HELLYEAH's "MAGICAL SUCCESS"

by Rick Coates



It is one of those responses usually expressed with enthusiasm and often after a couple of cold ones. You’ve probably said it yourself or certainly heard others say it. Think about it. If someone asks you if you would like to go to Streeters’ Ground Zero Nightclub on February 9 to hear a kick-ass heavy metal band, what is your response going to be? Yes? I don’t think so -- how about HELLYEAH.



Okay, if Yes were playing at Streeters, I would be first in line to check out that great progressive rock band of the late ‘60s. In fact look for Yes to tour, starting mid-summer (hopefully a Northern Michigan stop) as the band celebrates their 40th anniversary this year. The Yes tour will get off to a late start because of Steve Howe’s touring commitment to the super group Asia that he formed with Carl Palmer (Emerson Lake & Palmer), Geoff Downes (The Buggles, Yes), and John Wetton (Uriah Heap, King Crimson) in 1981. Remember, were Asia was billed as rock and roll’s first super group. Sure, there others before them and since -- Blind Faith and the Traveling Wilburys come to mind.



Now that super group moniker has not fared well for most. That is why members of HELLYEAH don’t consider themselves a “super group.” In fact vocalist Chad Gray (Mudvayne), guitarist Tom Maxwell (Nothingface), guitarist Greg Tribbett (Mudvayne), bassist Bob Zilla (Damageplan) and legendary drummer Vinnie Paul (Pantera and Damageplan) don’t consider themselves a heavy metal super group at all. “We are a group with super guys in it,” said Chad Gray. “We didn’t form with the idea of creating some sort of super group, and this wasn’t some sort of get-rich-quick scheme either. We put this band together for one simple reason: to make great rock and roll for people to party to.”

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