The Radiators Bring Their Legendary Live Show to the Blue Gator
by Dustin Torres - 2/22/2005
Twenty-six years. Eleven albums. Over 3600 shows. The Radiators are the marathon runners of live performance. On Friday February 25, the marathon comes through Athens, between Ohio stops in Columbus (Newport Music Hall) and Cleveland (House of Blues).
You can win free tickets to the show by visiting The Blue Gator's website.
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Formed in 1978 during a transitional decade of New Orleans music, The Radiators gave birth to a unique sound which has come to be known as "Fish Head Music." Striking a blend of blues, R&B, Jazz, Country, Swing, Zydeco, Soul and even Gospel, the band created an original flavor of New Orleans Rock & Roll that quickly became one of New Orleans hottest acts and garnered national appeal. In New York City, The Radiators saw their popularity explode as a result of "Fish Head" fans (mostly Tulane graduates living in the Big Apple) spreading the word about the band's unforgettable live shows.
According to the band's Web site, there was an immediate musical connection struck between the band members at their very first jam session:
The band formed in January 1978 in Keyboardist Ed Volker's garage. Ed, Frank Bua, and Camille Baudoin were performing in one band together, with Dave Malone and Reggie Scanlan in another. "Ed invited us to come over to his house and jam; Dave and I figured we'd have a few beers together and play a couple of blues tunes," remembers Scanlan, "instead, we jammed for five hours straight, then all quit our old bands the next day."
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During their early years, The Radiators played with many of their local New Orleans heroes such as JellyRoll Morton, Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Allen Toussaint, Earl King, The Meters, Dr. John and others too numerous to mention. They were part of the region's most innovative musical feats: becoming the first to incorporate African rhythms with Western melodies.
Gaining an array of notoriety for the intensity of their live performances, The Radiators have collaborated with several industry standouts. From sharing the stage with the Allman Brothers, Little Feat, B.B. King, Robert Cray, The Band, Los Lobos and Taj Mahal, to recording with Epic/CBS records, The Radiators have become some of music's most seasoned road warriors, earning their "stripes" at every show and gaining thousands of loyal fans across the country.
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The Radiators will appear with local favorite The Royales at the Blue Gator in a show that promises to be, like many of their live performances, a contest between artist and fan to see who can have more fun. Tickets for the show can be purchased in advance online at www.thebluegator.com or at the door the night of the show for $17. Doors open at 9 p.m. for this event.
