Courtesy The Detroit Free Press :
Detroit rockers the Muggs advance to next round on 'Great American Band'
"We are the ugliest band in the world. We're called the Muggs, and we're from Detroit, Michigan."
That was the nation's introduction Friday night to the Detroit rock trio the Muggs, as delivered by the band's lead singer-guitarist Danny Methric.
I'll have to admit -- it was pretty exciting to see a Detroit band caught up in the quest to be crowned "The Next Great American Band," the title of the new Fox TV show modeled on "American Idol" that debuted on Friday.
I mean, for the countless times I've seen the Muggs in all of their gritty blues-rock glory, I never considered them reality TV material. But as I sat there, giving up a precious Friday night on the town to watch another reality competition, I felt like a mom beaming with pride as she sent her kid off to the first day of kindergarten. I'm really proud of them, and I'm excited to watch the competition unfold.
The Muggs have a great story, including bass-keyboardist Tony DeNardo's recovery from a near-fatal stroke. They embody the blue-collar work ethic that Detroit has been known for since the days of the MC5. If you've seen them, you know: The Muggs rock. Period.
What was especially exciting was that the judges -- Goo Goo Doll John Rzeznik, percussionist Sheila E. and music biz sourpuss Ian (Dicko) Dickson -- seemed really enthused, too. Following a fast but typically rave-up effort by the band, they gave the Muggs one of the most enthusiastic receptions among the dozens of acts at the Las Vegas tryout: "Woooo!!!! Yes! Yes, yes, yes. Awesome!!," said Sheila E.
So the Muggs became one of 12 bands moving on to the show's next round. The biggest question is whether the guys will connect with the American voting audience. I'd like to think so. But I suppose that's why I'll be tuning in every week at 8 p.m. Friday with the rest of Detroit. Thanks, Fox. I'm hooked again.
The Muggs formed in early 2000, but less than two years later, the East Side band suffered a major setback when bass player Tony DeNardo experienced a hemorrhagic stroke that left him paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak.
With the help of friends, family, fans and physical therapy, DeNardo recuperated enough to play his bass lines using his left hand on a Fender Rhodes keyboard. After DeNardo's recovery, the band was unstoppable, winning over fans worldwide with its charm, perseverance and, above all, stellar musicianship.
The band -- DeNardo, guitarist Dan Methric and drummer Matt Rost -- isn't allowed to discuss the show, but Fox publicist Jill Hudson says the Muggs was one of 61 bands chosen from audition tapes to audition for the show in Las Vegas.
The Muggs released a self-titled debut album on local label Times Beach Records in 2005 to positive reviews overall. In 2006, the band released a DVD of a live performance at the Magic Stick.
This year was huge for the trio. The Muggs toured Spain for two weeks, and Real Detroit Weekly readers voted them the "Best Blues Artist/Group."
The Muggs' music has been featured in commercials, compilation CDs and even an upcoming "Star Wars" documentary called "The Force Among Us" by Cristian and Cortney Macht. The band was exposed to a new crowd of older fans when it was asked to open up for its members' heroes, blues rock legends Cactus, at the Magic Bag in July.
Here's what legendary Cactus guitarist Jim McCarty had to say about The Muggs in our Cactus interview from last year:
RNRU : Have you heard of The Muggs? They're an awesome band in the early 70's heavy rock tradition...
JM : Yeah, I know Danny Methric. He's hot as a pistol. Tony, who plays bass in that band, he actually plays bass with his left hand on keyboard because he had a stroke. He's a young kid, too. Tony's father, Frank DeNardo, we grew up together. Frank's father and my old man were best friends. Yeah, The Muggs are hot. Danny's a very hot guitar player. I give Tony a lot of credit for starting to play bass with his left hand. I've seen them live, and they kick ****.
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My 2 sons ended up liking them also, I'll fill them in. Thanks for relaying the info and for the great Joe interview.
