Papa Vegas plans live concert film for reunion
Rock band Papa Vegas, which gained attention in the late 1990s in Grand Rapids, is set to perform at The Collaborative Lab this Thursday in a special show that will be filmed for future release. Despite signing with RCA Records in 1999 and achieving success with a Top 20 single on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, the band faced challenges in the volatile music industry that eventually led to their breakup. However, the members have come together for sporadic reunions over the years, with their last performance taking place in 2023 at Sullivan Field in Grand Rapids.
The idea for the upcoming show came about when lead singer and guitarist Joel Ferguson and sound engineer Al McAvoy discussed the band’s memorable performance at Sullivan Field, regrets of not recording it, and the potential of capturing a concert for fans to enjoy online. The band, consisting of Ferguson, Mick Force, Pete Dunning, and Scott Stefanski, will be playing songs from their acclaimed 1999 album, “Hello Vertigo,” along with some tracks from “Gravity Wars.” The event will also feature an opening set by Low Phase.
Ferguson expressed excitement about the show, citing the top-of-the-line sound system at The Collaborative Lab that promises a fantastic night for music lovers. Despite the band’s failure to achieve mainstream success, Ferguson fondly remembers the band’s experiences, including recording in Los Angeles and Seattle, mixing in South Beach, touring with bands like Kent and The Verve Pipe, and living in England while working on material for “Hello Vertigo.” He emphasized the strong bonds formed within the group over the years, contributing to their continued enjoyment of creating music together.
The upcoming performance at The Collaborative Lab is a unique opportunity for fans to witness Papa Vegas in action once again, performing their signature tracks in a venue equipped with high-quality sound production. The band’s resilience and camaraderie are evident as they come together to celebrate their music and the journey they’ve shared over the years. The event promises to be a memorable night of rock music, showcasing the talent and passion that earned Papa Vegas a place in the history of Grand Rapids’ music scene.