Carabar Enriches Our Columbus Heritage with The Gods
November 30, 2009 by Alicia Roberts
It wasn’t the standard hipster regulars bumping elbows this past Thanksgiving Eve at Carabar. The special guests of honor, The Gods, brought an older generation of rockers; complete with Budweiser, long hair, studded boots, and plenty of leather. It gave a whole new perspective on what cool really means. The assimilation made an appropriate atmosphere just suitable for legendary Gods.
If you’re unfamiliar with The Gods, lead guitarist Nikki Storm says, “We’re harder edge than The Stones…more raw rock n’ roll.” Continuing to be one of the only 70’s local Columbus bands to continue touring to the present, these folks have a solid fan base to support further mayhem.
It is hopeful for The Gods to make a habit of playing the night before Thanksgiving at our favorite local spot. Last Turkey’s Eve, the group shared a stage with Columbus’ fastest blooming hip hop artist, Envelope. Eric Moore, the only remaining original Gods member, expressed Envelope to be “very tongue and cheek, but right on!”
The Gods currently consists of the original Eric Moore, Nikki Storm, Bub Adams, and Heidie Hellser. Nikki Storm joined the band as lead guitarist in 2002 after being in a three piece band, Deja Voodoo. Heidie Hellser joined the new age Gods in 2007 at a Texas rock festival. “Any hair band…you name it, it was there,” said Storm.
Moore spoke of hanging out with David Allen Co the previous weekend and spkoke on his hygiene habits. “Every twenty minutes I go back and use hand sanitizer…” An avid fan comes to shake his hand and he finishes with, “Now you know why I use hand sanitizer!”
This dedicated fan took no offence and informed me of his many years of being a fan of The Gods. “It’s fuckin’ classic rock n’ roll,” said Matt Phillips, 49.
“It’s time to come out with something new,” says Storm as he exhales cigarette smoke.
There is no question about the future of this band. They are currently in the studio recording re-releases of oldies as well as some new songs including “Cryin’”.
“The gods have loved Columbus for many, many years and you were probably just a youngin’ when we came out and this will be a part of your Columbus heritage,” Storm concluded. At first thought, I laughed to myself considering the fact that I was born in 1988...almost 10 years after their debut. Afterwards, I realized he had pounded a few drinks and was totally right about my Columbus heritage. This band is still alive and well known after 30 years and to witness lifetime fans as well as first-time fans was an enjoyable experience. This cycle won’t be ending soon.
Look out for The Gods this summer at the Columbus Motor Speedway with Qfm 96.