down memory lane. Starting at 5:30 and ending at 9:30, they ripped out classics from Uriah Heap, Styx, Head East, Steppenwolf, Lynard Skynard, an 38 Special just to name a few. It was a great reminder of how rock has changed over the years, and how the older songs have still left such an impression in our lives.Shortly after, our boys took the stage, tuning, toning and mic checking, they prepared to rip out the tunes that have made them widely known and loved throughout the Midwest. The start of the show was a bit rocky, a breaker threw, causing the mains to go out a couple of times, the mics gave'em a bit of trouble, and because of the moisture in the air, the speakers crackled a bit. As usual, the hard rockin DRIvIN' RAIN overcame the obstacles! Timexx screamed each and every lyric word for word, delivering what was expected and promised, a high powered, hard hitting, rock-n-roll showcase! With the swiftness of a hurricane, DRIvIN' RAIN swept down upon the unsuspecting crowd, grabbing the attention of each and every person watching and completely blew them all away! Performing much loved songs such as "Cracks In The Armor", "Downward Spin", and "2y2k". They also included a few cover tunes that are liked all over by just about everybody, songs like "Godsmack", "AC/DC", "Bush", "Collective Soul”, and "Jackyl" to name a few. It was definitely a great show, and if you missed it, I'm sorry!!

In between sets, the band mingled with everyone and even helped MC a couple of raffles and contests. They met all kinds of new fans and even did a couple of requests for them. We hope to be seeing our new fans again real soon. Aside from all of the hot babes that were dressed in leather, some in lace, there were a lot of beautiful, but, unusual bikes. There was a lot of good food and the people were friendly and treated us with the utmost respect. We've always known that bikers and most people associated with them are the best people in the world to party with and do shows for! Not only do they love rock-n-roll, they have much better parties {which in almost every party I've seen, there's always a naked chic somewhere!} If the Rock-n-Roll doesn’t get your blood pumpin', the naked chics will! WOO HOO!!!!!!!

The band sizzled that night, so much so that at one point in the evening, I looked over at Geep and, he actually had steam coming out of the top of his head!! I knew DRIvIN' RAIN was hot, but, this just proved the point! SSSSSSSSS! HOTTTTTT!!!!! Although their bassist Greg Wolf was feeling really under the weather, he managed to find that electric energy within himself to shred his bass and pound out those ever so familiar notes that brought the show together and made it as successful as it was! {We think he's West Nile infected!}

Standing in for our guitarist Tommy DeWolf, {who is making a remarkable recovery from his accident} was Jerry Lee Prater who did his best to fill the massive shoes of Tommy DeWolf. Jerry Lee preformed the single "The Forbidden Dream" from his new solo CD for the first time live at this show. With Greg and Geep as his back up band. Jerry' hard work paid off as he ripped and screamed his way through the DRIvIN' RAIN set. Timexx Nasty says; "All in all the night was great, but, my favorite part happened at the end of the night. Some chic came up while my girlfriend was dancing and started rubbing her ass, I just stood there and smiled!!"

The whole gang would also like to thank Ali, the owner/manager of the Executive Inn. He was really nice to us and had one hell of a sense of humor! Sunday morning, during breakfast, while we were all cutting up and laughing as we usually do, Ali joined in with a few jokes of his own and happily booked DRIvIN' RAIN for a show in December. That date will soon be announced, so, keep watching the show dates page for more info! Thanx again Ali, and we'll be seeing' you real soon!

The last show for the summer was a return trip to the City Of Roses Music Festival in Cape. DRIvIN' RAIN opted out of the opening space with Dave Mason on the main stage, and instead the Raingang played a short set at Willy Jaks with Cape's favorite top 40 cover band Closure and The Intention. Greg said "We still had a good time, and at least we were still able to play this year's festival". After DRIvIN' RAIN's set the boys spit up to catch some of the other many acts playing at these years festivals. Some of the great bands we caught were Neon Nights, The Melroys, Nemesis, Dave Mason, Tribal Dust, Emaciation, Red 2 Go, Broken Grass, Ropel~Ash, and Mustapa. Many others were at this year’s festival but these were the only ones we got into see. But we heard every band did a great show. However most of the rock bands were hidden in clubs, and Metal Bands faced a prejudice from this year’s festival. Most of the main stage was cover bands of a lighter style.

DRIvIN’ RAIN would also like to send out warm and special congratulations to our friends in BLACKFIRE. Blackfire Wins "Best Pop/Rock " Native American Music Award Milwaukee, WI - Native American recording artists, BLACKFIRE received the "Best Pop/Rock Album Award" for their latest album entitled "One Nation Under" at the 5th annual Native American Music Awards. The award was presented to the Dine’ trio of siblings, BLACKFIRE, at the national awards ceremony by former members of Cheap Trick and Santana. BLACKFIRE accepted the award to an ovation of nearly 3,000 people. "It’s not about competition," stated Blackfire drummer Clayson Benally when accepting the award, “we are all winners here, we all move forward.” "We’re very surprised, grateful and humble, thank you to all those who have supported and inspired us." said bassist and vocalist Jeneda Benally. "This also goes out to all those who can’t celebrate with us here tonight, who are resisting those forms of injustice that we sing about, whether they are in Big Mountain, Leavenworth penitentiary (where political prisoner Leonard Peltier is incarcerated), Iraq, Afghanistan or Palestine." said guitarist and vocalist Klee Benally. BLACKFIRE’s recording, "One Nation Under", was also nominated for 2 other Native American Music Awards. BLACKFIRE Producer, Don Fleming, was nominated for "Best Producer". Don Fleming is also known as a producer for Sonic Youth, Hole, Screaming Trees, and Joan Jett. "One Nation Under" also gained recognition for late godfather of punk, Joey Ramone, with a nomination for "Native Heart Award". Joey Ramone contributed his final recorded vocal appearances on "One Nation Under". BLACKFIRE’s album "One Nation Under" is now available nationally; "One Nation Under" is the first punk/alternative album to be distributed by Canyon Records, the second oldest independent record company in the U.S. The Native American Music Association and the Potawatomi Tribal Community are proud to present the Fifth Annual Native American Music Awards at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday, September 7th, 2002 hosted by Indian Summer Festivals Inc. The Native American Music Awards honors and recognizes the inspiring and outstanding achievements of Native American musicians from across the country. Highly acclaimed for its professionalism, beauty, and inspiration, the Awards, or the Nammys, have been covered by the national media ranging from USA Today, Associated Press, NY Times, Los Angeles Times, Albuquerque Tribune, the Boston Globe, CNN, and the Wall Street Journal among others. Previous honorees and special guests have included; Rita Coolidge, Robbie Robertson, Crystal Gayle, Bill Miller, R. Carlos Nakai, The Neville Brothers, Joanne Shenandoah, Robert Mirabal, Wayne Newton, Branscombe Richmond, Rodney Grant, John Densmore (The Doors), Mickey Hart (Grateful Dead), and the late Jimi Hendrix and Hank Williams. Originally founded in 1998 in order to create greater opportunities and recognition for artists living on reservations and lacking proper resources, the Native American Music Awards & Association has grown to become the country's greatest single resource for celebrating and promoting Native America's rich and diverse musical heritage. Some of this year's featured performers include: Jana, Micki Free, and the Village People's Felipe Rose. Learn more about the NAMMYs at www.nammys.com and Blackfire at www.blackfire.net. Way to go Blackfire we very happy for you!

Having finished a very busy spring and summer tour, DRIvIN’ RAIN packed it in for a short rest from the heat that had taken such a toll on them. Geep told us that "We're calling this the Hell On Wheels Tour 2002! We plan to finish work on the new CD while Tommy recovers. We hope he'll be back this December or January. We'll use Jerry Lee Prater for any shows we have to do until then. And give Tommy the time he needs to get better. He's strong and driven has hell. He'll be back on stage with us very soon."

November 9 2002 DRIvIN' RAIN will be at the A.C. BRASE ARENA in CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. This show is a Cancer Benefit for 4 year old B.J. Bradley (son of Nikki Bradley) - DRIvIN' RAIN (with TOMMY DeWOLF!) also at this show will be JERRY LEE PRATER, BOB CAMP, TRIBALDUST, RED 2 GO, COLORWILL, and Blues Bureau Recording Artist TONNY SPINNER of TOTO (and ex-member of Pat Travers Band). $5.00 cover at the gate, bands start at 7:00pm til 12:30am (SORRY 21 AND OVER ONLY!) This will be the RETURN show for Tommy DeWolf! SO YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS SHOW. (DRIvIN' RAIN T-shirts and CDs will be on sale at this show!)

The Autumn Newsletter will be out soon with DRIvIN' RAIN updates and info on Timexx's brother's band Frogsweat who will be opening lots of shows for DRIvIN' RAIN in 2003. Also all the cool studio news. And information on Greg's replacement. Remember no force made by man can stop the DRIvIN' RAIN. Watch for more NEW tour dates in Cape Girardeau, Belleville Il, and Branson Mo, to be posted on the Play Dates soon.

It's time to keep all of our friends updated on DRIvIN' RAIN News. So here is you Fall 2002 and Winter 2003 News Letter.

DRIvIN' RAIN looks back at the greatest year in the bands history so far. In 2002 DRIvIN' RAIN opened for SAXON, NAZARETH, PAT SAVAGE, JIMMIE VAN ZANT, and others. The boys did a solid year of touring the midwest and earned them self the title as "The Hardest Working Rock Band in Cape Girardeau". And DRIvIN' RAIN is ready to take on 2003 with even more fury and drive. The end of 2002 will see a few changes but nothing that will stop the DRIvIN' RAIN.

