Saturday, March 3, 2012

Loyal Plastic Robots - Can You Say Own

Own

I'll say it again . . .

OWN

The Robots OWN the Rock in NW Indiana


These guys were sick with vocal, thanks to Pete's friend Kelly Skaggs.  And, I have to tell you, I got an adrenalin rush reliving this when selecting photos for the blog post.  AWESOME!

I do recommend, if you have not done it already, to read my other blog post on The Robots (click here).  This will get you prepped so that I don't leave you behind.

So, for a quick introduction, and then onto a big bunch of photos . . .

Bob Sherman, Lead Vocal, Guitar, Bass Guitar



Pete Calacci, Lead Guitar and Vocal



Chris Wander, Keyboards and Vocal



Ed Fell, Drummer and Vocal



Danny Mac, Bass Guitar, Guitar, and Vocal



Now, hold your breath while I take you on this magic Robot ride . . .









I like Bob as lead vocal. He can get down in a raspy voice, sing to the ladies, kid around, and just plain make you feel like you are at home. I had to comment to Pete that from the first day I met them, it was like the band and I were brothers. This is not to suggest you become attached. It is to suggest The Robots let you in to have fun with them.

Audience energy means a lot to a performer. It increases the performer's level of participation for your enjoyment. The Robots, and any other artist, understand it starts within the artist, extends to you and I, and in return we re-energize them. Sounds exhausting? Yep, and a good night for all.


Now, you talk about a guy with a set of pipes . . . Kelly Skaggs on vocal.






Can you say, "get down with the base" . . . (how low can you go) . . .





I think Chris has the perfect spot in the band . . . in the corner and seeing everything that goes on. The band hear's when Chris lets loose on the keyboards. However, we get to see it, and what a show.




People tend to sell themselves short, me included. The confidence, humbleness, friendliness, that these guys display is what motivates me to “be like Mike”, or be like The Robots as it were. To be successful you surround yourself with great people, with excellence. Bob and his wife, and Pete and his girlfriend Renee are all wonderful, and that extends out to the Chris, Ed, Danny, and all their direct friends of the band and the audience who come to listen.









































I do not think Kelly believed the tight complex sound Pete was making out if his guitar.




Pete played some really bad ass guitar this night. I understand why artists do not like to be compared to Label Bands. First, the artist you do that too has great respect for the Label you are comparing them too, and would not want to do that label artist any injustice. So, to preclude Pete’s modesty, let’s just say I do believe Stevie Ray Vaughn would do a double take at Pete’s performance this night, both in play and in spirit of the music. And know this; though as good as any band may think they are, The Robots know they have room to improve.

















What was also cool about this night was Bob taking the mic out into the audience to jam with them, and the audience really appreciated it!!!















And, Ed's first time up at the mic doing lead vocal . . . hey, who's playing the drums?????







Oh, and here is the drummer, Stosh Cialkowski . . . who did a great job . . .



Bob, mixing it up, showmanship at it's best . . .















Now, The Robots do not have good vocal, however, why work when you have Kelly around . . .







And the next song made Bob happy . . .





Friends of Pete . . . Kelly Skaggs (left), John Tondello (center), and Jeff Marlowe (right).




And, Stosh now on lead cow bell . . . :)









Never thought a cow bell would bring out the best in Pete, but it did . . . holy killer guitar Batman . . .






And the Crazy Chris on Keyboards was not going to be outdone . . .




Bob was back out in the audience on the next song . . .




















Oh oh, here he goes again . . .
















Now, talk about knowing yourself, comfortable with what comes at you, executing it without breaking a sweat, and Super entertaining, Ed on anything in the house but the drums.  Ed has a drum solo where he is brought all sorts of items to create a sound on.  From whiskey bottles to pie pans, beer bottles, to on this night even a snow shovel.  Cool sound, very cool talent . . .











Near the end Pete had to leave because of work, so others stepped up to fill in.  Below is Joe Goodrich.








And to close out the evening was Danny on guitar. Now, Danny took this last song of the night, and I mean TOOK it. He made it his own, wrapped it tight, spit on it, and turned it into a ball of fire. What a way to kick some guitar butt!




Mike Shrader (below) was also helping out on guitar after Pete left . . .

















All I can say is that my photo's do not tell half the story.  You really need to experience this talent yourself!  Should you ever be in the position to hire a Rock band, these are your guys!

And that's all I have to say about that . . .


Loyal Plastic Robots
or "The Robots"
Pete Calacci (219) 616-1470
Bob Shearman (219) 805-7140

2 comments:

Danny said...

Wes:

Thanks again for hanging out with us at the Track, and of course for the great shots, as well as kind words! Always great to have you along! Take care and talk to you soon!

Danny

Wesley Bushby said...

You are welcome Danny. It is my privilege to know you guys. Feel free to download any of the photos, point anything back to this blog, etc. I'm getting better with this camera, so look for more improvement.