BRENTWOOD—Catching up with the busy band members of ACIDIC is a lot of fun and very inspiring as well. The young men who comprise this extremely talented rock group are wise beyond their years. Canyon News spoke with the band’s founder, lead guitarist and lead vocalist Michael Gossard, who had a lot to say about the band’s recent tour. “It was a great time, Tommy. Albuquerque was out of this world. The fans were really loud, very into our music and they had a lot of fun. It sure beats the local stops, where a lot of time we don’t have a lot of people in the audience and they are there to sip coffee and talk.” Gossard speaks of the laid back L.A. atmosphere, which he loves in many ways, but now that he’s recently gone outside of the state again, the band has a taste of star appeal and even had their own share of groupies. “It was wild, Tommy! Some of these fans were great to us, they really made it exciting and not only in New Mexico, but also The Rock in Tucson, Arizona was happening!”
The band also traveled to Mesa, Ariz.; Las Vegas, Nev.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Spokane and Seattle, Wash.; and Denver, Colo. in addition to making stops all over the state of California. Mike and his band are a very close knit group. “We decided two years ago to make this work, to make a living of playing and it’s been exciting and hard work ever since,” said the lead guitarist. “The toughest part of the recent tour was all of us guys staying in a hotel room with one bathroom. It was pretty rough.” Humor is how the team manages to get past a lot of adversities, but they are all burning with talent and a desire to become a huge success. “In 10 years, we hope to be honored at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” Gossard said laughingly.
The once backyard garage band that started in Santa Monica several years ago now finds itself on the verge of international stardom. They have developed a reputation for giving their all to the audience and after this recent tour, they are excited about going back on the road. “Sure, it’s in the works. We are looking at lots of opportunities and making plans,” said Michael.
Gossard himself admits to having musical mentors like Richard Preston and Jack Walker. “I love this band and music in general. The band is my life, and Ted and Matt are the brothers that I never had, and they actually wrestle like it, too. Ted has yet to be defeated by Matt. This is the only thing I could ever see myself doing, all I want is to play music,” concluded Michael Gossard.
Lead singer Michael Gossard has appeared in several bands before forming ACIDIC, toured the East Coast, played live concert performances as a guitarist and bass player, appeared in films, TV, music videos, musical theater, and various benefits. He’s a member of SAG and AFTRA. As a member of the Ventura County Rock Powerhouse Feisty Piranhas, he has opened for the Misfits and Blue Oyster Cult.
In addition to Mike, ACIDIC consists of guitarist Michael Thompson, bassist Ted Dubrawski and drummer Matt Whitaker. Gossard, the band’s primary songwriter, has known Dubrawski since elementary school. The two started performing together in their high school rock band (Crespi High School in Encino, Calif.) before Gossard formed ACIDIC his freshman year. In 2008, Whitaker joined the group as the band’s drummer. Thompson, a junior at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, joined the band last year.
ACIDIC has built a rapidly growing fan base, playing at legendary venues such as SXSW Music Festival, The House of Blues on Sunset, Whisky A Go-Go, The Knitting Factory, Key Club, The Derby, The Canyon Club and Bamboozle Left Festival.
To learn more on the most talented band in southern California, and to find out more about upcoming performance dates or to join them on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter go to their official site at acidicband.com.
ACIDIC will be opening for legendary pop-punk band The Ataris at The Whisky A Go Go at 8901 Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles on Friday, August 13th. Doors open at 6 p.m., and they will take the stage at 8:15 pm. Admission to the show is $15. Tickets can be purchased in advance atwww.ticketmaster.com or at the door on the day of the event. The show is open to all ages.
Photograph of ACIDIC Courtesy: Alfredo Luna