November 9 2002 DRIvIN' RAIN did a show at the A.C. BRASE ARENA in CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO This show was a Cancer Benefit for 4 year old B.J. Bradley (son of Nikki Bradley). The bands started at 7:00pm and rocked till 12:30am. Also playing this night was Cape/Memphis legend Bob Camp, Guitar king Jerry Lee Prater made a surprise apperance, and jammed one of his original songs to help out. Also local favorites Color Wheel, Red 2 Go, and Tribaldust. Singer Timexx says, "I've always wanted to play this Arena. It's where I saw my first concert Krokus, Dokken, and Smokehouse. Also Autograph, Styx, Black Oak Arkansas, Elvis, Metallica, Armored Saint, Foghat, Shooting Star, Head East, King Kobra, Tommy Shaw, and others have played on that stage. And I saw most all of those shows as a kid, so it was very cool to finally be on the stage myself. And to be raising money for such a wonderful young man made it all the better."

This show was also the RETURN for Tommy DeWolf who was still recovering from a automobile accident he had this summer. Tommy was on his way to the C.G.M. plant. When his Jeep slid on the rain soaked pavement, throwing Tommy into a tree. He was then airvaced to St. Louis' Barnes Hospital. And treated for a shattered hip, broken pelvic bone, and a broken leg in six places. Timexx said "He had to sit down for the whole show but having him on stage again, made everything better. It's just no fun onstage without my brother Tommy."

And the Arena show was the final gig for bassist Greg Wolf. He had informed the band early in the summer that he would have to leave the band at years end. So DRIvIN' RAIN announced at this show that long time bassist Greg Wolf would be leaving the band. Singer Timexx Nasty says "We are just heart broken about losing Greg, but then again we want him to follow his dreams too." Wolf is leaveing under very good terms and with no hard feelings. Greg himself says "I've done more with DRIvIN' RAIN then I ever thought I'd do. I've toured, put out three CDs, and opened for some of my childhood heroes, that way more than I ever thought I would do. I just need alittle more free time than I've got right now." This doesn't mean however that Greg is leaving the music business altogether. In fact Greg will continue to write and record his music in his own studio. "I'd like to do a album where I play everything. Kind of like what Jerry Lee Prater did. It would be songs that would never fit DRIvIN' RAIN, some very off the wall style music."

This left a opening in DRIvIN' RAIN that needed to be filled A.S.A.P! The Band posted this statement the next week. "After announcing the departure of bassist Greg wolf, Guitarist Tommy DeWolf said "We have several people locally we can use. But we really just wanted to check around outside of Cape and see what we might dig up. We believe with all our hearts that somewhere out there is the perfect person to be in this band!" DRIvIN' RAIN will be trying different players out over the next few weeks. Drummer Geep Clark says "We want someone who is very dedicated to playing hard rock music. We would like someone who can write, sing, and play keyboards, guitar, and bass. This person would most likely have to be half insane and full of energy or Timexx and Tommy will kill them. Also we are in Missouri so we'll need someone ready to come here and get to work." DRIvIN' RAIN does have many ass kicking shows set for next year on the "RADIO ASSAULT TOUR 2003!" Also two more new CD releases ready to come out this year! The CD "BLOW UP YOUR RADIO" on sale Midsummer 2003 and the C.D. "The Mainstream Is Polluted" by Fall of 2003. Want to set up a audition? Here is what you need to do, send Demo, Photo, Bio, Video, Gear List, Address, Phone Number, Email, Website, Blood Type, Nude Photos Of Your Girlfriend (or Ex-whatever), Urine Sample, A Note From Your Mom, Some Cash, A Joint, Your Kindergarten Report Card, Police Record, A Number You Got Off The Bathroom Wall, and anything you think we'll like. Mail it to DRIvIN' RAIN c/o Cabala Productions PO Box 991 Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. If you have a personal website or a website of a former band (that has you on it). Email the URL to drivinrain@hotmail.com with alittle info about you and what your plans are for the future. This spot NEEDS to be filled very soon. Many have contacted us already, but, we're still holding out for that one person that fate has set aside for us. It just might be YOU! Join a Rock N Roll band, travel the world, meet new and exciting people and fuck them! Are you crazy son of a bitch with a bass guitar? Then call us we have a party to crash and we want you to come along! Lets rock this place!"

The band received many calls and lots of demos. But none of the offers seemed to be MR. Right. So bandleader Timexx decides to spend some time surfing the net. Timexx said "I knew I really didn't want ANYONE local. I just felt in my spirit that somewhere out there was the perfect person for the job. So I came across The Saint Louis Concert Web Site. And there we found our boy. Timexx Nasty says "We were very lucky to have a sorce like The St. Louis Concert Web site. It seemed like fate that we both ended up on the same site, which helped DRIvIN' RAIN and Skully find each other." Shemwell lives east of St. Louis in Granite City Il. And DRIvIN' RAIN Band is based south of St. Louis in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and with out the use of a resorce like The St. Louis Concert Web the two may never have met. DRIvIN' RAIN would like to Thank the webmasters of that site for its free Musicians Classifieds.

And on December 9 2002, the band announced that SKULLY SHEMWELL is the NEW DRIvIN' RAIN BASSIST. Shemwell currently lives just east of St. Louis in Granite City, but he says he will soon move to Cape Girardeau to be a full time member of DRIvIN' RAIN. Skully lists his influences as Cliff Burton and Jason Newstead of Metallica, Duff McKagen of Guns N Roses, and Rachel Bolan of Skid Row. Drummer Geep Clark says "I was tired of being the new guy, so now I'm the old new guy, and we got a new, new guy!" DRIvIN' RAIN frontman Timexx Nasty said, "We are very happy to introduce the world to Skully Shemwell. He grew up on old school rock and metal like we did, so he has the same vision for the band. He is also a great songwriter, and he will bring lots of great new stuff to the band. And we are so very happy to have him with us." In fact the newest member of the Raingang hit the ground running bringing four new songs with him. Skully himself said "I just wanna take the time to thank each and every fan, friend, family member, former bandmates, and everybody else for the warm welcomes and ass-kickin' compliments that have been extended towards me since joining the Raingang. I have met some great people and am anxious to see the rest of you out on the road. Here's to keepin' the storm brewin'!" Keep your eyes on this site for new photos and info on Skully! Plus new tour dates for 2003! DRIvIN' RAIN 2003! Timexx Nasty- Tommy DeWolf- Geep Clark- Skully Shemwell.

The New DRIvIN' RAIN CD "Blow Up Your Radio" was set to be released on November 28 2002, but it has been pushed back to Summer 2003. The boys will spend the next several months back in the studio re-cutting some tracks and doing some extra mixing. Singer Timexx says "Well we came into some more money, so we just decided to work on it a bit more. This way we'll be able to put more songs on it. And make it even better." The new CD "BLOW UP YOUR RADIO" will feature eleven songs; 2Y2K, Radio, Hellwater, Toys For The Witches, Goodbye, A Law Aginst Me, Nail In My Coffin, A Downward Spin, Cracks In The Armor, Tear Drop In The Rain, and Last Days. The ~LIMITED~ CD will soon be out of print, and unavailable. So get your RARE copy of DRIvIN' RAIN ~LIMITED~, with a cool glow-in-the-dark cover NOW! Because next month it'll be history! The DRIvIN' RAIN boys will soon begin work on their next CD "THE MAINSTREAM IS POLLUTED" for release this fall.

DRIvIN' RAIN recently received a phone call from Charlie Wolf road manager for the legendary biker rocker band Steppenwolf. He talked with Timexx about some possable work together in the near future. Keep checking this site for developments on this.

A painting of DRIvIN' RAIN singer Timexx Rainwalker was unvailed November 13 2002. At the University Center Lobby on November 13 2002. On the campus of Southeast Missouri University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The painting was done by local artist Pitter Seabaugh (Pitter is also Timexx's Mom). The painting was part of Native American Heritage Month Celbration. Many people stoped in to see the exibit. The Art piece is now on display at Cherokee Trails 811 Broadway in Cape Girardeau. This original piece of art is not for sale and will become part of the "Seabaugh Collection". You can find more info on the Native American Heritage Month Long Celebration at www5.SEMO.edu/museum.

DRIvIN' RAIN introduced their friends to new bassist Skully at a privaet New Years Party the band threw above Cherokee Trails. At this show the band splits the night with FROGSWEAT. In fact many of DRIvIN' RAIN's shows this ear will feature FROGSWEAT. They are a five piece band from the city of Cape Girardeau, Missiouri. Their style is melodic hard rock, and live shows are very alive and energetic. Since forming Frogsweat in mid 2002, the band has been hard at work constently writing new material and booking shows. The band only hopes the best for the future. There dream is to just keep writing music and pleasin there fans along the way, hopefully shooting towards success. The band is really striving to get there message heard, and will let no one stop them along the way. The singer and bassist of Frogsweat are also Timexx's brothers JJ, and Dan. Party guest are also treated to a special surprise apperance by Tribaldust. Tim, Chris, TJ, and Tom were all there to play a short set with Frogsweat's drummer bringing in the new year and making for a great time. Tribaldust singer Chris also sang some backup vocals with Frogsweat during their second set which was very impressive! Everyone is knocked out by the wild onstage presance of Skully. One party guest said "Watching Skully on stage with DRIvIN' RAIN you'd have never known he just joined the band. He fits in so well with Timexx and the boys that, if you didn't know better, you'd have thought he's been in the band for years." Frogsweat singer Daniel said that "Skully really brings alot of extra energy to DRIvIN' RAIN, and he's so damn good at what he does it just adds so much to the band." The party raged on till around 3:00 A.M. when many began to wander home, however The Raingang stayed and partied till dawn of 2003! Dummer Geep Clark said "It was such a fun party we decided to do it here every year."

