Is this what it’s come to for desperate and unknown bands?
Self-proclaimed hardcore hip-hop trio Imperial Stars blocked the U.S. 101 highway during rush-hour yesterday for an impromptu performance. The group parked a large truck decorated with their band logo and member portraits in the middle of the highway, blocking four of its five lanes, then jumped on its roof and started playing their song “Traffic Jam 101.”
While in theory this stunt sounds like an epic, Detroit Rock City-worthy moment, the sheer awfulness of Imperial Stars brings it down to a sad act of desperation. The members of the unknown band, all well into their 30s, claim on their website to be “ROCK STARS!… living the dream on stage under the heat of the lime light.” The stunt was rock star-like, I’ll give them that. It almost sounds like something U2 would pull off. However, like their self-description, Imperial Stars’ music is overdone, tired, and boastful. The band follow in the nu-metal vein of blending rock ‘n’ roll and hip-hop, to which they add a mindless L.A.-party mentality. Needless to say, it’s nothing pretty.
But, beyond this individual group’s delusions of grandeur, Imperial Stars’ highway stunt poses a broader question: Is this what it’s come to for desperate and aging unknown bands? Are fading bands in the new music world of easy-buzz and little longevity forced to take part in some absurd publicity stunt in order to gain their 15 minutes?
We sure hope not. But if so, let’s pray for a better band next time.
Watch footage from Imperial Stars’ stunt, as well as their hilariously awful music video for “Traffic Jam 101″ below.
U.S. 101 Traffic Block:
“Traffic Jam 101″ Music Video:
October 14, 2010 at 5:14 am, Shawn Rosko said:
Wow, awful band.