The Meteors at Beacon Tap in Des PlainesLast night was a perfect evening to sit outside and listen to great music. That's exactly what my husband and I did. We'd heard that The Meteors were playing at Beacon Tap in DesPlaines,Illinois, so we decided to drive over and listen to them. An outing to hear a local band play at a beer garden may not sound inspiring, but you need to hear the history of this band.
The Meteors, known as Johnny Star and the Meteors, were quite popular in this area as a cover band for about 30 years. With a powerful voice, the lead singer, Johnny Star, belted out songs by the Beatles, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Jay and the Americans. Then something wonderful happened for Johnny. About 3 months ago, Johnny was "discovered" and became an "overnight success." Jay from Jay and the Americans had left their group, they needed a replacement, and they wanted Johnny.
Johnny's big break left The Meteors without a lead singer. They could have given up, but instead reorganized and continued on. When we saw them last night, they didn't seem the same as when Johnny Star was their lead singer, yet they still had a great sound. Judging from the amount of people in the audience who got up to dance, we weren't the only ones who thought The Meteors still had it in them.
I'd have to say many of the authors from Awe-Struck right now probably feel like The Meteors did when they heard Johnny was leaving. The success of Awe-Struck became so daunting the owners, great as they were, couldn't keep up with the volume of tasks. So they did the sensible thing. They sold to another press that could better handle the load.
Now Awe-Struck authors are actually Mundania Press authors, though no outward signs are evident at this time and may not be for quite a while. The switch and all of its implications may seem a bit baffling for these authors, yet from what I understand, exciting days are ahead for them with new opportunities.
The main thin is, like The Meteors, the Awe-Struck authors will still be able to share their talents. Bottom line is that's what really matters.
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
You're right, Morgan, it's the talent that counts! That's true with just about anything, especially the arts, but it's definitely true in writing.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun event! An old rock & roller myself (played on the road touring with bands for 14 years in late 60's & 70's), I was "there" - love a good rock concert still today.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best! And the concert sounds like just the kind of thing I would have loved!
ReplyDeleteYou mean the second Jay left Jay and the Americans? The raunchy one I loved? I'm not familiar with Johnny but I'll take your word he's good, too.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading on the Awe-Struck authors loop about Mundania taking over the reins. It happens to a lot of organizations. No one person can live or go on forever, but a strong corporation takes on a life of its own.