Give me New Liberty
East Coast rockers risk it all to head west
By Chris Jay 07/22/2010
What’s the difference between those who make it and those who don’t? Talent, connections and money usually are big factors, but there’s something else:
It’s that wild-eyed ambition. A do or die, in it to win it, relentless, positive attitude that almost forces people to get behind them. If you haven’t met them already, please give a warm welcome to New Liberty, a band that embodies all those characteristics of testicular fortitude.
After the recent snow-laden winter that hit the East Coast, the four 20-something members of the Philadelphia area band collectively agreed that it was time to pack it up and head for the sunnier side of the country. Beyond the weather, the band’s four-on-the floor, ass-kicking, Guns and Roses meets Green Day style of rock is a hard sell in the notoriously fickle cover-band-heavy tri state region of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. Band members gave notice at their day jobs, ditched the apartment and secured lead singer Shane Mac’s uncle’s 1976 RV, complete with an eagle painted on the side, shag carpet and a host of mechanical problems.
So with adventure and a sense of hope flowing through veins, they embarked on their journey, and since then they’ve been met with a series of escalating tragedies that would make most mortal men throw in the towel.
First, their vehicle broke down after a hellish desert night windstorm drive that cost them their canopy and almost bassist Willie Love’s life. A shady, small-town mechanic took them for a financial ride to get it fixed, but they were all smiles when they pulled into Ventura and entered the studio to record with Armand John Anthony at his Satellite Studios.
After recording a flat-out awesome demo, original guitarist Niko flew home for his brother’s wedding, which he had planned on doing, but, just days later, Mac’s grandmother died unexpectedly in Pennsylvania. Despondent over the news, the night before he was to fly home for the funeral, he and bassist Love, hit the bars for a heart-to-heart over a few beers. Not being familiar with the area though, they wandered into a questionable part of town. In no time, they found themselves in the midst of a bar fight that sent Love to the hospital after being accidentally walloped by his own singer. Two massive black eyes later, they dropped Mac off at the airport, and New Liberty was left with only its manic drummer, Diesel Bottoms, and a bruised and battered Love.
Killing time as they waited for their band mates to return, the two New Liberty members began a relentless campaign of networking and friend-making. Some of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet with their party-till-you-drop attitude reminiscent of Poison and Motley Crue, the easygoing, ultra-positive rockers began making friends with, well, nearly everyone in town. They’ve essentially built a loyal fan base and have become a popular local band before even playing a gig.
Unfortunately, guitarist Niko decided to leave the band and not to return to California which put a serious dent in the shows that were already booked. But they refused to call it quits. They decided to honor the bookings as a three-piece and will perform the gigs as Basket Case:A Tribute to Green Day while they begin the hunt for a new guitarist.
So if you’ve ever had a crazy dream, if you’re a sucker for the underdog, or if you just believe in the very essence of what rock and roll is about, you need to support this band. Honk when the RV’s eagle flies by, don’t hesitate to bring canned goods or buy a round of beers at their show, and know that the spirit of liberty is alive and well in at least one band.
New Liberty performs its tribute to Green Day, Thursday, July 22, at Bombay Bar and Grill. They’ll also debut original material at Spencer Makenzie’s End of Summer Blast on Saturday, Aug. 28. For more information on the band, visit www.myspace.com/newliberty.
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