The first offical show for Skully was January 11 2003 in Sikeston Missouri, when the Raingang rolled into Diana's. Here is Audrey's review from the show. "Hey! Naughty here,giving all you Rainfans the review from Diana's in Sikeston. Frogsweat opened the show with some ass kicking originals and a Deftones cover. And right off, a certain old fogey in the bar, who shall remain nameless (but, I know who he is) just about ruined it for FrogSweat. He claimed that their music was way too heavy and way to loud. But, all of us YOUNG people know the sayin', IF IT'S TOO LOUD, YOUR TOO FUCKING OLD!!!!!!! It caused FROGSWEATS set to get cut short by the bar owner. After a quick suggestion from TJ (of TRIBALDUST), DRIVIN' RAIN give up some of their set time so FROGSWEAT could finish theirs, to the delight of the crowd (and the bar owner). Either way, the old fart who bitched had to listen N-E-Way!! YOU GO GUYZ, YOU ALL ROCKED!!!!!!!!!

DRIVIN' RAIN delivered yet another electrifying show that had people on the edge of their seats and dancin' where ever they could find a spot to do it. This was Skully's first actual show and I must say, the chemistry between Timexx and him shot off the stage like an M-16 and could be felt outside the bar as well as in the bar!

This was the absolute beginning of one of the greatest years for DRIVIN' RAIN, this summer will prove to be an electrifying one and if you miss the chance to see them at all, you'll kick yourself in the nads, or, the ass, depending on what gender you are!! A notice to ALL females who read this, It's a GUARANTEE that if you come see DRIVIN' RAIN for the first time, you'll get way more than you bargain for, AS TIMEXX LIKES TO DROP HIS PANTS AT ONE POINT OR THE OTHER DURING THE SHOW!! It's something you DON'T want to miss.

DRIvIN' RAIN roared with some all out asskicking rock n roll. Sliding in and out of covers and originals. New bassist Skully took the lead mike to sing a great version of "Brain Stew" from GREENDAY. His over all show was animalistic in nature, and savage by choice. Showing the Sikeston crowd that he IS the newest and last bassist to fill this spot! As no other will be able to match his intensity. Tommy DeWolf showed off his style by making love to each note and reaching every soul. Geep Clark as always was earthshaking and funny! Timexx Nasty in full swing mesmerized the crowd with the easy of a southern preacher, and the grace of a stormtrooper.

All in all, this show rocked the hell outta Sikeston Missouri, and it will never be the same since the DRIVIN' RAIN! Be sure you come see us again real soon, we'll be lookin' for ya! Oh yeah, don't forget to go to the new DRIVIN' RAIN STORE and get your DRIVIN' RAIN TOUR stuff, get it autographed cuz it'll be worth lots and lots of money real soon!!!!!!!! KEEP ROCKIN'!!!!!!

Six Live photos of DRIvIN' RAIN and FROGSWEAT from the Sikeston show are in this months Big Muddy Magazine (Issue 3, February 2003 pages 8,9,& 10). Pick them up around Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. and best of all it's FREE! A special THANKS to the Big Muddy for the very cool shots! CHEERS Ta Ya!"

Skully Shemwell will be moving to Cape over the next month. Then he will be ready full time to work on DRIvIN' RAIN. Singer Timexx Nasty said "We're so very lucky to have Skully, he has worked his ass off to get this show down. And moving all the way from St. Louis proves how dedicated to this band he is. NOW we're ready for war!" DRIvIN' RAIN is also moving, into the new band lair. Where they wil share space with FROGSWEAT for the ultimate jam room.

DRIvIN' RAIN and FROGSWEAT is set to rock The White House Sports Bar Thursday February 13, 2003. This will be an ALL AGES SHOW! Cover is $3.00 over 21 and $5.00 over 21. This will be a CO-Headline show with DRIvIN' RAIN and FROGSWEAT the bands will switch back and forth between sets, this means more muis with NO breaks. JUST AS BIG AND TWICE AS UGLY! The White House is at 820 N. Sprigg St call (573) 332-0055 for more details. Show stats at 10pm ends at 1am.

We would also like to take this time to welcome two new Raindrops to the family- Tanya Shemwell and Lacy Brown. Two great girls who you'll be seein' alot of at shows, on tables, and on the Raindrops page so, keep watchin' and coming to shows, you never know what you'll miss if you don't!!!!

The Spring and Summer tour is currently being booked. They are ready to take on america and kick you in the ass. So don't sweat, DRIvIN' RAIN and FROGSWEAT are coming to a town near you. Stay on the look out for new tour dates soon, and also loads of big news is on the way! Also watch for another BIG Hot & Nasty show with Jim Dandy's BLACK OAK ARKANSAS in July at the 7th Annual Bikers 4 KidsRally. AND watch for DRIvIN' RAIN to return to the STL when they play The Midwest Rock Fest with PERPETUAL at POPS this spring! More wild summer show dates will be announced soon, so keep checking in for all the summer news!

The SPRING 2003 NEWS LETTER is NEXT so check back in, so you dont miss anything! DRIvIN' RAIN will see you on the road in 2003!

That fresh feel of Spring is in the air, when everything feels new and refreshed. After a long cold winter, the thoughts of summer time madness, and spring flings, fill the heart with excitement.

DRIvIN' RAIN bassist Skully Shemwell has officially made the move from St. Louis to Cape Girardeau. He has a big house in town and is ready to work on the band full time. Skully said "It's great to be here in Cape Girardeau, every thing worked out so perfect it's like it was all meant to be." Timexx said "This shows that Skully is truly part of this band. No one else has ever done so much to be a part of this band. And for me it finaly feels like we are a family, and this is the band I've always wanted DRIvIN' RAIN to become!"

After digging out from under a blanket of snow that draped the heartland, DRIvIN' RAIN booked a quick show at The White House in their hometown of Cape Girardeau. Where the bad boys from Missouri took the stage and rammed through a sling of covers and originals. Highlighting new covers by Bush, Puddle Of Mudd, and a very driven' version of American Woman! Timexx sung is heart out, and he grabed the crowd by the throat, and didn't let go untill he was ready. Tommy mesmerized the mostly student crowd, with magical notes of musical rapture. Skully stalked the stage like a untamed animal looking for meat. Geep rumbled the room with a thunder of drum assaults, that sometimes felt like cannon fire. Cape's hot new band FROGSWEAT then took the stage and got the crowd on their feet with fresh NUmetal and melodic hard rock. DRIvIN' RAIN returned for another set to finish the night and get the crowd up on the tables and bars around the room. Local KYRX The Mix Radio came out for a live remote that helped bring the students out from the doorms across the street. The station gave a way lots of cool CDs, T-shirts, and Concert tickets. Several Cape Rock locals stopped in for the show, TJ of TRIBALDUST, and Lord K. of EMACIATION, even Kirby, Kraven and Scooter, some top local DJs from Real Rock 99.3 also came in to catch the White House Show. Both bands had loads of fun and will return for more madness at The White House this summer.

DRIvIN' RAIN is readying for what looks to be the biggest year in the bands history so far. A few shows have already been announced and a more Spring dates will be popping up soon. Summer dates are being booked now, and will make a tour that will last well into the winter of next year.

For our off-line friends DRIvIN' RAIN has set up a NEW 24/7 Band Hotline. Where anyone can call to keep up with showdates and others crazy DRIvIN' RAIN news. The number is at (573) 332-8389 (the call is free but regular long distance toll fees will apply.) The Hotline runs 24 hours a day 7 days a week and the messages will be changes on a regular basis. Different band members and Raindrops will leave message at different times so call often. You will also be able to leave messages for DRIvIN' RAIN at this number. At times band members may answer the phone LIVE and give you a free chance to talk one on one, with one or more members of the band. The HOTLINE also has features to check up on FROGSWEAT.

April showers will return to Chaffee Missouri when DRIvIN' RAIN thunders back into town for a Spring Fling at Frisco's in Chaffee Missouri APRIL 5th 2003. Watch out Chaffee DRIvIN' RAIN is back! All hells breaking lose at FRISCO's APRIL 5th 2003 when DRIvIN' RAIN returns for ONE NIGHT ONLY! Singer Timexx says "Chaffee is a fun town to play! Lots of Wasted Rock Rangers!" There will be NO OPENING band on this show. So get ready for a all out rock assault as The Raingang rips through originals and covers. New and old, stuff you like, stuff you hate, and stuff you've never heard before. But it'll be ALL Rock! ONE NIGHT ONLY- Cover and ID need at the door. Call (573) 887-3331 for full details. (Or call the Official DRIvIN' RAIN band hotline (573) 332-8389 UP 24 hours a day 7 days a week! With hot phone action!) APRIL 5th 2003 DRIvIN' RAIN rocks FRISCO's in Chaffee Missouri!

The DRIvIN' RAIN store is a huge success! The band has been sold lots DRIvIN' RAIN merchandise. A new Tour Shirts for 2003 are now on sale at the store. The T-shirts feature four full color photos of the band under the bands name and another huge band logo on back. Full size wall poster are now available along with 2003 calendar prints of the band. Bumperstickers and underwear are moving fast. The DRIvIN' RAIN winter fleece jackets and shirts will soon be out of stock and won't be available again until next winter so pick them up while you can! The DRIvIN' RAIN 2003 Lunchbox has been a big hit with numerous sales. And we've added lots of great summer time items. Check out the bands Official Store and get all your official DRIvIN' RAIN merchandise today.

DRIvIN RAIN's ~LIMITED~ CD is now out of print and no longer available. So if you didn't already get your Glow In The Dark copy of ~LIMITED~ you may soon be kicking yourself. However the band says work is underway to release the new CD. The delayed release of the full length "BLOW UP YOUR RADIO" is midsummer. The band said "We just want to make this C.D. a little better. And since we don't have a record label breathing down our necks we can do what we want, when ever we want. And because of that we like to take our time and not just rush it out. The songs are already recorded so we are just shinning it up a bit. But really the best thing about this new C.D. is it goes to 11!" The band has already began writing songs for their NEXT Cd called "The Mainstream Is Polluted" (due out Spring 2004). New songs like "Reality Check", "The Scream", "Get Lucky", "The Mainstream Is Polluted" will be thrown into shows over this summer and winter Tours. Singer Timexx said "We like to try the songs out on a live crowd a few times before we record them, the songs will naturally morf into something very cool, we just let them grow on their own." The new songs are a much more polished sound for DRIvIN' RAIN along the lines of "Cracks In The Armor" and "Hellwater". No frills, balls out, rock n roll. Listen for these new tunes at up coming shows.

