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Ska band Reel Big Fish loves Utah scene, and vice versa By
Scott Garrard
The situation is one in which your parents warned you about; a small club, free-flowing alcohol and 500 rowdy fans crammed into what can only be described as a fire code nightmare. Yet according to a little known band from Southern California, this is as close to heaven as one can get. The band is called Reel Big Fish, a ska/punk group that has made a decent living in these types of environments for nearly 10 years. Its members have accepted the fact that they will never be the headline band playing in front of thousands at Wembley Stadium in London, but they also know that their small, passionate fan base will allow them to keep playing clubs all over the country. "We make a little more than the average guy," noted lead singer Aaron Barret. "Not a lot more, but a little. If that puts in the 'Cult Band' category, fine. At least we get to travel the country doing what we love to do. I can handle that for a profession." In a recent show at Club DV8 in Salt Lake City, Reel Big Fish performed for more than two hours, up close and personal, in front of a strong fan base. "Utah gets a bad wrap," Barret noted. "Sure it's tough to buy beer here, but really this is one of the greatest places to play in the country. The fans are as strong here as they are in Southern California." Most of that fan base originated from a surge of popularity Reel Big Fish and other bands of the same genre enjoyed in the summer of 1997. In "The Summer of Ska," Reel Big Fish earned massive radio airplay with its biggest hit, Sell Out. The band had a nationwide audience that responded by making the recording, Turn the Radio Off, a gold album by the first part of 1998. "What a great summer," a nostalgic Barrett stated. "Unfortunately though, the ska fad faded out and a lot of bands either changed their style or broke up. We like to think of ourselves as part of a dieing breed." When asked why Reel Big Fish was able to maintain its popularity Barrett said, "We took a hit just like everyone else, but what has kept us alive has been the variety of out music. Sure there is ska, but you've also got rock, punk, big band and even a little disco. Something for everyone." The crowds may not be as big for Reel Big Fish as they were a few years ago, but they are steady. While the venues may be small, like Club DV8, they are always full. And sure they may not be traveling to concert destinations via leer jets, the band's modest bus treats them just fine. In fact Barrett added that life on the road is actually quite enjoyable. "Rock stars complain all the time about touring, but I like it. I get to sleep until 2 or 3 in the afternoon, wake up, watch some TV, eat, and go play a show. Now find me some guy in an office that would not give his right arm for this lifestyle." They may not have the lifestyle of the elite groups of the music industry, but for the members of Reel Big Fish, this one will suit them just fine.
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