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ABOUT NO SHAME
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2004: Well, it started off as Brent, Bill, Carlos and Chris for the first rehearsal. The second rehearsal's line-up was Brent, Bill, Billy (Hewitt) and Geoff. The third rehearsal's line-up was Brent, Bill, Chris, Geoff and "Ike." It wasn't until the fourth (and final) rehearsal that No Shame's line-up would be set: Brent, Bill, Chris, Geoff and Andy. Following several months of rehearsals, our first 'dress rehearsal' gig was performed at the Shuffle Inn in Plato, MN in December - the truck broke down, the equipment didn't work 'quite right' and it was -15 degrees outside. The No Shame Adventure had officially begun . . .
2005: No Shame breaks out into the touring circuit of Western Minnesota -- first 'official' gig in Wilmer, MN for New Year's Eve . . . bringing in 2005 . . .
This year (2005) also saw the departure of our original Lead Guitarist, Chris. Do to his work schedule, his growing family and continuing his education, his time to travel to/from gigs and rehearsals just wasn't available to him. He left in the month of June, final gig at Little Melvin's in Spicer, MN. The line-up remained: Brent, Bill, Andy and Geoff.
2005 Tidbit: No Shame auctioned off items on eBay . . . Geoff's Set List from a night in Arlington went for a record setting amount ($21.00) . . . all proceeds went to the winning bidder's beer tab!
2006: This year found No Shame landing gigs within the Cities at venues such as The Main Event, Doc's Landing, Stark's and Primetime. The band still found themselves mainly gigging in Western Minnesota and building a loyal fan base. We also played our first Outdoor Rock-fest: Crossroads Summer Bash!!!
2006 also saw the creation of the No Shame Shot which became widely known throughout the circuit in which No Shame performed. Later, The 'official' No Shame Burger appeared on the Menu at Crossroads Bar & Restaurant in Norwood, MN -- infamously named after the band. The band's line-up remained: Brent, Bill, Andy and Geoff.
2006 Tidbits: Within hours of performing a gig scheduled at Crossroads Bar & Restaurant in Norwood, MN, No Shame was informed that Bill (the basser) would not be able to participate due to 'bad sushi' . . . Three bassists came forward to help us get through the night and Geoff took bassist duties for several songs while Brent and our good, good, buddy Shawn took turns with Guitar and Lead Vocal duties! A very large crowd of understanding and drunk No Shame fans supported our efforts throughout the entire night.
2007: This year found No Shame breaking out of the State of Minnesota . . . becoming an Interstate Rock Band, as they found themselves performing in Michigan! "It's all about the road-trip!" -- Geoff.
In March, we had an actual Marriage Proposal during our set -- LIVE on stage! Att'a boy, Mondor!!! No Shame has been asked to play at their wedding reception, which is scheduled for Halloween of 2009!!!
This year (2007) also saw the departure of Andy, the drummist. His final performance with the band was in March, at Crossroads in Norwood. His replacement (which took several months to find) was Paul. Paul's first gig with No Shame was in April, at Da'Boars in Cologne. The new band line-up: Brent, Bill, Paul and Geoff.
During the "Summer Break" of 2007, Geoff made the decision to look into other projects -- specifically other projects that did not require hauling/setting up/tearing down/repairing/replacing Pro Audio Gear -- an end to providing full production. He presented his official 'notice' to Brent and Bill over cocktails and wings at Buffalo Wild Wings. The outcome of that meeting launched the final "Farewell Tour" . . .
About mid-way through the Farewell Tour, Zeek (our beloved and ever loyal Sound Dude) and his wife Tammy welcomed Erynn Renee into the world. Their third child, but their first little girl! ALSO, No Shame's drummer Paul and his wife, Debbie, had their first little guy -- Ean Jazz.
Upon the birth of Ean Jazz, Paul was replaced by Billy Hewitt for a gig (recognize his name from entries in 2004???) . . . which ended up being a permanent change -- Billy agreed to finish up the Farewell Tour behind the drumset for No Shame . . . kinda coming full circle!
Now that December is upon us, the No Shame Family has one more month of performing/partying/loving/black toothes!!! Our Finale will be New Year's Eve 2007 at Crossroads Restaurant and Bar in Norwood, MN . . . we came IN on a New Year's Eve and we'll be going OUT on a New Year's Eve . . . and what an amazing ride it has been.
There is absolutely NO WAY that we could have survived without every single one of you No Shamers out there!!!! You are the reason for every note played at band rehearsal; every mile of windshield time; every pinched/scratched/cut/bruised/sore body part from hauling gear; every hour of individual practice time; and every minute of our hang-overs . . . a true labor-of-love.
Peace and Live Music,
No Shame
PS . . . or are there still more miles down the road ahead?
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