Ska still kicking for Mustard PlugGrand Rapids (MI) Press 12/22/05Tours across the globe, more lineup changes than Spinal Tap, the respect of "Weird Al" Yankovic, a near-riot during a Warped Tour set. Suffice to say local ska icons Mustard Plug have been through a lot during the last 14 years.
But perhaps the group's greatest accomplishment is surviving the supposed death of its genre. The local six-piece remains busy as ever, thanks to the success of its sarcastically titled Ska Is Dead tour. Here's the lowdown.
Lineup -- Founding members Dave Kirchgessner (vocals) and Colin Clive (guitar/vocals); Rick Johnson (bass), Nate Cohn (drums), Brandon Jenison (trumpet) and Jim Hofer (trombone).
Status report -- Ska may have been "in the hospital for a couple of years," Jenison said, but Mustard Plug is alive, well and kicking. Recent developments include:
1. A new rhythm section. Johnson and Nate Cohn are the most recent additions.
2. New wheels. The band recently sent its beloved touring van -- a 1995 Dodge something-or-other that logged some 317,000 miles -- to the glue factory. Its replacement, a 2000 model, made its road debut last month.
Hear it -- In September, the group released "Masterpieces: 1991-2002," a best-of compilation.
"It's something for Best Buy to stock, instead of not stocking anything," Johnson said.
On the horizon -- The band plans to record a new album next year.
Etc. -- You can't beat free advertising. A Mustard Plug poster appeared on the wall of Seth Cohen's bedroom in an episode of Fox's "The O.C." A man in a Mustard Plug shirt once was arrested on "Cops."
"I also heard a kid being interviewed right after the Columbine shooting was wearing one, too," Hofer said. "So now we have our name tied to crime and 'The O.C.' I guess there's no such thing as bad publicity."
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