Timexx and DRIvIN' RAIN would like to take a minute to say congratulations to our friend Mary Youngblood for her Grammy win this year. Youngblood won the best Native American Album Grammy for 2003. Bending tradition, Mary Youngblood is a modern American Indian woman of one half Aleut (Alaskan) and one half Seminole (Floridian) descent. With her children, she currently resides in Northern California. When Youngblood performs it takes only a moment to acknowledge the profound spirituality of the sacred Native American flute and its historical courtship and wooing attributes. Her haunting music is much more than a song ... it's liquid poetry, a prayer. Mary Youngblood takes little credit for the intense emotions people feel when they listen to her music. "I am only a vessel between Creator and this instrument. As a sculptor would tell you, the clay has a spirit of its own and decides what it will become; so it is with the flute. These songs came from those who walked before me." MARY YOUNGBLOOD WINS GRAMMY AWARD "Beneath the Raven Moon" (on Silver Wave Records) earns high honor. Silver Wave Records was excited to announce that Native American flutist Mary Youngblood has WON the Grammy Award in the category of Best Native American music album for 2003. Ms. Youngblood's third Silver Wave release entitled "Beneath the Raven Moon" has earned the coveted award. Often touted as the first Native American woman to professionally record the Native flute, Youngblood is now the first woman to win the Grammy in the Native American category. She has previously earned numerous other prominent awards from organizations such as the Native American Music Awards (NAMMIES) and the Association for Independent Music (INDIE award). Each piece on "Beneath the Raven Moon" features a different flute from Youngblood's amazing collection, each one in a different key and hand crafted from various types of wood. The album showcases her exemplary flute playing in a variety of styles from traditional to classical to contemporary blues arrangements. She even accompanies herself with soulful vocal harmonizing on two tracks. This is Ms. Youngblood's first time to win the music industry's highest honor. "This has been an incredible journey and I am honored to be in such good company" she says. The prestigious awards were presented in New York City on February 23rd during a star filled live network television broadcast. And again DRIvIN' RAIN would like to say congratulations to our friend Mary Youngblood for her Grammy win this year.

DRIvIN' RAIN will do two shows on May 3 2003. The band will roll into downtown Cairo to play a show for the Yearly Shriner's Biker Poker Run held at Captain Wade's at 808 Commercial Ave in Downtown Cairo. DRIvIN' RAIN will preform from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Also at this show will be ROUGH COMFORT, BOTTOMLINE and EARL SKEE PRYOR. Skee Pryor is the son of legendary blues harmonica player Snooky Pryor, Skee is no stranger to the Blues traveling with his father since 1988. Playing hot licks on his bass guitar behind his famous father, Snooky Pryor, as well has as opened for him. He has also had the pleasure of backing other legends such as Jimmy Rogers, Pinetop Perkins, Casey Bell, Billy Boy Arnold and Surgar Blue. Skee has made several trips to Europe as well as Japan, in between his busy scedule with Snooky Pryor's Band. Earl Skee Pryor, Started out with the name Snooky Pryor Jr., but having confusion with promotions and bookings he decided to change his name and make his own way has EARL SKEE PRYOR. Live country, blues and rock bands will play throughout the day and into the night. With door prizes, poker run, Bar-B-Q, Bikes, Bikers, Babes,and Bands, Plus lots more. Ride to historic downtown Cairo and donate money to the Shriner's. THEN follow DRIvIN' RAIN to Carbondale for another show.

)n May 3 2003, DRIvIN' RAIN will rock Carbondale Illinois, when they play a show at Mugsy McGuier's Entertainment Center, as part of the CRUNCH HAVEN FESTIVAL. The list of Bands and Times we have so far is, 5:00-5:40 UNDERWEAR FOR TWO/ 5:50-6:30 KILLING EARTH/ 6:40-7:20 NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE/ 7:30-8:10 SHIFTKIT/ 8:20-9:00 TRIBALDUST/ 9:10-9:50 VOCALEYES/ 10:00-10:40 TRYPTOPHANE/ 10:50-11:30 POOR KING/ 11:40-12:20 EMACIATION/ 12:30-1:10 HEADFIX/ and 1:20-2:10a.m. DRIVIN' RAIN Headlines. "ALL THIS MUSIC AND TATTOOS AND PIERCING ON THE PREMISES AS WELL AS SCANTLY CLAD GIRLS ON HARLEYS TO BE TAKING PICTURES WITH ANY HEAVY MUSIC FANS THAT WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A MEMORY HOME WITH (NOT THE GIRL). FREE TATTOOS AND PIERCINGS ALONG WITH FREE C.D.'S AND MANY MORE FUN THINGS TO FILL UP A SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING! SOUNDS START AT 5:00 P.M. DOORS OPEN AT 4:00P.M. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR FOR ONLY $5.00! ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE MUSICIAN'S ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. Crunchhaven metal fest starts at 5 p.m. Saturday at Mugsy's Entertainment Center. Tickets are $5. Doors open at 4 p.m.

"This year's first Crunchhaven metal festival will showcase 10 bands from Carbondale, Cape Girardeau, Mo., Memphis, Tenn., and the St. Louis area. The event begins at 5 p.m. with the doors opening at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Mugsy's Entertainment Center. The cost of admission is $5 at the door. At press time, the bands scheduled to perform include local acts Underware For Two, Hateful Dead and Poor King, the Nashville, Tenn., act Thin King, VocalEyes, Tryptophane, Tribaldust, the last local performance of Headfix, Emaciation and headlining act Drivin' Rain.

Tribaldust is a five-piece hardcore metal band from southeast Missouri. Tribaldust consists of Chris Henderson and Tom Cobb on guitars, Justin Green on drums, T.J. Shoemaker on bass and Tim Boyet on vocals. The group's sound is somewhat diverse, containing powerful riffs, crushing rhythms, but at times melodic breakdowns. Not only does the group exhibit diverse styles in music, but also in songwriting, which is meant to deliver something new and brutal with every song. Tribaldust fans are referred to affectionately as "dustheads." The band's key influences include AC/DC, Sepultura, old Metallica, Pantera, White Zombie and various other bands in and out of heavy music. A demo is currently in the works, and the band intends to continue its regimen of shows. For more information on Tribaldust, go to http://tribaldust.hpg.com.br/.

The Carbondale-based group Headfix began in 2000 and since then has played regularly on the regional basis. "The Substance of Being," the group's debut full-length album, sold out of its original pressing at the band's most recent show in Salem. According to bassist Chris Shanahan, more will be made for the show on Saturday. Headfix is Ryan Lydick on vocals, Sean Pickford on guitar, Chris Shanahan on bass and Zachary Kemp on percussion. The group's sound is a combination of metal and modern heavy rock, which blends the sounds of Tool, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam and Queens of The Stone Age with each member's own personal touch. This Saturday's show will be the last show for Headfix, as the members have recently and amicably decided to part ways as a band. For more information on Headfix, go to http://headfix.tripod.com.

Emaciation is: Shannon Aden on guitar, Kirby Ray on guitar and vocals, Jessuka on keyboards, Hellfingers Big Ben on bass, and Beer Purg on drums. According to the group's website, the true concept of the band is to make the heaviest sound possible with both classical music and heavy metal influences. Some of the heavy metal influences include Celtic Frost, Black Sabbath, Marduk, King Diamond, Dimmu Borgir, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Cradle of Filth and Cannibal Corpse. Emaciation in the past has been invited to perform at the Dyname festival in Holland, Wacken fest and Milwaukee Metalfest. The group was also voted one of the top six bands at the annual City of Roses Music Fest in Cape Girardeau, Mo., by ticketholders. In an act of homage to Emaciation's primary influences, the band members wear corpse paint (black and white makeup), which adds to the overall image and sound of this unique area act. For more information on Emaciation, go to http://emaciationweb.tripod.com.

The headlining band of the evening, the long-running Drivin' Rain, hails from Cape Girardeau, Mo., as well. Since the summer of 1994, the group has done extensive touring and performing on the same stage with the likes of Nazareth, Steppenwolf, Kentucky Headhunters, Black Oak Arkansas and Eddie Money. Drivin' Rain has also received support over the years from various motorcycle clubs, such as Hell's Angels, Dixie Riders, Bikers 4 Kids and Missouri Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse. Drivin' Rain features Timexx Rainwalker on vocals, Tommy DeWolf on guitar, G.P. Clark on drums and C.D. Shemwell on bass. Rainwalker's vocals and performance have been commented on by a number of sources that include webzines, newspapers and magazines. A 1995 article by Nightlife said that Rainwalker's vocals were like a "gravely voiced Mariah Carey hitting the metal scene." The band has a forthcoming album, the 11-song "Blow Up Your Radio." (Bios from Jared DuBach Assistant Pulse Editor)

" A SAFE PLACE TO CRUNCH!" Phone# 618-457-6847 for even more details. Mugsy McGuire's 1620 W. Main Carbondale, IL. Listen to ROCK~TAO and Real Rock 99.3 for details!Phone# 618-457-MUGS, 618-457-6847, or 618-457-6090 for even more details. Mugsy McGuire's 1620 W. Main Carbondale, IL. Game Room Open Daily until 2 a.m. Open for Lunch at 11 a.m. Every Day. Visit their web site at http//MugsyMcguiresEnt.com AND listen to RockTAO (Carbondale) and Real Rock 99.3 (Cape Girardeau) for festival information. Crunchhaven is sponsored by P-Mac Music, Zimmer Radio Group, Golgotha Tattoos, Clear Channel Radio, Hot Topic and Tuff Luck Tattoos. All proceeds go to the Musician's Assistance Program.

