Rock 'N' Roll, Coca-Cola, and Cowboy Boots
Hanging out with Silvertide
By Melissa Bowen

Silvertide has managed to mix the sound of the Black Crowes, the appearance of Blind Melon, and the attitude of Led Zeppelin into one awesome band. They have brought back the classic rock sound that we so desperately needed in music today. Catchy lyrics and guitar solos fill their catalog of songs. The buzz about Silvertide began to stir in early spring 2004. By summer, they were opening for Van Halen. Although VH fans had mixed emotions about the new band from Philly, the crowd's reaction was mostly positive. On stage the band is electric and truly shine, like the stars that they are.

On Sept. 7, my friend, Liz and I ventured out to Flint, Mi to see Silvertide and Shinedown perform at the Machine Shop. Being a biker bar, it's an 18 and older venue. I thought I wouldn't have any trouble getting in because I was on the guest list, boy was I wrong.

The Machine Shop's 18 and older policy is a tough one that they won't break for anyone. Luckily the members of Silvertide were a lot more accessible than the club. While standing in the parking lot calling my many contacts and tour managers, trying to get us in, I noticed the lead singer of Silvertide, Walt Lafty standing next to us. I told him about our problem, but even he couldn't get us inside to see the show. Yet, I was alright with that because instead of seeing the band play live, Liz and I got to hang out with them.

Walt had a radio station interview to do so drummer, Kevin Frank spoke
with us first. While talking to him, Liz and I got a better understanding of the drawbacks of being in a professional band like them. "People think you can just do whatever you want but there is unfortunately a lot of business," Kevin said. Despite the negative aspects of the music industry, Silvertide is doing quite well for themselves. In a year from now Kevin hopes to do some more arena tours, like the one with Van Halen. After a while he had to leave. No sooner he left, Walt took his place in the conversation.

Through the difficult schedule and grueling demands of touring, Walt remains a
friendly and energetic guy. But how does a performer, such as he stay so animated throughout the day? "I drink a lot of soda, Coca-Cola, strictly Coca-Cola. And it has to be in a can because it tastes way better," explained Walt. Our discussion about the greatness of Coca-Cola quickly changed to the quality of cowboy boots when bassist, Brian Weaver walked over in tattered shoes. The inferiority of Brian's shoes caused Walt to explain his concern about boot shopping. "I make a big deal out of going shopping. Like I'll go and I'll spend an hour just trying on boots. I'll see what the price is and try to negotiate," Walt said. He looks down at his intricately designed cowboy boots and continues on about them, "Like these are deer skin, they're 200 and like 50 bucks so if I'm gonna spend that kind of money, they better fit right, I better to be able to run around in them, you know? They need to be multi purposed."
Brian and Walt then began to discuss the difference between regular boots and
snowboard boots, their first skiing experiences, and old Saturday Night Live episodes. After a while, the band had to get going. They left Liz and I with autographed posters, the photos that I had taken of them, and one awesome memory.

Silvertide is one of the nicest bands I have ever met. They're a lively and energetic group and their music reflects that. Silvertide's first full-length studio album Show and Tell will be in stores on Sept. 28.