Days of Lore

The battle against the battle of the bands I’ve definitely developed a soft spot for longtime Chico metal band Fallon—sweet guys who have stayed true to the music they love for some 20 years.

I checked in with Fallon bassist/vocalist Frankie Swa this week to see how the band fared at last week’s Battle of the Bands in San Francisco. Of course, in true metal style, the boys in Fallon went all out for the event, held at Slims, inviting 54 of their fans to tag along on a bus equipped with a full bar and drinks being served up by strippers. I’m telling you, Mötley Crüe doesn’t have shit on these guys!

Swa went on to tell me that the day was pretty much perfect, except for the fact that despite bartenders and just about everyone in the club telling him the band was a clear favorite to make the cut, Fallon was not announced as one of the four bands that would move on to the next round. Turns out the manager for the Bodog Battle of the Bands wasn’t too keen on the fact that some members of the audience were getting a little rambunctious during Fallon’s set, which resulted in someone getting slapped and another booted from the show.

Of course, that has nothing to do with the performance, which is why Swa said everyone in the club, including the judges, was left scratching their heads.

“We’re no more responsible for our fans than we are for the assassination of JFK,” Swa told the Bodog manager.

Fallon has politely contested the decision and will hear word this week whether or not they’ll move on to the next round to be held Sun., Dec. 3, at the Great American Music Hall in S.F.

Swa said if Bodog decides to add Fallon to the show, the band will likely rent a couple of smaller vans to get their fans down there. Check out the band’s Web site for updates: www.fallonlive.com.

The battle for Bodog There are actually a few local representatives competing in the next round of the Bodog Battle of the Bands on Sunday, including Chico metal band Vext Intent, Yuba City’s Martian Puppits and Redding’s Glass Hero (formerly Common Ground).

The show will include 12 bands from all over the West Coast, with the winner going on to compete for a shot at $1 million.

Exciting stuff. And just the fact they’re playing the Great American Music Hall is pretty rad. It would be even more exciting if Fallon were able to join them in the lucky number 13 slot.

For more info go to www.bodogbattleofthebands.com/home/.

American Idol(s) I have to share this little tidbit: I just read an article on Pitchfork that former Minuteman and current Stooge Mike Watt is also currently in the studio with Kelly Clarkson (be still my beating heart), laying down bass tracks for her follow-up to 2004’s Breakaway, perfectly illustrating what an unpretentious guy he is. Clarkson gets a few cred points herself, although she has nothing to prove to me.

Oh, and look for the new Steve Albini-produced Stooges record (their first since 1973) in March.

What’s going on There are a few events of note happening in our neck of the woods, too.

If you want a little backwoods action, and who doesn’t, Biggs Roller is playing a set at Off Limits Thurs., Nov. 30, at 9:30 p.m., opening for the Magalia Hillbillies and Knowvella.

Paul Friedlander, head of Chico State’s music industry program, will appear at Lyon Books Thurs., Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. to talk about his new book, Rock and Roll: A Social History.

Esoteric is trolling the area with a handful of CD-release shows including Fri., Dec. 2, at Lost On Main with After the Silence and Spiral Arms. Show starts at 9:30 p.m. and will cost you five bones.

And don’t forget to check out the Chico Area Music CD-release show with Kill Him, Kill Her; The Makai; Blood of Cain and Fallon Thurs., Dec. 7, at Off Limits. Show starts at 9 p.m.

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