This letter is in response to “Rock stars are real people, too.” First of all, I’d like to point out that in no way are REO Speedwagon or Royal Court of China rock stars. They are merely images that appeal to image-oriented people. Second of all, I found the writing style of the article comparable to that of a third grader’s. Reading something like this is insulting to anybody with an IQ over 10. Third of all, why was this article written in the first place? To bring prestige to the revered pages of the Northern Star? I find it very interesting that Chicago, not more than 90 minutes away and with some of the best clubs in the state with lots of top name bands going in and out of there all the time, lost to a festering hell-hole like Rockford.

If you want to cover real music where the band doesn’t have to hide backstage or in their tour buses like the fake stars, where the guys are at the bar where everyone else is, then check out hardcore—no image, no cute little song verses like “you and me, my rock-and-roll baby,” just straight-to-the-point, no-holds-barred music. Getting to see these bands is usually cheaper, too. They actually play their music, whereas ripoff bands like REO and Royal Court all get their material out of a computer terminal. Try reporting on Zoetrope, or Out of Order or touring bands like The Exploits or The Mentors. The difference between these bands and REO is that you don’t have to wear Guess Jeans or look like a model to meet and talk to them.

Theron Moore

psychology