October 26, 2003 - Back for the Attack

2001 was an enormous year for the band.  The hugely successful independent release of the band's debut album Shine in October 2000, on King James Records lead to the band's first single, "Free," being released on local radio.  The success of "Free" in turn lead to sales of over 1400 albums, 65 shows played, and record label attention, in addition to more radio play in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Houston, and New Mexico.

After Archbold's departure in late '01, Chris, Charley, B-Funk, and Jim continued as a four piece playing well into calendar 2002, before deciding to take some time off themselves.  Not willing to forego music completely, the members sought other musical outlets: Christian and Charley formed an all-acoustic group named Tres,  Jim sat in and did some recording as a studio guitarist with a local band, B-Funk went back to school to seek a degree in the musical arts, and Mike played guitar for a local church youth group.  But these projects could contain the band only so long before the itch returned.

"This past spring (2003), Rosemary Gates was offered two shows at the Club Inc. Beer Tent," said Christian Schult, vocalist for the band.  "Although most of the band was engaged in other activities at the time, I thought I'd make a few calls and see if there was any interest," said Schult.  The interest was there and the band accepted the gigs that would become the springboard of the band's return. 

"I was excited," said bassist B-Funk.  "The full lineup had not played together in over a year.  I was anxious to see if we could rekindle the old flame," said B.  Guitarist Jim Stocks added, "I think we just wanted to take these shows one at a time to see if, as a group, we were interested in re-starting the RG bus and begin playing more regularly."

Well, the flame is there and the boys are back.  The band has already played two shows at Columbia Street West in Fort Wayne in September and October and are slated to be back December 21.  Watch your local listings for shows in your area.