Since the birth of rock ‘n’ roll in the 1950s, the youth of America has been consumed with a common inspiration to get some friends together, form a band, learn some tunes and spread the music. The power of rock ‘n’ roll lies in its ability to ignite an intense zest for life and release humanity from the chains of an increasingly dull existence.
The implied message of rock music has always been in its rebellious spirit. There is no yesterday, there is no tomorrow, there is only right now, so make the best of it. Rock music is a ritual that has been a pathway to freedom for anyone with the guts to learn three chords and shout the truth at the top of their lungs.
From the classic rock of Bob Seger, to the raw power of Iggy and the Stooges, to the post industrial noise of Wolf Eyes, (and unfortunately, the adult contemporary stylings of saxophonist Kenny G.) the Ypsi/Ann Arbor area has long been home to a deep pool of genetic material that has contributed greatly to the pantheon of rock ‘n’ roll.
In May of 2010, a group of EMU students (plus one U-M student recruited through craigslist) accepted the challenge to worship at the Parthenon of rock ‘n’ roll. They formed the band known as The Benmonts. A hardworking cover band, they have done their best to honor the music that brought them all together. The band takes its name from the Tom Petty & the Heartbreaker’s virtuoso keyboardist Benmont Tench.
Bonding over their shared love of the songs of classic rock icons like AC/DC, ZZ Top and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, they have spent the past year faithfully working to reconstruct the songs that inspired them. The cover band has played at a variety of local Ypsilanti venues that include the Tap Room, the Savoy and the recently defunct Elbow Room.
Being in a working band, while being a full-time student, is a huge challenge. According to Bolog (who also maintains a full time job), “I have to wear three different hats, and constantly remind myself that school comes first when it comes down to it, and that for now the band thing is a weekend deal.”
A new band in the 21st century faces interesting modern dilemmas. How can they get people to come to their shows if they haven’t built an internet following first? Ironically, how do they expose the energy of their music on the internet if people don’t first hear it live? It’s a vicious cycle that causes many new bands to break up before anyone even knows they exist.
“In the past, people went out to bars and other local music venues to find bands that they liked. Nowadays, people discover a band online first and then seek out places where that band is playing,” said guitarist Robbie Bolog.
Undaunted by the challenges that lie before them, Bolog and his band mates hope to expand the popularity of The Benmonts. Their immediate plan is to complete an album of original material and share it on their website and Facebook page. They also plan to get involved in Michigan’s summer music festival circuit that can offer new bands a built-in audience and make new fans.
As Joe Strummer of The Clash once said, “The future is unwritten,” meaning that all we really know for certain is the moment we live in right now. At this particular moment, somewhere The Benmonts are covering what is best about the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll: playing the music they love for the people that love music.