Then MAY 31, 2003 DRIvIN' RAIN will return to Sikeston Missouri for another night of Rock N Roll. The boys will roll into DIANA's and rock the house with their brand of American Hard Rock! Timexx said "We had so much fun there last time, we just had to come back for more!" Must Be 21 and cover charge at the door. ONE NIGHT ONLY! NO OPENING BAND so arrive early for best seats! Call DIANA's at (573) 471-3997

On June 20 and June 21, DRIvIN' RAIN will join JOHN KAY & STEPPENWOLF, THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS, and PLAIN STRANGE at HOGG FARM RALLY in Benton Il. (DRIvIN' RAIN will be the opening act for STEPPENWOLF at this years event!)

HOGG FARM RALLY kicks off Friday June 20 with The Kentucky Headhunters. Although the world first discovered The HeadHunters in 1989, the unique style of the HeadHunters' music started to come together about 30 years ago in the rolling hill country of south Kentucky, just two hours drive up from Nashville.

It was there that Greg Martin, Richard Young, and his younger brother, Fred, and cousin Anthony Kenney first got together to play. When the Youngs first became interested in music in the mid-1960s, their grandmother, Effie Young, used to let them use her converted farmhouse to practice in. The boys found an antique record player with 78s by Tennessee Ernie Ford, Roy Acuff and the Carter Family. Like all HeadHunter music, the record player still plays and the house still stands tall. Richard and Fred were exposed to an eclectic range of music while growing up. Their father, a schoolteacher, was fascinated by the rural American heritage songs written by the likes of Stephen Foster, while their mother turned them on to the blues by listening to radio broadcasts out of Chicago. Greg, on the other hand, was first introduced to country music by his Dad and uncles and was further influenced by early rock 'n' roll records borrowed from his older brother. Anthony, the son of a local rockabilly star, grew up in a household full of Elvis and Carl Perkins, which naturally set the stage for his interest in the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Mark Orr came from the musical environs of a home filled with Ray Charles and Harry Belafonte, his parents' favorites. He became aware of rock and blues from his older brother and sister. The Phelps Brothers, Doug and Ricky Lee, sons of a rural preacher, first cut their musical teeth on gospel music found in the church choir. That foundation, coupled with an interest in a variety of music, led them to their meeting with Greg, Fred and Richard playing in the HeadHunters.

Though country music was in their blood, the boys' deepest passions became rooted in otherworldly sounds. When Greg came down from Louisville with a silver Gretsch and an armful of records by Cream, NRBQ, the Rolling Stones, Ten Years After, Bob Dylan, Moby Grape and Led Zeppelin, the musical genius of what is now the Kentucky HeadHunters came together. Calling themselves Aftermath, the cousins played "Crossroads" at a local talent contest and won. A career was born.

During the 1970s, the band, having changed their name to Itchy Brother after Fred's favorite cartoon character, became a hot item on the southern roadhouse circuit. Despite the addition of a sensational vocalist, Mark Orr, and interest from several major labels, a deal was never signed. It was the same old story: right place at the wrong time. The boys all went on to land Nashville-based country music jobs either writing for Acuff-Rose Publishing, or playing with established country acts. True to their roots, the guys frequently got together at the old practice house to jam and play whenever possible. After years of writing and touring, Richard, Fred, and Greg decided to to reconvene at the practice house just for kicks. Greg had met a bass player, Doug Phelps, and the four clicked. Doug convinced his brother Ricky Lee to come up and take a shot at singing with the band. They played "Honky Tonk Blues" and knew right away something special was happening.

The HeadHunters originally set out to play local gigs and host a live monthly radio program, "The Chitlin Show," involving various local and national artists. During the summer of 1989, they went on to record and album of eight songs with the intention of selling copies at their shows, but Nashville record executives heard about the famous "pink tape" and realized that they were missing out on something. A showcase performance was arranged for Nashville record labels, many of whom thought the band played too loud and walked out. The band was told: "If you were in New York or Los Angeles they could sign you as a rock act, but you don't fit Nashville."

The HeadHunters went back to their original plans to release the album independently until they got a chance call from Harold Shedd, the head of A&R for Mercury Records in Nashville. Shedd liked the band so much he released the self-produced "homemade tape" with two additional tracks as "Pickin' On Nashville." Nobody expected the record to break all sales records for a debut release by a country band. "When we sold 70,000 we were delighted because it meant we could make another one," Richard Young recalls, "but then a week later it was up over 125,000 and we thought 'What's going on here?'" The band wasn't the only one asking that question. The HeadHunters turned Nashville upside down with their blues rock edge to country music, and sent the other labels scrambling to reproduce the sound. To this day, some of the most frequently-used musical elements on country radio and video were first pioneered by the HeadHunters.

The band's second album, "Electric Barnyard," was another musical step out for the HeadHunters. Richard Young used a Beatles analogy to explain the creative jump the band made from "Pickin'" to the second album, "It was like the difference between 'Rubber Soul' and 'Sgt. Pepper'." After the Electric Barnyard Tour, the Phelps brothers left to form their own group, Brother Phelps. Few bands could survive such a major personnel change, but the HeadHunters knew exactly what to do. They got on the phone to old bandmates Anthony Kenney and Mark Orr, and reformed the original lineup. The enthusiasm accompanying that reunion translated directly to a supercharged third album by the HeadHunters called, "Rave On!!!".

Categorizing the music of the Grammy winning Kentucky HeadHunters is like trying to explain why the grass in Kentucky looks blue. Some things are best when left to just grow naturally without explanation…wild and unique… So it is with the HeadHunters. One word of caution: Hide your children, Nashville! A lot of new musical influences are about to reach formative ears that tune into the new HeadHunters release. “Soul” is a musical travelogue that transports listeners far beyond the city limits of Nashville to explore influences of Memphis, Muscle Shoals, and rural environs known only to musicians with a steady itinerary of off the beaten path funky, blues clubs where new music is born from the influences of the old masters. Sibling band mates Richard and Fred K. Young, and their cousins Anthony Kenney and Greg Martin, and friend, Doug Phelps are the perfect hosts for the grand tour “Soul” provides.Their newest project “Soul” is proof positive that with their current label, Audium/Koch, someone is very smart. The band has wisely been given total creative control when the subject turns to music. Listening to their prior project for the label, “Songs From The Grass String Ranch” released in August 2000 leaves little doubt that fans will need to strap on their seatbelts for a total departure on the band´s new collection. The Kentucky grown musicians, who devised their name as an off shoot of Muddy Waters´ legendary band have always been proud to forge new musical ground more that just a little left center of the Nashville trends. They´ve made their mark as a controversial band-as influenced by heavy metal and the blues-as they have been by the bluegrass of their heritage. Fans are used to ‘hunting´ through the record bins to find Headhunter product; never knowing if the CD´s will show up in Country, Southern Rock, Blues or Rock categories. “Soul” is the HeadHunters at their ultimate best. The blues are so thick they float to the surface amidst a pot boiling musical recipe that bubbles noticeably with some of the groups collective favorite influences: Jimi Hendrix, Cream, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Jeff Beck Group, ZZ Top, Nazz, Johnny Winter, The Allman Brothers, Free, and Led Zeppelin. Wanting to reach into the roots of blues music, The HeadHunters invited the best blues pianist in the world, 73-year-old Johnnie Johnson, to play on this project. Johnson, who was on stage with the Rolling Stones in Houston, TX the evening prior to the recording session, didn´t hesitate. He jumped on a plane in Houston, landed in Kentucky, and laid down his signature piano sound for the The HeadHunters…. True, ageless, historic, “Soul.” Grammy nominated Jimmy Hall had just returned from touring with Jeff Beck and quickly answered the HeadHunters call to record, as did Reese Wynans (Dickie Betts Band) and legendary saxophonist, Jim Horn. In a recent interview, The HeadHunters admit they were apprehensive going into the sessions that produced their newest project with such an eclectic group of musicians, but within hours of arriving in the studio, it was obvious the climate was right. The result: The band calls it the most honest and passionate Headhunter music in years. The truth of these words will soon be in the ear of the beholder with “Soul.”-- John Swenson of Still Pickin'

The Headhunters opening band will be southren Illinois' own Plain Strange. The band PLAIN STRANGE was formed from two seperate bands: The first band was a modern rock band called PLAIN JANE. The other band was a classic rock band called STRANGE BREW. The two bands decided to combine PLAIN JANE, and STRANGE BREW to form, PLAIN STRANGE. Since forming they have opened for National acts like NIGHT RANGER, VOCAL TRASH, and THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS. The band plays original and classic rock covers, around clubs in Southern Illionis. PLAIN STRANGE features Jeff Mears (Lead vocals), Jim Bradley ( Guitar , keyboards , and vocals ), Heath "Slide" Holloman ( Guitar , synthesizer, and vocals), Ken Mathis ( bass guitar and vocals ), and Chris Whiteside (Drums and vocals ).

Then on Saturday June 21, 2003 DRIvIN' RAIN will join REVIS and STEPPENWOLF, at The 2003 HOGG FARM RALLY in Benton Il.

In the chaotic world of rock 'n' roll, in which the lifespan of most bands can be measured in terms of a few years or a few months, John Kay and Steppenwolf have emerged as one of rock's most enduring and respected bands, delivering hard-hitting, personally-charged music for more than three decades.

