Tuff singer Stevie Rachelle still wants high of playing to thousands as they cheer and scream his name
Tuff singer Stevie Rachelle still wants high of playing to thousands as they cheer and scream his name
Tuff singer and Metal Sludge principal Stevie Rachelle continues to share his story via a series of articles on Metal Sludge called the Tuff Diaries and is now on his eighth instalment. In his eighth instalment, Rachelle recalls the band playing its first mini-arena.
Rachelle stated:
“Next we are playing Santa Monica Civic Center on Feb. 25h1989.
The Civic Center will be the biggest venue we have ever performed in as the capacity is 3,000 people.
This is a legendary venue that has hosted shows featuring: David Bowie, Prince, The Rolling Stones, Black Flag, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra and Eric Clapton.
Also, one of Motley Crue’s first mega shows was here headlining New Year’s Eve of 1982 to a sold out crowd.
The show tonight will be BulletBoys, D’Molls and Tuff…..
I recall being side-stage during soundcheck and Marq Torien was standing there.
I had never met him previously but went up and introduced myself.
Marq was a bit short with me, but also seemed to be in a good mood.
He had a right to be happy as their debut record had just went Gold off their hit single “Smooth Up In Ya”.
He then said something like, “We gotta put this thing on the map” and walked away.
I recall the feeling I had that night just before Tuff went on stage.
It was the first time I had experienced that “arena feeling” when the lights go out.
The house lights were still on, music was playing and then suddenly the music fades, the lights go out and the crowd roars.
It literally gave me goose bumps as I typed that line.
This wasn’t a club, or a bar.
Nope.
It was a mini-arena and the place was already packed with 80’s rock enthusiasts.
Michael’s drums sounded like canons and Jorge’s guitar was searing through the P.A. system.
Tuff played a short 30 minute set, and the fans went crazy.
But sadly, as soon as it started – it ended.
It was like a DRUG.
Standing on stage in front of thousands, as they cheer you on and scream your name.
You get the feeling that you are invincible.
It’s a feeling that I can’t describe. And when it goes away, you want it some more.
This is the additicion that is being in a band and wanting to succeed.
Chasing that high that you felt the first time and wanting it again, and again.
It’s late 2018, I am 52 years old and still want that high.”