Most know Stephen King for bestselling books and films; however, there is another side of him that people do not see--his passion for rock music and the band he plays in. Yes, Stephen King plays in a rock band called the Rock Bottom Remainders. The Remainders were founded toward the end of the last century by Kathi Kamen Goldmark. The founding members of the all-author rock band is an American author, columnist, publishing consultant, radio and music producer, songwriter, and musician.
Stephen King plays the rhythm guitar, and sings and is one of the bands prominent leaders. This band includes some of today’s most shining literary lights and between them, they have published more than one hundred and fifty titles, sold more than one hundred and fifty million books. The rest of these literary rockers include: Mitch Albom: keyboards and vocals, Dave Barry: lead guitar, vocals Sam Barry: harmonicas, Roy Blount, Jr.: Critics Chorus, Matt Groening: Critics Chorus, and Greg Iles: guitar and vocals, and founder Kathi Kamen Goldmark. "In the fine rock and roll tradition, the Rock Bottom Remainders were conceived in a car,” says Kathy. “As a semi-pro musician with a day job in book publicity, I spend a lot of time driving touring authors around San Francisco…I decided to form a band of authors!" Although the band are really all famous authors, one week a year, they are rock stars--artist-access-only, laminate-wearing, security-escorted rock stars with roadies and groupies. Four ringers help them out: American singer-songwriter and drummer Josh Kelly, Erasmo Paolo, professional saxophone player, Sam Barry on harmonica and Janine Sabino on vocals--they have fun!
Hailed by critics as having “one of the world’s highest ratios of noise to talent,” the Remainders have no music videos, no record contract, no Grammy nominations--but do have over one hundred and firty-nine thousand hits on Google and have donated all of their millions ( and yes millions) to charity. The band has changed over the past years adding and deleting literary rock stars want to bees. King enjoys jamming and will continue to play with the band to raise money for his foundations and the charities of the band. For those interested, it looks like the band will be going on tour in April of 2012: the master of horror rocking--a must see!
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