THE SPAZMATICS PLAY AT CEDAR STREET

Written by Reed Watson

National University Student Journalist

The Spazmatics play at Cedar Street in Austin, Texas for $10 every Wednesday night. They’re a choreographed cover band that play 80’s music and put on a comedy show at the same time.

The cover band is based off the idea of Revenge of the Nerds with their outfits and acts on stage. The Spazmatics play everything from Wham “Wake Me Up,” Depeche Mode “Just Can’t Get Enough,” Aha “Take on Me,” to Billy Idol “Rebel Yell, White Wedding,” Bon Jovi “Livin’ on a Prayer” and Queen “Bohemian Rhapsody,” always with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

“The banter and comedy between the songs is almost as fun (sometimes more fun) than the songs themselves. The Spazmatics throw in funny skits, sound effects and spontaneous jokes between the songs, and interact with the audience in a way that only true nerds are capable of. In fact, because The Spazmatics wear costumes and are almost like cartoon characters, they can get away with ribbing on people that a regular guy might get beat up for! Somehow an insult from a guy in a neck brace and glasses to a giant 250-pound guy that looks like Hulk Hogan just works. It’s all in good fun and we haven’t been beat up yet,” says lead guitarist, Brian Young, of The Spazmatics.

They play three sets every show while interacting with the audience the entire time. The crowd can’t help but to smile and laugh at The Spazmatics funny antics.

The Texas band plays about 200 shows a year. They mainly play in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Young mentioned they have down a fair bit of traveling too. They’ve played at a at a fair in Seattle, the House of Blues in New Orleans, a basement party in Virginia, a wedding in Cabo San Lucas and a high class party in the Dominican Republic.

“It doesn’t ever get boring, because our schedule is so crazy,” Young says.

“I think it’s fun and comical. They play real good music and everyone seems to enjoy the atmosphere around,” said an audience member from a recent show at Cedar Street.

To find out where and when The ‘Austin’ Spazmatics are playing go to www.thespazmatics.net and check the calendar. The Spazmatics also have other bands that play shows in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, Tampa and other cities. Search for The Spazmatics on the web in other cites to find a show nearby.

“Each Spaz lineup is different. But they all bring in high quality, ultra nerdy, and a funny show to anywhere they are,” says Young.

The events and venues are all different. Show can range from free public shows in the park to $10 cover charges at a club. The Spazmatics guarantee smiles and good entertainment at every show.

Young shares the story of how The Spazmatics got created:

“We were started by a company called, Perfect World Entertainment (P.W.E.). P.W.E. was started by a rock band in the early 90’s and produced some fun musical acts, such as The Boogie Knights (Disco), The M80’s (New Wave), Metal Shop (Heavy Metal) and Anthem (Classic Rock). Most of the bands they produced have choreography and a lot of comedy thrown in so audiences really get a show, not just four guys standing there playing songs.    The M80’s kind of morphed into The Spazmatics when someone got the idea of putting Revenge of the Nerds together with 80’s rock, and The Spazmatics were born! We were originally based out of Los Angeles and played in Las Vegas a lot. Then some of the guys moved to different cities around the country and started a Spazmatics of their own. All still under the umbrella of P.W.E. The ‘Austin’ Spazmatics started in 2004, but there have been two member changes since then, as a couple guys decided to pursue other musical ventures.”

The band puts on a show for all ages to be entertained. The audience may come to listen to the music, check out the costumes or watch the funny skits. People will be guaranteed laugh and smile.

Young says, “The future plans for The Spazmatics are just to continue to adding new songs and comedy to the show. We are constantly trying to keep it fresh (for us as well as the audience) and keep a high quality standard. Our goal is to be the MOST entertaining band around and for everyone to wake up the next day with sore cheeks from smiling so much!”