A lot happens in 30 years. Heck, a lot happens in a day. For Milwaukee-born band, The Gufs, they’ve seen it all in their first 30 years: hit songs, big record labels, headlining gigs and – like us all – constant learning, growing and moving on to other passions and pursuits.
The Gufs get another chance to perform in front of their faithful, hometown singing fans this month and, courtesy of Miller Brewing Company, we’ll have tickets to give away on social media soon.
The Gufs play Pabst Theater Dec. 29 (sold out) and 30, with special guest Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe. Other friends of the band may also make special appearances. Both shows start at 7 p.m.
We got a chance to check in with drummer Scott Schwebel before one of the band's rehearsals for the upcoming shows.
OnMilwaukee: What are you all up to?
Scott Schwebel: We are all busy with personal lives and family – lots going on – but it’s been nice being together and rehearsing for the shows.
So, I hear your last album "Holiday From You" is being released with some new tracks? Tell me more.
Yes, we just released "Holiday From You, Deluxe." It contains alternate versions of "Give Back Yourself" and "Last Goodbye," that we did with producer Don Gilmore in L.A. – after we left Atlantic with the record, that’s a longer story – along with a never-before-released track from the original album recording session that we did with Arnold Lanni, "Forever Falling."
What can we expect from your Pabst shows in a few weeks?
Thirty ... Hard to believe we started making music together in 1988, I think all of us are amazed our music still holds a place in people’s hearts. The shows will hit some of those early songs from our club days, a few rarities and live-only favorites, as well as chronicle the music that became mainstays on Milwaukee radio, up through our latest recordings.
Last concert you saw?
I can’t speak for the others but I’m constantly at shows in the Back Room at Colectivo (Schwebel is the director of marketing for the coffee company). I love being part of that intimate experience with artists of all genres.
What are your kids listening to now, and do you "keep up" with their musical tastes?
Our kids are all at different ages and varied interests. Some are playing and/or singing, all are listening to music across the board. Mine are total old-school musical lovers, they don’t really know anything current.
Finally, define success.
Happiness. Doesn’t matter what form it presents itself in. Kids being healthy, sunshine, music, simplicity ... life is good.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
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