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