Darryl Rhodes at Sully's Comedy Cellar • Parkville, MD August 19, 2011

DARRYL RHOADES • AUGUST 19-20

In 1975 Darryl Rhoades formed the now legendary Hahavishnu Orchestra, a 12-piece musical comedy troupe that traveled nationally until June of 1978. During their 3 1/2 years of touring, Rhoades and band received critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, Playboy, Village Voice and too many other magazines to list. In a review of an appearance in New York, Rolling Stone/MTV critic Kurt Loder proclaimed Rhoades "one of the most savagely gifted writer/performers in the country today”.

Their show and material was constantly and favorably compared to Zappa, The Fugs, The Tubes and others. They performed a two-week stint at The Other End (now called the Bitter End) which were attended nightly by rock luminaries such as Robert Palmer, Phoebe Snow, Leon Redbone, etc. Rhoades knew good things were ahead when Phoebe Snow stated that it was one of the most disgusting shows she'd ever witnessed: Rhoades spit hamburger buns on Robert Palmer. When word of the incident spread many more artists were drawn, such as members of Kiss, Martin Mull, and Iggy Pop who sat in with the group.

On New Year's Eve 1977 Darryl and band appeared on the nationally syndicated "James Browns' Future Shock" on WTBS where they paid tribute to Brown by spoofing him and parodying his "hardest working man in show business" routine. Rhoades performed his new dance "Suicide".
In Jan. 1978 Rhoades did a guest set with the act that opened for the Sex Pistols American debut where overtly satirized the punk movement in general and the Sex Pistols specifically by performing a song with a four foot safety pin seemingly running through his body. The early versions of the Pistols documentary tour (DOA) contains portions of that performance.

In 1979 The Outlaws covered Rhoades' "The Lights Are On (But Nobody's Home). In 1980 Rhoades released his first LP, "BURGERS FROM HEAVEN" which was critically acclaimed while he only did limited promotional appearances.

From 1981 to 84 Rhoades' whereabouts were sketchy, unconfirmed reports of moving to California and romantic involvement with actress Margo Kidder, retreating to India with the Maharishi Yogi becoming disillusioned and turning to professional wrestling.

Working non-stop and receiving airplay from syndicated radio shows such as THE DR. DEMENTO SHOW and THE JOHN BOY & BILLY BIG SHOW has helped to create a large following and leaving little time for Rhoades to perform with musical groups. He performs on rare occasions as the drummer for THE ELECTRIFYIN' SISSIES which include record producer BRENDAN O'BRIEN, RICK RICHARDS from the GEORGIA SATELLITES, and radio personality/rock historian REX PATTON.
2008 found Darryl working harder than ever. Between performing 40 weeks in club appearances, he appeared in the film, "Crazy Heart", with Jeff Bridges, Robert Duvall, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Colin Farrell.

He also released his eleventh CD which featured Peter Stroud & Tim Smith (Sheryl Crow Band), Rick Richards (Ga. Satellites), Col. Bruce Hampton (multiple legendary groups and the film "Slingblade") Deborah Reece (Fmr. Randall Bramlett band member) and other incredible southern musicians. The new CD, "WEAPONS OF MASS DECEPTION", embodies 15 songs that reflect an attitude that is opinionated and hard hitting. This is definitely a departure from all of his other recordings and is said to be his best work in a career that showcases his music and comedy skills together and separately.

SUMMER SPECIAL: Either pay $12 admission with a 2 item minimum OR take advantage of the $20 Summer Special which pays for your admission and ALL-U-CAN-DRINK!