Reflections of a Superfan

By: Kevin McCarthy



To state the social and cultural impact of Frank D and the New Deal in a few pages would be impossible, but I will feebly attempt to describe the personal impact these rockers had on my mid teens. Few bands have come on to the scene and made as large of an impact on the music industry as Frank D, except maybe Eclectic Socket. I remember the first show at Zelda's, the venue was small and cramped, but we knew it wouldn't be long until FDATND would be upstairs with the big boys. As we huddled around the stage eager with anticipation the band set up. Some of us roared out and made asses of ourselves, but like the song says, NO RULZ, we were free to belt out anything that came to mind, no matter how ridiculous or stupid, and believe me most of what I said was dumb. But I was caught up in the moment, I mean it wasn't everyday that bands dressed up in masks, Hawaiian shirts and wife-beaters, but then again this wasn't an ordinary band. They played songs that rekindled our childhood reminding us of PE with the irrepressible Coach Cahee (former Houston Gambler's star and undercover Cy-Creek scout). They played songs about Chewbacca, everyone's favorite Wookiee. The smooth sax, the uncouth bass play of Lorino, the terrible drumming by Merrick, the hammering of the keys by Jahrel, and of course the many hats of the Berent and Elizondo brothers. Never before had such a diverse and untamed group of people been assembled on a 5X8 foot stage. It was pure madness yet pure bliss. Frank D and their interactive shows, with a blend of good tunes and crowd interaction, afforded even the most annoying of people (me) the opportunity to act out on my repressed feelings. As I took a dip from the Ice Cream during the break and then took dead aim at the drummer with bagel in hand I knew my life had changed forever. The band members may have gone their separate ways and splintered into new groups, but whenever that All-Star cast gets together for Riot Song and No Rulz, a spark is rekindled in my heart as I remember the good ol' days of being loud, having fun and not caring. Thanks Frank D, I am forever in debt.

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