Rootboy Slim

Face the Root

It was a dark and stormy evening back in 1983 when Jim and I met the legend at the end of his career. The smelly bar located in a strip mall just north of Latham was the perfect venue to watch Root Boy and his band pound out the jams and pound back the beers. Yes, the band marked it's sets by watching Root Boy and his 6 pack of Rolling Rock. Root began the set by placing a full six pack on a stool next to him and the set was over when the six pack was gone, and so on until a case of Latrobe's finest was consumed.

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If you haven't heard of Root Boy then you aren't alone. Root Boy was a rocker in the Zappa tradition. His music was sarcastic and political and most of all fun. He always surrounded himself with the hottest young musicians he could find. His one near hit "Boogie 'Til You Puke" is a party classic. Root was also known for his live shows or perhaps I should say barely "alive " shows. Root did four sets a night and each set was a six pack and that equals a case of beer each show. The fun fest usually ended with Root staggering through an encore and collapsing on the stage.

Jim and I shared a rare glimpse of the Root Boy that evening long ago. A mutual friend Matt was working at the venue and somehow Jim and I ended up backstage between the third and final set. Stinky old couches and white trash beer coolers with a few local skanks in waiting holding court is the scene I remember. The skanks invited us to sit down and join them. They were waiting for the band and we were just taking a break from the crowded front of house.

Minutes later Root and the band came crashing into the room and Jim was asked to toss out a few beers to the band. They acted as if they knew us and before long we were all laughing and sharing some beers. Until.....

Root had concerned himself with the skanks first so he was the last to ask for beer. Bad news for Root, Jim had unknowingly taken the last beer from Root's personal cooler. Silence filled the room and all eyes were on me and Jim. Who were we and why was Jim drinking Root Boy's last beer?

Apologies and embarrassment passed quickly in the now smoky room and before long Root and the band headed back out for the final set of the evening. I'll admit it was tense for a minute but I guess the heart of the Root Boy was generous offstage as well.

More info and Root Boy Links:

w.rootboyslimmovie.com

http://www.videostar.us

Root Boy Slim Official Website

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=41886751

Trust me no performer put more energy into a performance than the Root. He literally killed himself each night. I was so glad Jim brought up that story because now I can share it with all of you. Share the love and share word of a legend gone too soon; Root Boy Slim. Rest in Peace Root you aren't forgotten.

Rest in Peace Rootboy!

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