In the late 1960s, Steppenwolf embodied that era's social, political and philosophical restlessness, building an impressive body of edgy, uncompromising rock 'n' roll that retains its emotional resonance more than three decades after the band's formation. Such Steppenwolf standards as "Born to Be Wild," "Magic Carpet Ride," "Rock Me" and "Monster" stand amongst Rock's most indelible anthems. At last count, the band's worldwide record sales exceed 25 million units. Its songs remain fixtures on classic-rock radio, and have been licensed for use in approximately 50 motion pictures and an even greater number of television programs. And, in addition to being the first band to use the term "heavy metal" in a song (in "Born to Be Wild"), Steppenwolf's punchy style helped to establish the fundamentals of the hard-rock sound that would flourish in the 1970s. Steppenwolf's remarkable resilience is largely a reflection of the fierce determination and never-say-die tenacity that's driven Kay for much of his life. He was born Joachim Fritz Krauledat in 1944 in the section of Germany then known as East Prussia. He never knew his father, who was killed fighting in Russia a month before John's birth. When John was less than a year old, he and his mother fled to what would soon become Communist-controlled East Germany. When he was four, they undertook a perilous midnight escape into West Germany. Growing up in Hannover, West Germany, John was profoundly affected by the American rock 'n' roll he heard on U.S. Armed Forces Radio. Though he didn't speak English at the time, the music's primal energy touched something deep in him, instilling both a driving ideal of personal freedom and an abiding interest in American culture. That vision became a reality in 1958, when the teenager emigrated with his mother and stepfather to Toronto. There, he immersed himself in the rock, R&B, country and gospel music that emanated from late-night U.S. clear-channel AM stations, while learning English from the speed-rapping DJs who dominated the rock 'n' roll airwaves.

By 1967, The Sparrow had run its course and Kay was back in Los Angeles, where ABC-Dunhill Records staff producer Gabriel Mekler encouraged him to form a new group to record for his label. Towards that end, the singer reenlisted two old Sparrow bandmates, drummer Jerry Edmonton and keyboardist Goldy McJohn, and recruited 17-year-old guitar prodigy Michael Monarch and bassist Rushton Moreve. The new outfit was christened Steppenwolf, after Hermann Hesse's mystical novel of the same name.

Steppenwolf's self-titled 1968 debut album-recorded in a mere four days-introduced the band's iconoclastic approach, which combined a tough, blues-rooted sound, a penchant for topical lyrics and the gritty growl of Kay, whose brooding presence and trademark shades made him one of the era's most magnetic and identifiable figures.Steppenwolf soon emerged as one of the few bands of the late '60s to successfully straddle the pop-oriented AM mainstream and the hip FM underground, scoring substantial success on both the single and album charts without tailoring its approach to pander to either constituency. "Born to Be Wild"-written by ex-Sparrow member Dennis Edmonton, aka Mars Bonfire-became Steppenwolf's first major hit, and was subsequently featured prominently (along with the band's pointed reading of Hoyt Axton's anti-hard-drug composition "The Pusher") in the seminal '60s film Easy Rider, cementing Steppenwolf's status as counterculture icons as well as earning the group a hardcore biker following.

"For the times, Steppenwolf was an uncharacteristically tight band," Kay notes. "In San Francisco, The Sparrow had been allowed to stretch out and experiment. But when Steppenwolf was created, I think Jerry and I had both come to the conclusion that the strong rhythmic element was what we really valued. Our philosophy was 'Hit 'em hard, make your point and move on.'" Steppenwolf's aggressive image co-existed with a thoughtful lyrical stance that challenged mainstream values and counterculture platitudes alike. "That idea of speaking your mind in the lyrics is something I had picked up in the folk-music community, and from growing up in post-World War II Germany," Kay states. "We didn't see why you couldn't have music that worked on a gut level but still offered some food for thought."

The band's career momentum and musical progression continued with such best-selling albums as Steppenwolf The Second (which yielded another Top Five classic in "Magic Carpet Ride"), At Your Birthday Party (which spawned the Top Ten hit "Rock Me"), the ambitiously conceptual Monster (whose politically provocative title track became a surprise hit), Steppenwolf Live (which featured studio single "Hey Lawdy Mama"), Steppenwolf 7 and For Ladies Only. Along the way, various members came and went, with bassist Moreve leaving in late 1968; he was initially replaced by former Sparrow member Nick St. Nicholas, before being supplanted in early 1970 by George Biondo. Guitarist Monarch exited in 1969, replaced first by Larry Byrom and subsequently by Kent Henry.

"Steppenwolf was always kind of a work in progress," says Kay. "By our second album, we had become more confident in not having to mimic others in our attitude, in our look or in our music. We were really in uncharted territory to a great extent, because at the time there were very few models of how all this should work. You'd play some arena in Monroe, Louisiana, using the same public-address system that they used to announce basketball games, with no monitors. You'd spend a lot of time scratching your head thinking 'There's got to be a better way to do this.'" Steppenwolf's popularity and influence continued unabated into the early 1970s. But, burned out from the endless album/tour grind, the quintet officially disbanded on Valentine's Day 1972, a day that L.A. Mayor Sam Yorty officially designated as "Steppenwolf Day." Kay then released a pair of critically acclaimed solo albums, Forgotten Songs and Unsung Heroes and My Sportin' Life, which found him exploring new musical and lyrical territory, with rewarding results.

Following Steppenwolf's highly successful 1974 European "farewell" tour, Kay reformed the band with Jerry Edmonton, Goldy McJohn, George Biondo and new guitarist Bobby Cochran. The group recorded three more albums-Slow Flux, which yielded the Top 20 hit "Straight Shootin' Woman," Hour of the Wolf and Skullduggery-for the Epic-distributed Mums label, before calling it a day once again in 1976. Kay then signed with Mercury Records and relaunched his solo career with 1978's well-received All In Good Time. It was around this time that Kay learned that two of his former bandmates were touring with a bogus "Steppenwolf." The notion of the fake band playing low-rent club gigs-and tarnishing the legacy he'd spent nearly a decade building-aroused Kay's fighting spirit, motivating him and Steppenwolf co-founder Jerry Edmonton (who by then had retired from music in favor of a career in photography) to take steps to establish their legal claim to the band name.

In 1980 Kay launched an all-new lineup, now billed as John Kay and Steppenwolf, virtually starting from scratch to restore his band's good name. The new group spent the next several years working a punishing touring regimen, playing anywhere and everywhere it could to rebuild Steppenwolf's reputation as a class act.

"That was a real ego adjustment, and a real test-do you want to do this badly enough to rebuild this thing from the ground up?," Kay admits. "It was a tremendously humbling experience, grinding it out 20 weeks at a time, reconquering small chunks of real estate step by step. But it showed me that there were people out there who still felt a deep connection to Steppenwolf. By 1987 or thereabouts, we came up for air and looked around and saw what we'd accomplished. We didn't have any albums in the Top 40, but we had built this solid thing that was kind of like the Grateful Dead in miniature." Indeed, the lengthy rebuilding period had put Kay and company back in touch with a large and loyal fan base-as well as an influx of younger listeners responsive to band's enduring appeal-that has kept Steppenwolf rolling ever since. Since then, John Kay and Steppenwolf-which now includes longtime members Michael Wilk (keyboards/bass) and Ron Hurst (drums) and relatively recent addition Danny Johnson (guitar)-have released seven albums and maintained a busy international touring schedule that keeps the band on the road for several months per year. The band also hosts Wolf Fest, an annual weekend-long festival that draws fans from around the world-fondly dubbed "the Wolfpack"-to the band's adopted home base in Tennessee.

In 1994, on the eve of Steppenwolf's 25th anniversary, Kay returned to the former East Germany for a triumphant series of Steppenwolf concerts; that trip reunited him with friends and relatives he had not seen since his early childhood. The same year, Kay published his autobiography, Magic Carpet Ride, which compellingly related the ups and downs and his and his band's history.

Today's Steppenwolf, operating without major-label financing, is the model of a successful cyber-age cottage industry. The band's self-contained operation incorporates an in-house 24-track digital recording studio, as well as an extensive website-www.steppenwolf.com-that serves as a cyber-clubhouse for fans around the world. The website also functions as an outlet for Steppenwolf music, allowing fans easy access to the group's recent work, as well as CD reissues of the entire Steppenwolf and John Kay album catalogue. The band continues to generate vital new music, with a number of recording projects in the works, including the recent John Kay solo effort, Heretics and Privateers.

Steppenwolf's dramatic and sometimes turbulent history recently became the subject of an episode of VH-1's documentary series Behind the Music. That much-talked-about broadcast underlined the band's ongoing stature and influence, but John Kay, now in his fourth decade with Steppenwolf, remains focused firmly on the future. "There's a lot of truth in that old cliché about whatever doesn't kill you making you stronger," Kay concludes. "Looking back, I realize that it's the struggles that have taught us how to gain our independence and live the rock 'n' roll of life on our own terms."

Also just announced for HOGG FARM's FALL Rally will be the hometown return of the band REVIS. The band is composed of five dedicated musicians who grew up in humble beginnings of southern Illinois, central Illinois and Austria.

Their diverse musical backgrounds including jazz, blues, and rock n' roll enhanced their ability to jell at the band's inception. REVIS is often said to sound alot like the band CREED. But that's not such a bad thing is it?

Composing original songs from the beginning, each resonating different from the other produces their own genre in mainstream alternative music. As the catalog of music grows, their ideas continue to mature with sincerity but with intestinal fortitude. This is evident in the debut single, "Caught In The Rain" released February 18, 2003, jumping on the charts the first 24 hours of the release, #1 most added song at Active Rock Radio and #3 most added at Modern Rock! "Caught In The Rain" was composed with powerful progressions and memorable lyrics and continues to climb gracefully up the charts each week. Revis' relation to a crowd from the stage is met through love, energy and professionalism. While a living and breathing passion is now being shared with the world, Revis continues to work hard and write new material daily. Certainly, this can be Places For Breathing when work is such a pleasure to these young men doing what they love.

