THE LOWDOWN ON THE MATT O'REE BAND

Give us your band's biography in exactly six words:
Four rock musicians posing as adults.

What happened at your first gig?

We covered a gig for a friend at a bar in North Jersey. They paid us great because it was his fee, but the audience really hated us.

What happened at your wildest gig?

A band member woke up the next morning in a strange car, still in the parking lot of the club, with no clothes on.

What is your band's motto?

"I may be an idiot, but that's OK.''

Complete this sentence: The crowd goes crazy whenever we...

...bring a tune to a loud, sweaty climax.

Complete this sentence: Your band could die happy if...

...we completed a lifelong touring career.

If you had the power to customize your own epic demise, what would be the most fitting way for
this band to go out?

Spontaneously combust.

If this band was a movie character from any era, who would it be and why?

Otto from "The Simpsons.'' He always gets the bus to the gig on time.

What are some of this band's inspirations, both musical and non?

Mmm, Gov't Mule. Non? "McHale's Navy.''

What would you say has been this band's crowning achievement thus far?

Beating out 4,000 guitarists and winning the national guitar competition for Guitar Center.

If you could open for any band or artist past or present, who would it be and at what venue?

Jimi Hendrix and Band of Gypsies at the Fillmore.

If your band was on "Celebrity Deathmatch,'' who would your opponent be?

The Dixie Chicks.

In your biopic, what performers, living or dead, would play each band member?

Matt O'Ree = Rory Gallagher. Eric Safka = Viv Savage. Lance Taylor = John Paul Jones. Lew
Rosengrant = A bald Jack Black.

What do you guys listen to get psyched before a show?

"Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii.''

Does your band have a favorite song to cover, either at practice or during shows? If so, which
song and why?

"Not Fade Away.'' This song really gives us the chance to stretch out musically and really take it in different directions. It's always different every time we play it.

What would be on your band's list of items to have backstage before every show?

Southern Comfort, Johnnie Walker Black and all the brown M&M's we can handle.

What is your favorite local venue to play and why?

The Starland Ballroom. This venue has the best-sounding room and a great stage. It's always a pleasure to perform there.