On their Facebook page, local rock band Skeleton Crue define themselves as “performance art.” Clad in black leather, they harken to the glam metal days of the 80s, a time that championed bands like Motley Crue and Cinderella. Their songs range from straight hard rock to rock with a touch of goth.
“I call it radio-ready hard rock,” lead singer Jack Flash said.
Skeleton Crue is Jack Flash (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica), Tom Star (lead guitar, rhythm guitar, backup vocals), Bear (bass guitar, keys and backup vocals), and Mark Roberts (drums and backup vocals). The band first formed in 2006 and started rehearsing regularly in 2007. On April 15, 2008 they played together live for the first time. They were recently on 100.7 FM’s Sunday night show, On the Radar, as local music guests. They have three CDs out, the most recent released this year, which is decorated with their signature dancing skeletons, while another shows skulls piled on an unmarked grave.
“When people couldn’t pay their taxes, they got thrown in this pit. I put that on there because it’s real,” Jack Flash said.
Jack Flash, the lead singer, dresses the part of a cross between metal and rock n’ roll glam. “I guess I’ve always looked a bit like something… I didn’t fit in anywhere, so I made my own groove.”
Skeleton Crue will play Headliners, as part of the Toledo Music Fest 2015 on Saturday, August 29th. There will be four stages with over 50 live acts. The show is headlined by hard rock band Damien. Doors open for the music fest at 2pm. Skeleton Crue’s set is scheduled from 3-3:30pm.
“We want it to sound like we do at rehearsal. Loud and clear. It’s too bad that you can’t run the monitors with echo,” Flash said.
When asked about the band’s longevity, Flash stated, “The only way to persevere is take the guff and take it rough.”
Toledo Music Fest 2015 at Headliners on Saturday, August 29th. $12/advance, $15/at the door. Headliners, 4500 N. Detroit Ave.
More info on Skeleton Crue at: facebook.com/skeleton.crue.9
Listen to the band at: www.reverbnation.com/skeletoncrue