Troubled waters no problem for Puddle of Mudd By Rick Coates When Puddle of Mudd takes the stage Friday night at Ground Zero Nightclub in Traverse City it will be a reunion of a couple of survivors. POM performed to a sold-out crowd three years ago at Ground Zero and both the band and the club have found a way to survive the challenges they have faced. For Ground Zero (Streeter’s/Terminal) it was the departure of Doug Street, who in December of 2008, sold the club to pursue interests in Grand Rapids. Street has returned and the ailing club is back on its feet with packed houses for college night on Thursdays and ladies night on Saturdays. In addition, Street has put together an impressive concert line-up that starts with POM Friday, February 19, and has Uncle Kracker in March. Street is currently in negotiations with other additional acts, including major rock and country stars and plans to announce new shows soon. POM is getting ready to celebrate their 10th anniversary this year. Though the lineup has changed a few times over the years, the current group includes founder and frontman Wes Scantlin along with bassist Douglas Ardito and guitarist Paul Phillips who rejoined the band last year after a four-year hiatus. Both Ardito and Phillips were with POM in 2000 when Scantlin reformed the band and both were instrumental in the group’s debut CD Come Clean that boasted four number-one hits.
NOT ALWAYS EASY “We are definitely survivors,” said Phillips. “Bands are a mix of business, relationships and friendships and there are a lot of personalities involved. It is not always an easy business. We have had some separations and some challenges, but after 10 years we are still here and we owe it to our fans.” POM is currently out in support of their fourth studio set Volume 4: Songs In The Key Of Love & Hate, released in December. Their first single of the new album “Spaceship” is currently charting, giving them four consecutive albums with hit songs. “It’s easy and predictable to say I’m most proud of this record,” said Scantlin, “But I think it’s more appropriate to say I’m most proud of what we’ve accomplished as a band to this point.” Phillips agrees. “I think our success lies in the fact that we have remained true to who POM is artistically,” said Phillips. “Sure we could have headed in a different direction -- even tried a concept album -- but do our fans really want that? I don’t think so. They want our songs to sound like POM songs. Look, you are working hard and money is tight and you lay down cash to see us perform. You want us, not some concept.”
‘DON’T GE ME STARTED’ Both Phillips and Scantlin are grateful for the fans keeping them going. “The business has changed so much, don’t even get me started,” said Phillips. “One million CD sales is the new five million today. Record labels are like graveyards and ghost towns. The business model has changed and you have to change with it. It means being out on the road and making your money on the road. I am not complaining -- I love being on the road and I am grateful to be performing.” Scantlin agrees and sees their approach and connection to their fan base as the key to their future. “We’ve not only navigated the minefield successfully, but we’ve laid our own on the battlefield that is this business,” said Scantlin. “As self-sufficient as ever, we virtually depend on the fans to come through for us - and because of that, this band is built for the future.” Despite tough economic times in the country and the music industry, POM is seeing some sign that things are getting better. “Shows are selling out not just for us but others,” said Phillips. “I think people are sick and tired of this crappy economy and they are looking to blow off some steam and a high energy concert is a great way to do that.” Doug Street is seeing the same thing. “Advanced ticket sales have been great and we are nearing sell out,” said Street. “I am seeing and hearing a lot of enthusiasm for live shows from my customers.”
POM brings an arsenal of ear-friendly songs including “She Hates Me,” “Drift & Die,” “Blurry,” and “Away From Me,” all were number one hits in a 14-month span back in 2002-03. In 2007 they hit the charts again with “Famous” and the number one hit “Psycho.” They will be joined by CAVO whose hit song Champagne hit the top of the charts in 2009. Doors open at 7 pm on Friday with music starting at 8 pm. Tickets may be purchased online at www.groundzeroonline.com or by calling 231-932-1300.
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