Cancer Sucks!

Reviewed by JB

            Two words rang through the night reminding everyone the reason we came together.  Tony Higbee, singer and guitarist for Caprice, will be the first to tell you that indeed cancer sucks.  In December, he was diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer that attacks the lymphatic system.  Tony has been a real inspiration while battling this demon; he’s still rockin’ despite all the chemo he is undergoing, and he has kept all his friends, fans, and foes updated through positive blogs on Caprice’s MySpace page. 

Remaining optimistic could be quite stressful though when all those doctor, hospital, and miscellaneous bills start rolling in; and even with health insurance, the co-pays and/or remainders can blow anyone’s budget.  So, it’s in this time we take our support for Tony a step further.  Cody Higbee, Tony’s brother and band mate teamed up with local musician, Chris Hurt and friend, Allison Thompson to organize a rockin’ benefit to raise money for this cause.   

            The legendary Exit/In was the chosen venue.  A cool $15 got you in the door and all proceeds were donated.  Three excellent local bands plus many surprise guests graced the stage.  Numerous raffles and a silent auction help generate the liberal hospitality.  Many Higbee family members traveled from all over to attend.  People who didn’t even know Tony came and donated mucho dinero!  The room was filled with some of Nashville’s finest local musicians and a good time was had by all!

Deadsun takes the stage first and is halfway through their set when I arrive. This is the first show I have attended since Dee and Adam’s departures from the band; and to be honest, I was a little apprehensive but mostly excited to hear the new line up.  I only caught two songs, but the guys rocked it as usual!  The new additions are Sean Alexander on rhythm guitar and Chris Campbell on drums.  They’re still looking for a bass player; but in the meantime, they use previously recorded bass tracks for their live shows.  Whatever works, right!?

Rex and Todd of Deadsun

Between sets, Chris Hurt and Allison Thompson raffled off many different items ranging from Paul Mitchell gift bags, gift cards to local restaurants, clothes from Iconic, Rock N Rags, and more.

Allison Thompson and Chris Hurt

“And the winner is…”

fORMER kicked off their set telling us “Lies”, introduced us to a new one called “Nobody Knows”, then they dusted the webs off “Suffer Me”.  The guys recently reunited the original line-up, bringing back guitarist, JD “Techs” Garner, in the mix.  He has this Iggy Pop essence which contradicts but totally balances out the sophisticated style of the other members.  While I usually sway to the harder stuff, I love these guys!  They are excellent musicians and their songs contain some of the best lyrics ever! 

Denny Smith                                                 Henry Go

Singer/Guitar                                                   Bass

JD “Techs” Garner                                         Billy Baker

Guitar                                                               Drums

While on stage, Denny took a moment to honor the man of the hour.  These guys have known one another for many years and no matter how much smack they talk about each other, there is much love and respect between the two.  I mean, not just anyone would go to the trouble of contacting the Make a Wish Foundation to get a personalized autographed picture of their favorite boy band!  Now, that’s a true friend!  So after Denny breaking out his “Hangin’ Tough” jacket and presenting Tony with his New Kids on the Block photo, the boys take time to jam and even invite Cody to sit in. 

Denny is Hangin’ Tough                 Tony’s inspiration

“Surrender”

Between bands the Branded Sons kicked in some old school acoustic country which the crowd wasn’t ready for, but respect to them for donating their time and talents.  After that, I had to step outside to get some air and regroup; when I went back in, there on the stage was none other than Kelly Keaggy of Night Ranger belting out the ole familiar monster ballad “Sister Christian”.  That was a cool moment, made me wonder what ever happened to my Night Ranger cassettes?!  Then Chris Hurt and sidekick, Pat Miller, shared an acoustic ditty “Paralyzed” which Chris co-wrote with headlining front man, Ligion.  Lastly, it was time to announce the silent auction winners.  The items up for bid were a Fender Strat signed by Lemmy of Motorhead, an acoustic signed by Peter Frampton, and a Predators jersey signed by the entire team. 

Kelly Keaggy of Night Ranger      

Tony, Billy, and Denny rockin’ “Sister Christian”

Headliners, Ligion, go on and prove why they are climbing the national ranks.  I haven’t seen these guys live in years; and actually if I remember correctly (probably to be mistaken, sorry, it’s been a while) I think I caught them with Bombshell Crush in ’04 or ’05, maybe?!  Anyways, the guys still rock hard and Ligion is still one of my favorite front men.  The energy he pours into his performance is mind blowing!  They played some recent material, several older tunes, and one stellar A Perfect Circle cover.  Brett of Return to Self sat in on “Get Over Me”, Chris Hurt shared the stage with his songwriting partner, and even Tony rocked it a little with Ligion.  It was awesome to see these guys take a break from their demanding tour schedule and show some love to an old friend!

Ligion             Ligion and Chris Hurt

This night was not only about digging deep into your pockets; it was about supporting a friend.  So many local rockers came out…I talked with Will from Hollowday about their upcoming cd release, Brett and Golden from Return to Self were hanging out, and I will never forget watching the crew from Generation Down rock out to fORMER.  I got some scoop about some up and coming things; but that’s all I’m saying because when someone tells ME a secret, I can be trusted!  We will all learn in time…and I know there are more local peeps that I am forgetting to mention so I do apologize.

Overall, the benefit was a huge success!  I think the estimated donations were $6000-7000.  There were many very generous people in the crowd and you could feel the love in the room.  There is one thing I learned about the Nashville music scene that I will take with me…you definitely take care of your own; when a brother is down and needs help, you unite and give your all!  Tony Higbee, you are one loved rockstar!

The Organizers: 

Allison “Vanna Brunette” Thompson, Chris Hurt, and Cody Higbee

Tony is still receiving some intense chemo treatments but the last update was the cancer is shrinking.  There is no doubt Tony will beat this and the donations from all of you can ease his worry when it comes to the bills.  The road to remission is a long one, so keep those positive thoughts flowing and prayers are always welcome!  Nashville, you rock!  See you all on the scene…..

Horns Up,

JB

You can contact me:

JB@NashvilleRock.net

www.myspace.com/JB35679

JB35679@hotmail.com