Revis' objective in the music scene is to share their creations of unique and inspiring sounds to one listener at a time, who then in turn becomes a Revis fan for life. Composing original songs from the beginning, each resonating different from the other produces their own genre in mainstream alternative music. As the catalog of music grows, their ideas continue to mature with sincerity but with intestinal fortitude. This is evident in the debut single, "Caught In The Rain" released February 18, 2003, jumping on the charts the first 24 hours of the release, #1 most added song at Active Rock Radio and #3 most added at Modern Rock! "Caught In The Rain" was composed with powerful progressions and memorable lyrics and continues to climb gracefully up the charts each week. Revis' relation to a crowd from the stage is met through love, energy and professionalism. While a living and breathing passion is now being shared with the world, Revis continues to work hard and write new material daily. Certainly, this can be Places For Breathing when work is such a pleasure to these young men doing what they love. Their debut album, titled “Places For Breathing,” now in the stores May 20th, 2003, was produced by heavy hitters, Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Lit, Eve 6), mixed by Andy Wallace (Faith No More, Marilyn Manson) and Alan Moulder (Smashing Pumpkins, A Perfect Circle). The must see video, "Caught In The Rain", Epic Records, Sony Music Entertainment, can be found on Much Music USA, mmusa.tv and MTV.

Their debut album, titled “Places For Breathing,” in the stores now was produced by heavy hitters, Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Lit, Eve 6), mixed by Andy Wallace (Faith No More, Marilyn Manson) and Alan Moulder (Smashing Pumpkins, A Perfect Circle). The must see video, "Caught In The Rain", Epic Records, Sony Music Entertainment, can be found on Much Music USA, mmusa.tv and MTV.

This year REVIS as toured with Pearl Jam, Social Burn, Double Drive, Evenance, and other top bands. The groups hit song "Caught In The Rain" was featured on the DAREDEVIL movie and soundtrack.

Opening for STEPPENWOLF & REVIS will be the band Drivin' Rain, from Cape Girardeau, Mo. Since the summer of 1994, the group has done extensive touring and performing on the same stage with the likes of Nazareth, Molly Hatchet, Saxon, Revis, Head East, Jim Dandy's Black Oak Arkansas, Eddie Money, Tora Tora, Pat Travers, John Kay & Steppenwolf, and others. Drivin' Rain has also received support over the years from various motorcycle clubs, such as Hell's Angels, Mad Dogs, Stormriders, Freebirds, Dixie Riders, ABATE, F.O.R.R, Bikers 4 Kids and The Missouri Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse. Drivin' Rain also preforms at many Biker Rally throughout the summer each year. Drivin' Rain features Timexx Nasty on vocals, Tommy DeWolf on guitar, Geep Clark on drums and Skully Shemwell on bass. Nasty's vocals and performance have been commented on by a number of sources that include webzines, newspapers and magazines. A 1995 article by Nightlife said that Nasty's vocals were like a "gravely voiced Mariah Carey hitting the metal scene." The band has a forthcoming album, the 11-song "Blow Up Your Radio" set for release Summer 2003. Their website www.drivinrain.net is viewed daily by rock fans around the world.

The HOGG FARM's Master of Ceremonies will be CRULY! STAND UP COMIC, ACTOR, ENTERTAINER. Curly, not your ordinary stand up comic. Curly is very different from any other stand up comic you’ve ever seen. He is not a comic clone, Curly is the next big thing in stand up comedy. He is setting a new trend for the world of comedy. Every so often someone comes along that is so different they change everything, that someone is Curly. Curly has a look that is so unique that people want to see what he is all about. Bottom line is people want to see Curly. Curly describes himself as a terd in a punch bowl, nobody wants to touch it but everybody wants to look at it. Curly will make you laugh until you cry by making fun of himself and all that happens to him in his not so ordinary life. Curly also brings musical talent to his act with his song parodies such as “Dike Dike Baby”, “Funky Smelly Weiner”, and many more off the “Poopin Terdz, The Album” CD. Curly has done comedy all over the country at clubs such as The Funny bone, The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, and Catch A Rising Star. He has also been featured on the Howard Stern Show. Curly will entertain you as you have never been entertained before, so for something different and very, very funny, come see Curly.

Make sure you go to the 1st Annual HOGG FARM RALLY in Benton, IL. And see REVIS and STEPPENWOLF with special guest DRIvIN' RAIN June 21! Also on June 20-THE KENTUCKY HEAD HUNTERS with Plain Strange, Shagadelics, and Big Toe Jim and other local and regional bands throughout the day. The Hogg Farm Rally is located on I-57 Benton, Exit 71; From Benton Rt 14 East 13 Miles to HOGG FARM. Poker Run, Field Events, Bike Shows, Raffles, Vendors on 220 acre genuine hog farm! Free Primitive Camping, Hot Showers, Free Firewood, Food & Vendors, BYOB,Swimming Pond, Ice on premises. This 220+ acre private farm is real genuine hog farm that has been converted into the HOGG Wildest Part Spot you can imagine.(No pets, golf carts, ATVs, weapons, and no attitudes) For ticket and event info contact The Hogg Farm 903 West Washington Street Suite 2 McLeansboro, IL 62812 or call (618) 439-HOGG or (618) 439-4644 vist them online at www.hoggfarmrally.com +HOGG FARM RALLY JUNE 20-21 2003!(+NOTE MUST BE 18 years old and a photo ID will be required at the gate!) Event is $30.00 per person for ALL weekend!

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The Hogg Farm blows up more fun for 2003. As the Hogg Farm Fall rally kicks off September 19 & 20 2003. This even will Feature HEAD EAST, DRIvIN' RAIN, THE VISUAL, WILD HORSES, and lots more Hogg Wild Fun.

On Friday Night will be Country music from Kat Dadees, Wild Horses, and The Shagadelics

Saturday night is a wild night of Rock N Roll with HEAD EAST. Though St. Louis is often mentioned as Head East's hometown, the original members grew up in south central Illinois. Originally known as the Timeations, the band adopted the name Head East at the suggestion of Baxter Forrest Twilight, who was a technician/stage-hand for the band. August 6, 1969 is recognized as the date the band officially became Head East and they played their first gig in Carbondale, Illinois about 100 miles southeast of St. Louis.

The band, originally comprised of brothers Roger and Larry Boyd, Steve Huston, John Schlitt, and Dan Piper, would see many members come and go over the next four years. Lead singer John Schlitt and drummer Steve Huston soon left the band to concentrate on their studies and several members performed in their place until John and Steve returned as full time members in 1973. Interim vocalists and drummers included Annie Williams, Joel Motel, Betsy Kreuger, Dale Innes, and Jean Mullin on vocals, and Tony Juodis and Dan Odum on drums.

The line-up that would take them through their first six albums began to take shape in Champaign/Urbana, Illinois in 1973 where Roger Boyd and John Schlitt had been students at the University of Illinois (Steve Huston had attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois less than an hour south of Champaign/Urbana). Guitarist Dan Piper had left in 1972, and after both Greg Williams and Brad Flota did short stints on guitar, the band held auditions for a new guitarist. Mike Somerville was selected over numerous others who auditioned to be the new Head East lead guitarist. Shortly thereafter, Roger Boyd who had left a few months earlier, rejoined the band replacing Dickie Harney who had filled in on keyboards. By the summer of 1974 Dan Birney had replaced Larry Boyd on bass guitar, joining Roger Boyd, Steve Huston, John Schlitt, and Mike Somerville as members of Head East. Birney had previously played in a band with Mike Somerville's brother Scott.

They entered Golden Voice studios in Pekin, Illinois that summer and recorded the tracks to their first album, Flat As A Pancake, which they released on their own label, Pyramid Records. A&M Records soon took note of the bands popularity, and the airplay and record sales of the Pyramid release and signed Head East to the A&M label. Flat As A Pancake was re-released on A&M in 1975 and was certified Gold (representing 500,000 in record sales) in 1978. Single releases of Never Been Any Reason and Love Me Tonight both charted on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart. Never Been Any Reason has since become a staple of classic rock radio and is one of the most frequently played classic rock anthems in many parts of the country.

In 1976, Head East released Get Yourself Up, followed by Getting' Lucky in 1977, the self-titled Head East in 1978, and Head East Live! and A Different Kind of Crazy in 1979. During this time the band was a huge concert draw, regularly playing to large crowds at major venues as the headlining act. But this popularity did not show on the charts, with Since You Been Gone from the self-titled Head East album being the only single during this time frame to crack Billboard's Hot 100, and was later covered by RAINBOW.

On 20 April, 1980, the line-up of Roger Boyd, Dan Birney, Steve Huston, John Schlitt, and Mike Somerville played their last concert at Kearney State University in Kearney, Nebraska. The band had ceased to be a cohesive unit and the decision to discontinue playing together had actually been made prior to the completion of the tour that ended in Kearney. John Schlitt left the band due to substance abuse problems and attempted to front his own band Johnny for several months, but soon dropped out of the music business. John overcame his problems with drugs and alcohol and in 1985 embarked on a career in contemporary christian music as lead singer of the band Petra. Dan Birney and Mike Somerville also left, choosing not to continue on with Head East. Mike would return to Head East in 1994 after participating in numerous other musical projects including the Somerville-Scorfina Band in the early 80's with former Pavlov's Dog guitarist Stephen Scorfina. After leaving Head East in the spring of 1980, Dan Birney moved his family to Seattle where he worked with several radio stations. He then relocated to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he worked at radio station Q103. In 1984 he moved to Arizona where he worked in real estate and also operated a pool cleaning business. He died of cardiovascular disease on August 9 2003 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Remaining original members Roger Boyd and Steve Huston quickly enlisted Mark Boatman (bass), Tony Gross (guitar), and former member Dan Odum (vocals), and recorded the U.S. 1 album, which was released later that same year. This would be the last studio album that Head East would record on A&M Records. After the release of U.S. 1, A&M dropped Head East along with other album oriented rock (AOR) bands in order to put more emphasis on promoting New Wave and Punk bands popular at the time.

