![]() Sobkowich has played in other tribute bands and as a side man in several original projects. “You’re born with your face, and you’re born with your voice, and there’s only so much you can do to change that,” Brighton said. A degree of commitment is required to execute this Bowie tribute. Thank you for playing good music.’”īrighton is particular. “People come up after shows and say, ‘Thank you. All ages, all abilities, all ethnicities gather in the same space, to fawn over David Bowie, to be immersed in the world of the music he created. The tribute band plays crowded bars, symphony halls and casinos. As they play, Brighton sneaks from the stage with Lambkin, who usually helps him with the many costume changes of a typical performance.īrighton holds out the microphone for the audience to finish the chorus of “Changes.” The crowd connects with every song, eyes fixed on the stage as Nelson and Switch-the moniker given to guitarist Chris Sobkowich-now solo for six and a half minutes of classic rock and ballad-types. Brighton notices Emma and the bridal party out in the crowd and points out to them with a soft smile as Bowie would. “We’re picky about who we see at this venue, but we’ll come to see (Brighton) every time he’s here,” she said.ĭuring “Fame,” his eyes connect with someone in the front. Her group of girlfriends reserved a booth at the very front next to the stage. Jodi Stark from Orange County has been rocking out at as many of those performances as possible since the beginning. No prominent Bowie tribute band was out there, so he put a show together. He wanted to use more of his talent and share more of his passion. “After like five years of doing Beatles, I got tired,” Brighton said. For years, he traveled with Beatles tribute bands playing as George Harrison. He took jobs as a side man, working sporadically playing other people’s music.Įventually, he got sucked into the tribute world and worked as much as he wanted. Unfortunately, like so many bands in the competitive industry, it didn’t work out. They signed a record deal and toured Europe. And, if we can accomplish that for an evening, I think that’s something.”īrighton’s time with Quiet Riot was short, but later he was able to create his own band-Brighton. “That’s the power of music to take you to another place, lift you out of mundaneness. We’re trying to transcend-go somewhere,” Brighton said. “We want to engage the audience and take them where I’m going or where the band is going in an emotional or spiritual sense. Lambkin remembers they did “Cracked Actor” the last time they played at this venue, and she suggests that this particular crowd would probably enjoy the latter of the two songs. “Right here, should we do ‘Cracked Actor’ or ‘Queen Bitch?’” As they think about each song choice and make notes, the small room fills with the fumes of permanent marker. “Does everyone have their Sharpies?” Brighton asks before they look at the list. It’s a two-hour show and he wants to make sure every minute is planned to engage the audience. It was a very pivotal time.”Īfter sound check, Brighton calls the band of seven to head upstairs to go over the set list. ![]() “Kevin DuBrow mentored me,” said Brighton, referring to Quiet Riot’s lead singer. He was asked to be in the band Quiet Riot, and during that time took advantage of wisdom from fellow members. It was enlightening to see up close why someone is a super star.”Įven before he was inspired by the real David Bowie, talented musicians recognized Brighton’s potential. “He was very gracious and it all went well. You really have to deliver the goods when the real guy is there,” Brighton said. “It was nerve-wracking, humbling, flattering. Then turns to groom Ziggy Stardust’s red mane.Ī few of the costumes and wigs he currently uses come from the Vittel water commercial Brighton did with David Bowie in 2003. He thoughtfully brushes the Thin White Duke’s wig. He eventually brings his costumes and wigs up to the changing room. ![]() We all get along.”īrighton walks around during sound check, asking with his gentle tone if people have what they need. He’s created an element of trust,” said bassist, and former Santa Clarita resident, Trent Stroh. “David’s a good leader he’s transparent with us. His Bowie tribute band was formed in 2000, and this particular group has been successfully playing together for over 12 years. The face of this tribute band, who lived in Santa Clarita for 20 years, gives critique as a true leader: “Kevin that was excellent, but could you… but that was excellent.”
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