Sunday, February 9, 2025

Bobby Amaru of Saliva to play solo acoustic set

Bobby Amaru, lead singer of the Grammy-nominated hard rock powerhouse Saliva, is coming to Toledo on Saturday, January 9 at Realm. While you might expect a loud rock concert, Amaru’s solo set will certainly shift your expectations.

The hard rock singer will perform a selection of Saliva material, as well as some solo compositions. The show will also feature Toledo locals Jeremy Rober, Ryan Dunlap, and Jeffrey Oliver. Amaru’s performance promises to be the perfect outing for Saliva and acoustic rock fans alike.

Riding Solo
Currently, Saliva is reaching the end of a stretch of shows across the South. Before the band hits the road again in February 2016, Amaru wants to take some time to decompress by playing some more relaxed shows.

“I don’t really do that many acoustic shows,” says Amaru, who is used to the high energy performances of Saliva. “I get asked by different people to come play acoustic sometime, but I never really get the time to do it.” However, since the band is going to have some downtime in between shows on tour, Amaru wants to take this opportunity to keep playing music.

“I like to play music, I like entertaining— no matter what. So, this is a good opportunity for me to go out and play some acoustic shows” said Amaru. The guitarist's solo set consists of Saliva classics, covers, and original compositions. In Amaru’s own words, “… a little bit of everything.”

When asked about the difference between a full-scale Saliva show and an acoustic solo set, Amaru says, “It’s obviously much different, much more toned down. Saliva shows are typically pretty rockin’, in your face, and loud.” According to Amaru, most of his musical influences come from his parents, “My parents were heavily into music and I listened to what they listened to. Mostly the old stuff like Led Zeppelin, [Black] Sabbath.” He also cites influences such as Pantera, Alice in Chains, and Phil Collins.

Getting on stage
Amaru’s induction to Saliva was based on a fortuitous series of events. He was a performing musician in Jacksonville, FL when he was recognized by the band. Through a series of mutual friends, the remaining members of Saliva had heard some of Amaru’s solo recordings and decided that he would be a perfect fit. “They never auditioned anybody or anything like that, that was pretty much it. They came to Jacksonville, we did three songs in the studio, then we hit the road,” said Amaru.

The new line-up’s chemistry is undeniable.

Amaru took the reigns of the group in 2012 after the original singer, Josey Scott, left the band to pursue a solo project. Now, Amaru has taken the band in an exciting new direction with high-octane, adrenaline pumping hard rock mayhem. However, when Amaru comes to Toledo gig, the louder and more energetic intensity of Saliva will be contrasted with a gentler and more intimate set.

Catch Bobby Amaru’s Unplugged and Intimate acoustic set at 8pm (doors) on Saturday, January 9th | $10/advance, $13/at the door | Realm, 135 S. Byrne. | 419-242-5110 | facebook.com/RealmToledo | Saliva.com | Facebook.com/Saliva

Bobby Amaru, lead singer of the Grammy-nominated hard rock powerhouse Saliva, is coming to Toledo on Saturday, January 9 at Realm. While you might expect a loud rock concert, Amaru’s solo set will certainly shift your expectations.

The hard rock singer will perform a selection of Saliva material, as well as some solo compositions. The show will also feature Toledo locals Jeremy Rober, Ryan Dunlap, and Jeffrey Oliver. Amaru’s performance promises to be the perfect outing for Saliva and acoustic rock fans alike.

Riding Solo
Currently, Saliva is reaching the end of a stretch of shows across the South. Before the band hits the road again in February 2016, Amaru wants to take some time to decompress by playing some more relaxed shows.

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“I don’t really do that many acoustic shows,” says Amaru, who is used to the high energy performances of Saliva. “I get asked by different people to come play acoustic sometime, but I never really get the time to do it.” However, since the band is going to have some downtime in between shows on tour, Amaru wants to take this opportunity to keep playing music.

“I like to play music, I like entertaining— no matter what. So, this is a good opportunity for me to go out and play some acoustic shows” said Amaru. The guitarist's solo set consists of Saliva classics, covers, and original compositions. In Amaru’s own words, “… a little bit of everything.”

When asked about the difference between a full-scale Saliva show and an acoustic solo set, Amaru says, “It’s obviously much different, much more toned down. Saliva shows are typically pretty rockin’, in your face, and loud.” According to Amaru, most of his musical influences come from his parents, “My parents were heavily into music and I listened to what they listened to. Mostly the old stuff like Led Zeppelin, [Black] Sabbath.” He also cites influences such as Pantera, Alice in Chains, and Phil Collins.

Getting on stage
Amaru’s induction to Saliva was based on a fortuitous series of events. He was a performing musician in Jacksonville, FL when he was recognized by the band. Through a series of mutual friends, the remaining members of Saliva had heard some of Amaru’s solo recordings and decided that he would be a perfect fit. “They never auditioned anybody or anything like that, that was pretty much it. They came to Jacksonville, we did three songs in the studio, then we hit the road,” said Amaru.

The new line-up’s chemistry is undeniable.

Amaru took the reigns of the group in 2012 after the original singer, Josey Scott, left the band to pursue a solo project. Now, Amaru has taken the band in an exciting new direction with high-octane, adrenaline pumping hard rock mayhem. However, when Amaru comes to Toledo gig, the louder and more energetic intensity of Saliva will be contrasted with a gentler and more intimate set.

Catch Bobby Amaru’s Unplugged and Intimate acoustic set at 8pm (doors) on Saturday, January 9th | $10/advance, $13/at the door | Realm, 135 S. Byrne. | 419-242-5110 | facebook.com/RealmToledo | Saliva.com | Facebook.com/Saliva

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