Head East released Onward And Upward in 1982 on Allegiance Records. Robbie Robinson joined the band on bass for this release, having replaced Mark Boatman. Neither U.S. 1 or Onward And Upward achieved substantial chart success, and the band would once again experience a change in personnel. Over the next few years, Tony Gross, Steve Huston, Dan Odum, and Robbie Robinson would all depart and several new members would join the ranks of Head East. Ricky Lynn Gregg, Brian Kelly, Joel Parks, J. Jaye Steele, and Matt Stewart (formerly of Starcastle) all joined Head East during this timeframe but would leave the band before the release of the next album. Kurt Hansen and Donnie Dobbins would join during this same period and Tony Gross would return in 1987 after a three years absence.

Choice Of Weapons, released in 1988 on Dark Heart Records, was Head East's last studio album. This album took a departure from the traditional Head East sound and featured a more modern synthesized sound reminiscent of other popular groups of the late 80's. The band line-up at this time included Roger Boyd, Tony Gross, Kurt Hansen, and Donnie Dobbins. Several other musicians are credited on this release, including former members Dan Birney, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Brian Kelly, and Joel Parks.

During the next 3 to 4 years, the Head East line-up continued to evolve into the early 90's. Donnie Dobbins and Tony Gross left the band and remaining members Roger Boyd and Kurt Hansen recruited several new members including Vance Best, Steve Riker, Randy Rickman, and Jim Murphy.

From about 1992 to 1994, at a time when classic rock was beginning to regain popularity, Head East began assembling a group of musicians who would not only remain together for several years, but would return to the classic Head East sound. Rich Creadore joined taking over duties on bass and Dan Kelly replaced Riker on drums. Though Kelly left for a short while during which Mike Mesey played drums, Kelly again returned as did guitarist Mike Somerville. Kurt Hansen left in 1995 and was replaced by lead vocalist Tom Bryant. The lineup of Roger Boyd, Tom Bryant, Rich Creadore, Dan Kelly, and Mike Somerville would remain intact from 1995 until 2000 when Kelly left to work for the band Sister Hazel, and was replaced by former Head East drummer Mike Mesey. In the fall of 2001, guitarist and vocalist Richie Callison began performing with the band which occasionally performed as a sextet until the departure of Tom Bryant later that year. And with the departure of Mike Somerville in May of 2003, Head East became a four-piece band consisting of Boyd, Creadore, Mesey, and Callison.

Head East currently performs about 25 to 30 shows each year, mainly in the Midwest and plains states, with shows occasionally in the west and other parts of the country. They put on a high-energy show that is true to their original sound. Their set list includes A Little More Time, City Of Gold/Fly By Night Lady, Love Me Tonight, Lovin' Me Along, Raise A Little Hell, Jefftown Creek, Gettin' Lucky, More Than A Man, Every Little Bit Of My Heart, Get Up & Enjoy Yourself, Elijah, Since You Been Gone, Wrong Time, Never Been Any Reason, and the traditional blues favorite, Stormy Monday.

Head East is the most underrated band to emerge from the Midwest during the 1970's. The epitome of blue collar, hard driving, high energy rock and roll. They have been regaining their once phenomenal popularity over the last few years, no doubt due to the resurgence of classic rock music and Head East's presence on the internet. This rise in popularity has resulted in the issuance of three CD's, Concert Classics Vol. 7 on Renaissance Records in 1999, Live On Stage on Universal/A&M in 2000, and 20th Century Masters - The Best of Head East - The Millennium Collection which was released by Universal/A&M on 25 September, 2001. A fourth releases tentatively titled Flying By Night was pulled from production by NMC Music of London England prior to any copies being issued.

Head East has brought more than three decades of rock to their fans, a tradition that is destined to continue for years to come. Roger Boyd, keyboardist and leader of Head East, has stated that Head East will continue to rock as long as he can lift his synthesizer over his head and play. And that he looks forward to bringing another decade or two of music to the fans. They currently perform about 25 to 30 shows each year, mainly in the Midwest and plains states, with shows in the west and other parts of the country. And this is your chance to catch them LIVE!

Opening for HEADEAST will be the band Drivin' Rain, from Cape Girardeau, Mo. Since the summer of 1994, the group has done extensive touring and performing on the same stage with the likes of Nazareth, Saxon, Revis, Jim Dandy's Black Oak Arkansas, Eddie Money, Tora Tora, Pat Travers, John Kay & Steppenwolf, No One, Blackfire, and others. Drivin' Rain has also received support over the years from various motorcycle clubs, such as Hell's Angels, Mad Dogs, Stormriders, Freebirds, Dixie Riders, ABATE, F.O.R.R, Bikers 4 Kids and The Missouri Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse. Drivin' Rain also preforms at many Biker Rallies throughout the summer each year.

The band DRIvIN' RAIN has rocked non-stop for almost 10 years. And in that time that have preformed for millions of people. They have been setting afire cross the Midwest with their grass roots Rock N Roll Revival. DRIvIN' RAIN has toured in support of legendary Metal and Rock bands, sold hundreds of CDs, and thousands of T-Shirts. All with out the help of Radio and Record Label support. they've been doing it the old school way. Town to town, gig to gig, person to person. DRIvIN' RAIN is the alternative to Alternative. If all you want to do is scream a little, dance a little, and rock a little, DRIvIN' RAIN is the band for you. The band is currently on the road for their RADIO ASSUALT TOUR 2003. The band is crossing the U.S. to urge people to blow up their radios! With the simple idea that radio sucks. It has become commercial radio. Radio only plays what the Record labels want you to buy. They over look rock bands, punk bands, metal bands, and instead put Pop bands and cloned Grunge acts into heavy rotation. The record labels, MTv, and Radio has ignored an entire generation of Rockers. Leaving us out in the cold with nothing new to buy. So DRIvIN' RAIN is here to fill that void. By bringing a new generation their right to rock! And to remind the world that you can't stop rock n roll.

Drivin' Rain features Timexx Nasty on vocals, Tommy DeWolf on guitar, Geep Clark on drums and Skully Shemwell on bass. Nasty's vocals and performance have been commented on by a number of sources that include webzines, newspapers and magazines. A 1995 article by Nightlife said that Nasty's vocals were like a "gravely voiced Mariah Carey hitting the metal scene." Guitarest Tommy DeWolf has been called a modern-day guitar God, in a new Godless age. The band has a forthcoming album, the 12-song "Blow Up Your Radio" set for release Summer 2003. It will features Their original songs "A Law Against Me", "Cracks In The Armor", "A Downward Spin", "Hellwater","Tear Drop in the Rain", "Toys For The Witches", "Nail In My Coffin", "Radio", "Too Young To Kill (2Y2K)", "Last Days", "The Mainstream Is Polluted", "Get Lucky", "Goodbye", along with the radio hit "Drivin' Rain". Their website www.drivinrain.net is viewed daily by rock fans around the world.

Also on Saturday is the all original band THE VISUAL. Theese local boys are rock hard with mordern rock tunes. They have opened for bands like Steppenwolf and Revis. Their sound is very close to current hit makers Pearl Jam, and Creed. Catch their one hour set at this years Hogg Farm Rally with Head East and Drivin' Rain.

Closeing the night will be Big Toe Jim. They will rock the Hogg Farm into the night with classic rock and blues.

The HOGG FARM's Master of Ceremonies will be CURLY! STAND UP COMIC, ACTOR, ENTERTAINER. Curly, not your ordinary stand up comic. Curly is very different from any other stand up comic you’ve ever seen. He is not a comic clone, Curly is the next big thing in stand up comedy. He is setting a new trend for the world of comedy. Every so often someone comes along that is so different they change everything, that someone is Curly. Curly has a look that is so unique that people want to see what he is all about. Bottom line is people want to see Curly. Curly describes himself as a terd in a punch bowl, nobody wants to touch it but everybody wants to look at it. Curly will make you laugh until you cry by making fun of himself and all that happens to him in his not so ordinary life. Curly also brings musical talent to his act with his song parodies such as “Dike Dike Baby”, “Funky Smelly Weiner”, and many more off the “Poopin Terdz, The Album” CD. Curly has done comedy all over the country at clubs such as The Funny bone, The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, and Catch A Rising Star. He has also been featured on the Howard Stern Show. Curly will entertain you as you have never been entertained before, so for something different and very, very funny, come see Curly.

Make sure you go to the the Annual HOGG FARM RALLY in Benton, IL. And see HEAD EAST with special guest DRIvIN' RAIN, and other local and regional bands throughout the day. The Hogg Farm Rally is located on I-57 Benton, Exit 71; From Benton Rt 14 East 13 Miles to HOGG FARM. Poker Run, Field Events, Bike Shows, Raffles, Vendors on 220 acre genuine hog farm! Free Primitive Camping, Hot Showers, Free Firewood, Food & Vendors, BYOB, Swimming Pond, Ice on premises. This 220+ acre private farm is real genuine hog farm that has been converted into the HOGG Wildest Party Spot you can imagine.(No pets, golf carts, ATVs, weapons, and no attitudes) For ticket and event info contact The Hogg Farm 903 West Washington Street Suite 2 McLeansboro, IL 62812 or call (618) 439-HOGG or (618) 439-4644 vist them online at www.hoggfarmrally.com +HOGG FARM's FALL RALLY September 20 2003!(+NOTE MUST BE 18 years old and a photo ID will be required at the gate!) Event is $30.00 per person for ALL weekend!

There are SO many other Big, BIG, things in the works for this summer we just can't wait to tell you about them all, but we fear we must wait for now. But make sure to check back in often, so you won't a miss a thing! DRIvIN' RAIN is ready to roll, and they look forward to seeing YOU on the road this summer! Untill our next newsletter! We say PEACE!

(DRIvIN' RAIN Fall 2003 New Letter NEXT!)