Motor City reality (TV) rockers

The Muggs: "The Next Great American Band"

Actually, “The Next Great American Band” wasn’t such an awful idea (but watching the show a totally different story). Rather than search for a neutral blob of clay that a label mogul could mould into something that they could sell, this show was looking for a touring band with original material behind them. Judges Sheila E. (“Glamorous Life) and John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls) would assess the bands based on their stage presence, musical ability and song writing. Much like the audience at the Magic Stick.

Detroit garage-blues rockers the Muggs came a respectable (but still unjust) 10^th, though the exposure did them no harm at all. The winners, the Clark Brothers, are residing in the “Where are they now?” file. The Muggs have since toured with fellow entrants the Zombie Bazooka Patrol and reign as one of Detroit’s most talented (and nicest) rockers. The play the Elbow Room in Ypsilanti on Nov. 7.