A band that has been labeled the most collectible psych rock band in the world by the Rock and Roll Fame and whose reissue was called one of the top 10 reissues of 2010 by Rolling Stone will perform in Athens Friday.
Athens will get a taste of '70s psych rock when Poobah comes to Jackie O's Pub and Brewery, 24 W. Union St.
Poobah, which hails from Youngstown, has seen countless lineup changes in its 39-year run, but Jim Gustafson, the band's lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, has been the one constant member. The current lineup also includes Lori Powers on percussion and backing vocals; Mike Lewis on bass and backing vocals; and Mike Fortino on drums and backing vocals.
It's hard to keep a band together
but with different musicians on each album it keeps things interesting Gustafson said.
Almost as interesting is the band's name, which Gustafson explains comes from a biker chick he knew of in high school.
There was a story going around about this girl named Poobah. She was said to wear a leather jacket a blonde beehive and was a biker kind of chick
Gustafson said. Rumor was
if you called her Poobah she'd chase you and stab you with a rattail comb.
When contemplating band names with former band member and high school peer Phil Jones, Gustafson proposed Poobah, and they've kept the name ever since.
Despite never rising beyond a cult following, Poobah has seen huge success and received high praise. The re-release of Poobah's album Let Me In was recently named one of the top 10 reissues of 2010 by Rolling Stone magazine, and they have been hailed as the most collectible psych rock band in the world by the Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Poobah is excited to be coming back to Athens. They've played in the area in the past for parties, festivals and a Budweiser Biker event. Athens' love for music is fondly remembered by the band. For those planning to attend on Friday, Poobah promises a rockin' show.
We love to have good fun
make music and entertain people
Gustafson said. Music lovers can expect a fun show with Poobah and our brand of psychedelic rock music. We put on a trippy
wild time for all.
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