Friday night made me realize something. There's just something special, something so Milwaukee about The Gufs.

Sure, I've been a fan for a long time. But, think about it. The Gufs, four friends who started the band nearly 15 years ago (basically to get chicks) are still friends today, still passionate about music and appreciative of their success and of course, their stuggles and all of their hard work.

The Gufs, in many ways, mirror our city. Successful, yet not too successful. Proud, but not too proud. Good, but (sorry, guys), not good enough -- for some crazy reason -- for the rest of the country to truly take notice. Ah, Milwaukee. I love it. And Milwaukee loves The Gufs.

On Friday, Goran Kralj, Morgan Dawley, Dejan Kralj and Scott Schwebel took The Pabst Theater stage for the first time in their careers. You could tell with the first strum of their intro tune, "Leave this Life," that they were thrilled to be there. Milwaukee, after all, is home. After the easy listening first new song, they cranked out "Last Goodbye," "Listen to the Trees," and "Happily Ever After."

With the faithful fans singing every line, the band basked in the hometown love while welcoming Northern Room lead singer Andrew Jonathan to the stage for a beautiful version of "The Chosen."

The house lights were on in the first 20 or so rows all night as the band was, not only releasing a new CD, but also recording a new live DVD. The light added something. It helped show the fans faces, their sing alongs and their strong appreciation for the band that's finally back after nearly 7 years.

Watch for a full review of The Gufs new album, "A Different Sea," next week.

4 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by OMCreader on Oct. 21, 2006 at 2:16 p.m. (report)

Bill said: Will, you're right. Your show there was so much more exciting. : )

Posted by OMCreader on Oct. 9, 2006 at 12:02 p.m. (report)

Will said: Yawn.

Posted by OMCreader on Oct. 9, 2006 at 11:10 a.m. (report)

Nicole said: The concert was truly amazing. I have been a fan for well over 10 years and it felt like a reunion. And the band did bask in the love. The new songs are more mature but yet have the same great sound and lyrics as the old Gufs' albums ever did. Being in the very front it was truly breathtaking to look back and see everyone singing all the words and responding to the band. It was a special night!!!

Posted by OMCreader on Oct. 7, 2006 at 8:02 p.m. (report)

JV said: Great show. New songs sounded good too.

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