Welcome back to the ROX-TV website. As always, we appreciate the returning readers and anyone who stopped by for the first time. Before we get into the guts, I’d like to talk about the importance of live events and why we collectively need to support them. I’m from the 1990’s and have been hitting concerts since I was fifteen years old. That’s right, since 1995, I’ve been a staunch supporter of the underground in Michigan as well as national acts that have dipped through the state over the years.

I’ve seen all the legends from Detroit in real time, including some of the Flint Town’s finest. The list is impressive and includes all the usual suspects. Among my most cherished memories are the local heroes Project Born, Dayton Family, Insane Clown Posse, and Esham. National acts have included Janes Addiction, Radiohead, Outkast, Busta Rhymes, Cypress Hill, George Clinton, Beastie Boys, Buckcherry, Roger Waters, Nine Inch Nails, Ice Cube, Korn, Lords of Acid, Frankie Bones, Social Distortion, Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, David Bowie, CSNY, A Tribe Called Quest, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Staind, Kid Rock before he went country, Eric Clapton, Moby, Radiohead, Dropkick Murphy’s, POD, Saliva, Masta P, Scarface, Mary J Blige, Alice in Chains, Velvet Revolver, Sum41, The Killers, Local H, Styx, Neil Young, Barenaked Ladies, Ouija Macc, Muddy Waters Jr., Kottonmouth Kings, Mitch Ryder, and on and on it goes. Sadly, I’ve been to so many shows, that I can no longer recall them all but that’s ok. I remember enough of the ones that matter and that’s good enough for me.

There is something about a live show that can never be captured on film or viewed on a device. There is no substitute for “in the flesh” experiences, whether we are talking about sex, drugs, drinking, or music. You either were there or you weren’t. I understand that sometimes there are complications to getting to an event and I’ve suffered them all as well over the years. Sometimes I was too young to get into the show, or I didn’t have a ride, or not enough money for a ticket, and at times…the distance to a show was not workable because of life constraints. Shit happens and that’s just the way the cookie crumbles.

But whenever it was humanly possible, I was there to be counted. The gatherings of humanity, linked by a common love for the music and a band are what I consider “true magic”. The energy that hundreds and thousands of people can produce in one place and time is un-rivaled and something to witness firsthand. Music is the vibrational language of the universe and is one thing that can bring people together from all walks of life, regardless of race, income, religious beliefs, whatever. This common bond is sacred to me, and I will be bang on about it until the day I die.

In a day in age when so much of “life” is experienced on social media or other technological devices and platforms, the “live event” is becoming an endangered animal. People just don’t come out as much as they used to, younger generations (in some cases) have never ventured out into the world, and yet others just settle for streaming. To each is own, I’m no judge and pass no judgement. I will say though, that the old expression of “use it or lose it” has never been more relevant. If people stop going to shows, the artists will stop going on tour, and all that will be left is the cyber version of things that were meant to be experienced in person, not on a four-inch screen, computer, or tablet. Ok, I’ve said what I think was needed to be put out into the universe, so let’s get to the real reason we are here…

The Call to Arms

“Angels Fall the Furthest Tour”

Simons After Dark

March 2nd, 6:30pm

I’m excited to inform the Murder Mitten and surrounding areas that Ouija Macc is coming to Michigan for a show at Simons After Dark in Allen Park (4936 Allen Rd). The “Angels Fall the Furthest Tour” is stopping in on March 2nd for a bad ass show. For those who have not been to Simons After Dark, it’s real easy to find and has parking out back. The atmosphere is pretty chill and the cops don’t seem to fuck with anyone, at least not at the shows I’ve attended there. I’ve seen Daniel Jordan, Dice, Doc Hollywood Hustle, Project Born, KDT, Ant G, Zitro, and many others there.

The place is one of Downriver’s original live music spots going back to 1984 or so the story goes. This is a real bar and live music joint. You won’t find any snooty ass motherfuckers there, only down ass people who dig the music and aren’t afraid to get out in the world. My big homie “The Wolf” runs the door and keeps things orderly, but I’ve never encountered any problems. If you knew “The Wolf” you wouldn’t take your chances. But like I said, I’ve always had a good time at Simons After Dark and feel comfortable in the low-level lighting. The bar has everything you need to get the most out of your night and for the smokers…the lot is awfully friendly out back. Take that any way you want.

The first time I caught Ouija Macc live was at ICP’s Christmas show in 2020. I was rolling with Project Born and working on their book “Forever in the Jects” (Available on Amazon). PJB was set to perform that night at the El Club in Southwest Detroit, along with Big Hoodoo, Ouija, Vinnie from Sponge, Awesome Dre, DJ Clay, and Shaggy 2 Dope. I remember walking in backstage with Frank Nitty and Lil Polk, when I caught a glimpse of the Las Vegas mad man. He was posted up with Shaggy 2 Dope, and they were talking. Later in the evening as I stood in the crowd, Ouija and DJ Chunk took to the stage (decked out with Christmas trees and decorations) and blew the fucking roof off of the building.

