Royal Oak, MI -Two of Detroit's most celebrated rock bands unite for one spectacular night of rock and roll.  Modern rockers Rhythm Corps and Platinum hit-makers Sponge co-headline the Royal Oak Music Theatre (318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, Ph: 248-399-2980) on Saturday, December 22.  Doors open at 8 p.m., tickets are $20 and all ages are welcome. Presented by rock radio heavyweights WRIF, advance tickets are now available at tickets.com or the Royal Oak Music Theatre Box Office.   Expect a memorable evening of live music with these two stellar Detroit rock bands for one night only. 
“Hopefully this show will inspire other great Detroit bands to share the stage!” enthuses Sponge lead singer Dombroski. Whatever the case, don't miss this rare opportunity to experience Detroit music history in the making.  Click "read more" below for some back story on both of these great bands.



 In the 80's, modern rockers Rhythm Corps dominated the local Detroit music scene. The band attracted a huge following with their compelling approach to songwriting that demonstrated both sensitivity and substance, along with a tremendous live show and excellent musicianship.  That combination, along with a large and devoted following, landed Rhythm Corps a deal with Pasha/CBS Records.  The union garnered two national releases “Common Ground” (which included the band's most recognized single “Common Ground” - spotlighted during the international broadcast of the 1988 Olympics) and “The Future's Not What it Used To Be” in 1991.  Over the years, band members Mike Persh (lead vocals/guitar), Greg Apro (lead guitar), Davey Holmbo (bass), and Richie Lovsin (drums) went their separate ways, focusing on raising their families in various locales including California, Northern Michigan, and the Detroit suburbs.  Rhythm Corps reunited for one show in 2001.  Six years later, the band is ready to rock again. West Coast transplant Persh explains, “With my daughter off to college, I not only finally have some free time, but playing with the band is now very attractive to me.”  Adds bassist Holmbo, ” With age comes wisdom and experience and our intent is to portray each song with renewed conviction and spirit.”  Drummer Richie Lovsin reinforces this idea as well,“ it's time to put some flesh and muscle behind these relevant lyrics again.”

 90's hit-makers Sponge gained international notoriety with their debut album "Rotting Piñata."  Hits like "Plowed" and "Molly (16 Candles)" fueled massive airplay on radio stations from coast to coast and were in heavy rotation on MTV. After "Rotting Piñata" went Gold, the band toured internationally, sharing the stage with Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Live. Standing out as one of the 1990's most charismatic live acts., Sponge front man Vinnie Dombroski's powerful voice, heart-on-his- sleeve lyrics and stage presence continues to captivate audiences. Sponge's follow up CD to “Rotting Piñata,” the critically lauded “Wax Ecstatic” included the hit songs "Wax Ecstatic" and "Have You Seen Mary?” Currently, Sponge is finishing up a much-anticipated double CD that features both live and studio recordings.


 For more information on Sponge, please check out the band's web site at www.spongetheband.com.  More information about Rhythm Corps, including streaming audio is available on myspace.com/rhythmcorpsfan

 This show is sponsored in part by Mud Coffee Company. 

 More information about WRIF is available on wrif.com

photo credit: scott spellman