By
Angela Orlando
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Rock-a-billy, surf-punk band performs tonight at Plush
Change is good - at least the Cadillac Angels think so.
The band, playing tonight at 9 at Plush, 340 E. Sixth St., acknowledged its need for change earlier this week when it replaced Cowboy Bob, its drummer of two years, with longtime pal Stoney.
Still, the rock-a-billy, surf-punk band has managed to maintain success.
"The chemistry just wasn't there with Cowboy Bob," Tony said from his Santa Barbara home. "It's no reflection of his skills as a drummer - he's an excellent drummer. But people just don't realize how much of a strain it can be for bands to be stuck in a van or a hotel room together."
Micky Rae agreed, emphasizing the band's desire for change and artistic evolution.
"Change is always good," she said. "It's when you're not willing to change that you get stuck in a rut."
Using only their stage names, guitarist/vocalist Tony and bassist Micky Rae have performed together for more than 15 years, released four CDs together and, just last year, logged their millionth mile of road travel as a band.
"The two of us have been through three car accidents, the death of parents and 15-degree weather together," Tony said. "It's kinda like being war buddies - or family."
The Cadillac Angels have performed with such greats as the Violent Femmes, Santana and Jerry Lee Lewis. Tony's fondest stage-sharing memories, however, are the times the band played with Carl Perkins and his mentor, Link Wray.
"That man is 72 years old," he said, "and is still evolving as an artist."
Despite the famous names they have accompanied, members of the band said they have no real aspirations to become what they consider "commercially successful."
"I'd rather travel, sell CDs and connect with people than be the newest, latest thing," Tony said. "The newest, latest thing is over in a minute. I like being face-to-face with the blue-collar crowd, with students - people who are just trying to get by."
Stoney said he is ready to meet the demanding challenge of joining the band on its relentless touring schedule. He brings both drumming skills - he said he's been drumming since he could walk - and guitar-playing ability to the group. Tonight's gig will be one of his first as a Cadillac Angel.
"In a three-piece band, you just don't want to get in the way musically," he said. "I'll follow the lead and see where it goes."
One of the reasons he decided to join the band was its ability to unify diverse people.
"At a Cadillac Angels show, you see everyone from punkers to hillbillies in the audience," he said. "This band goes over anywhere. They're real - nothing they do is a facade. Anyone can latch on to them."
All three of the members said they love Tucson, though it is a diversion from their typical touring route.
"You can get a good feel for a city just by walking around," Micky Rae said, "and Tucson has a great downtown area. And cool wig shops."
Tony said his one piece of advice to new bands would be to keep up the friendships that make the band.
"If you're auditioning a guy who's an excellent musician, but your friend wants to be in the band too, pick your friend," he said. Though Tony and Micky Rae met through a newspaper ad, "there's an exception to every rule," he added.
Although the Cadillac Angels normally play at Club Congress, Tony said he is looking forward to rocking a new venue.
"I like the nights out here in the desert," Tony said. "And I like baptizing trendy new clubs."