He had a brutal stage presence and knew how to command the crowd. His music was intoxicating, and he was an energy ball of thunderous proportions. In that moment, I observed the “magic” that the best performers seem to tap into. His product was kind of like good dope, leaving the user wanting more. It wouldn’t be the last time I caught him in the flesh though.

A few months later, on April 30th I believe, I attended the 25th Anniversary of the Prom Night Massacre Show in Indiana. The scene of the crime was at Piere’s (5629 St. Joe Rd, Fort Wayne) and I was doing some camera work for Project Born who was also set to perform. All the performances were dynamite, and Ouija Macc again captivated the crowd with his presence and sound. I was beginning to understand that Ouija brought the fire to every performance without fail. The Indiana Juggalos and Juggalettes had a ball (or a Prom to remember) during the epic concert. Lil Polk introduced me to Ouija backstage, and he was a cool cat. When I asked to grab a picture with him, he said no problem. I really dig artists that are approachable. He could have easily said no, because who the fuck am I? But he didn’t. That’s real class and the artists that engage in that type of interaction will always go along way with the fans Jones..

The thing is though, that if you don’t give yourself a chance and attend a live event, you don’t get to see the magic onstage, or anything else that might pop up. You can’t shake hands, ask for an autograph, or get a picture from your fucking couch. The music never sounds as good in your living room, as it does in person. You can take that to the bank too…it’s what they used to call “real talk”. Not to mention bragging rights. When we were coming up in the 1990’s and into the 2000’s, who you seen in concert was almost like a status symbol. That ticket stub was proof of the experiences you acquired out in the world and if you didn’t make shows, you were kinda bunk.

I guess people that don’t dig music won’t understand that, but my tribe was committed to the sounds, and we paid homage as much as possible. Personally, I don’t fuck with people that don’t dig music. Those people are crazy to me, even if I’m the one who’s been to 9C a couple of times over the years. People who refuse to enjoy music, regardless of the genre worry me. How could someone refuse to enjoy music? It brings so much joy, along with a host of other emotions too long to list here. It boggles my damaged mind and I will never understand them. (To deprive yourself of one of the oldest forms of expression on this earth just doesn’t seem odd, it’s a downright sin in my book. Do whatever you want, but I will always have questions in my mind about those types of people)

In May of 2021, I set out across the country with my homie and Los Drifter DJ Carlito. We were meeting up with the Rude Boy, Chuey, and Mosh Pit Mike in Denver for the “Death by Denver” show at the famous Roxy Theatre in the Five Points Neighborhood. Before the show, we got a chance to rap briefly with Ouija, before heading out to the main floor to enjoy the show. It was a bulletproof night and featured the homies from LSP. I got a chance to meet SCUM and Cody Manson on the main floor after they performed. It was another crazy night and Ouija Macc delivered another solid performance. I knew then that he didn’t fuck around and that was literally how he performed every time.

Fast forward to August and I was at the Gathering of the Juggalos 21, in Ohio. Ouija killed the stage again, much to the delight of the army of Juggalos and Juggalettes who were there to take in the full experience. Most recently, I travelled to Juggalo Weekend 2022 in Arizona to catch the Insane Clown Posse, Ouija Macc, Roadside Ghost, and a few others. Ouija smashed both nights, but by that time, it was no longer a question but an expectation. Every performance the Sin City madman gave was on point and worth remembering. I was barely back home from Arizona when my homie DJ Carlito hit me up and told me about the “Angels Fall the Furthest Tour” that was crashing Michigan in March. It wasn’t even a question. I would be there no matter what.

The ten-city tour kicked off in Minneapolis (The Cabooze) on February 22nd. Next it was on to Iowa City (Gabe’s), then to Wisconsin (DB’s Brau Haus), Indianapolis (Emerson Theatre), Chicago (The WC Social Club), Fort Wayne (Carl’s Tavern), and Dayton Ohio (Oddbodys). The Michigan stop at Simons After Dark is scheduled for March 2nd, then it’s on to Cleveland (The Odeon), and finally Kentucky (WWME Music Hall) to close it out.

Beyond Ouija Macc and Kamiyada, the Michigan stop will also include Smokeydabear, HB The Grizzly, Berg, 1Fifty Stylez, and Will Gates. The show will be an all-ages event, with doors opening at 6:30pm and kicking off at 7pm. I’ve been told that the tickets for general admission will be $15.00 dollars and also a “skip the line” ticket for $25.00 (which given the space of the joint, might be a good investment if you want to be upfront). So, there you have it, you’ve got the address, the time, the performer list, and the price tag. You’ve got a few days to figure out the logistics and get your ass down to the gig, so don’t waste time, procrastinate, or find a reason not to go. Jut be there, because it’s going to be a good one, in an intimate setting where there’s a great view of the stage no matter where you’re at (unless you’re in the bathroom). ROX-TV will be there covering the event and you will be able to read all about it later on the website, but like I said, it’s no substitute for the real deal. Be there or be square…

Signing Off,

Mike Shepard

ROX-TV Head Writer

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