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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 8, 1972)
page 5 around. Some of their attraction is Jagger on stage. But even their records are dynamite-the Stones know how to let it rip! Alice Cooper does the same thing. Although Alice and the band have used just about every gimmick possible to attract some attention to themselves they underline most of their songs with a rock 'n roll beat. And the public digs it. We're Rick and the Rockets; we dance with our hands in our pockets, we'll knock your eyes right out of their sockets, we're pretty fn' obnoxious, We're Rick and the Rockets. Rick and the Rockets Ihcmu song Locally the story has been similar. About three years ago Rick Conoco (pronounced Koe-noe-koe) got some of his pals together from around the gas station and formed the Rockets, the myth maintains. And the Rockets, a mixture of greased parody, occasionally recognizable rock 'n roll with a generous helping of general absurdity stole the hearts of literally dozens. For three years the Rockets, later with Rosie, were willing to set up their equipment, spit on the floor, and provide about three hours of zaniness. Often for free. There are plenty of memories of the Rockets, f hey were pione to unprovoked acts of violence on their instruments-guitars and tambourines burned with equal abandon. They were prone to saying nasty things about the audience. They were known to have elaborately choreographed numbers break down into a shambles of giggles. I remember them once trying to start a song-"Purple People Eater." They tried the first four or five bars five times and then muttered "screw it" and played something else. Usually between seven and eleven members of ths band would show up for the gigs. And those that weren't directly involved in the song would join the Kid in dancing around the stage and audience. And they were high energy. Probably the highest compliment paid them came from a member of a psychedelic rock band that played a benefit with them. After the Rockets' two hour show one of the other band's members mumbled something about "those goddamned speed freaks." The Rockets reply would have been "Nuttin' better 'n beer." They reportedly drank nothing but Buckhorn, about a dollar a six pack. They were more than a rock 'n roll band. They envisioned themselves as a political force on campus. They would occasionally show up unannounced at ASUN Senate meetings and stand around menacingly. They formed the Grease and Freedom Party and ran Rick for ASUIM President. They're gone now. Band members have split or have lost interest. But in their stead, a lot of the bands playing local clubs have added a rock 'n roll medley or set to their show. Rock 'n Roll is here to stay it will never die. It was meant to be that way hough I don't know why. I don 't care what people say. Rock 'n Roll is here to stay. "Rock 'N Roll is Here to Stay" by Danny and the Juniors Market, playing the Cattman's Lounge a few week's ago, had a rock 'n roll set near the end of their act. And Cricket, a recent attraction at Little Bo, came out for a whole set greased and full of tail shaking boogie. It gives people a chance to get up and dance. And I've never met anybody yet who could feel bad after listening to that good ol' rock 'n roll. i I 'rTr Asn - Jk m if Sulp f t ty P u ... n to . II ri. : M t!TZmLM - ' 1 -.:jr!.::r - Jt O Go to left