THE WILD BUNCH by Dave Persails

In May, Pat DiNizio put together a show at the Drink in Chicago with the late Jim Ellison (of Material Issue) and several other rock performers. Based on that performance, Camel offered to sponsor a mini-tour of the US. The tour kicked off in Chicago for six dates in the last week of August. On August 29, the "Wild Bunch Local Groove Blender Tour" as it was billed, made its stop in Dallas, Texas at Trees.

The entire Wild Bunch came out onto the floor from behind the audience playing tambourines and whistles and drum sticks on every imaginable bar fixture, and mingled like a band of local minstrels for a moment with the crowd. As the crowd gathered closer, the band took the stage. Eventually, all members of the touring ensemble would be onstage, together. They were:

Pat DiNizio, and Jim Babjak on guitars, vocals (of The Smithereens)
Clem Burke (Blondie, Plimsouls)
Gilby Clarke on guitar (Guns & Roses)
Dominique on bass guitar, vocals (Delphines)
Bettina France, (vocals)
Wayne Kramer, guitars, vocals (MC5)
Billy Maryniak on keyboards (Slink Moss & his Flying Aces)
Kathy Valentine on guitar, vocals (Go-Gos)
Mars Williams on drums (Psychedelic Furs, Liquid Soul)
Peter Zaremba on vocals (Fleshtones)
Mike Zelenko (Material Issue)
Chip Z'Nuff on bass (Enuff Z'Nuff)

and Patty "Elvis" Manning

They jumped into their rocking rendition of David Bowie's "Jean Genie," with Chip Z'Nuff on lead vocal. Peter Zaremba followed that with Clapton's "After Midnight." Wayne Kramer and Gilby Clarke each took the spotlight for a number, and then Bettina France took over with a stage commanding "To Sir, With Love." What a voice! Pat introduced an instrumental called "Soul Finger," and then the male contingent of the Bunch jumped into a searing cover of "Money (That's What I Want)" Pat showcased his vocal power and revealed his Beatles influenced style. The Wild Bunch gang-leader kept the microphone, put away his guitar, announced his love of Tom Jones and broke out with "What's New, Pussycat?" Part serious, part silly, this band made it clear they were there to have fun.

The Delphines took over with their short set, led by the vocal talents of Dominique, who Kathy Valentine introduced as a "sex kitten." Nice pipes, too.

Their set was followed with a set from Patty Elvis, as she snarled and gyrated to "Suspicious Minds," and "Burnin' Love."

More members came back onstage, to do "Proud Mary," and "American Beat." The finishing set included a rocking version of the Bay City Rollers' "Saturday Night," and a hot version of the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" with Gilby Clarke on lead vocals and Jim Babjak on Pete Townshend Windmills. Pat DiNizio took the mic again for "Blood And Roses," and all joined in for the show stopping "Kick Out The Jams."

They done kicked 'em out, too. Smiles were everywhere, as this band threw the biggest party on any stage I've ever seen. There was something for everybody from this all-star band. I salute Peter Zaremba, who was definitely there to rock the house, and Wayne Kramer, for being the master showman that he is.

Walking off the stage, Jim asked me what I thought. I had a great time, of course, and I told him I loved "Won't Get Fooled." He said "That's what it's all about -- having fun." Pat came by and tapped me on the shoulder. He wanted to know what I thought, too. I think I enjoyed the show almost as much as he did. It was good to see these guys having so much fun on stage, doing what they love to do. Very refreshing in this day and age.