Ratt headlines Can-Am rock fest

With 1980s giants, “Ratt” and “Headpins” headlining, the newly formed alternative metal band from International Falls will be the opening act.

“The Planets” formed in January. The teenagers came up with their name as a way to describe their sound as a “full solar system of awesome.” Band members include Judah “Buddha” Chezick on drums; Kirdan “fishpants” Wenger and John Sobczynski on guitars; Chevy “lucky charms” Arnold on violin; Wilson “milkshakes” Johnson on bass guitar; and Ben Shofner on keyboard.

The alternative metal band lists it influences as “Rage Against The Machine”, “Green Day”, and Jimi Hendrix among others.

Sobczynski, the newest member of the band, says that performing at the Can-Am Fest is both exciting and intimidating. They love performing live, however, and he said they look forward to the big crowd.

The Planets members will carry a little clout and pride into the festival. They write and perform original material and recently won fifth place out of 15 in a Battle of the Bands competition at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Find out more about the band at www.myspace.com/theplanetsk850.

Carl Brown, Roadhouse owner, said last year’s big headline acts, including “Warrant”, drew 1,500 people ranging in age from 21 to 60. He said the popular heavy metal bands from the 1980s and 1990s appeal to all ages.

With even more promotion and bigger headline acts this year, Brown expects at least 2,500 people on Saturday. He said phone calls for tickets are coming from all over the U.S. and Canada.

“We anticipate overflow crowds,” said Brown.

The headline act, Ratt, enjoyed its heyday in the 1980s and 90s with four consecutive platinum albums. The band emerged from the L.A. Sunset Strip in 1984 with the release of their first album, “Out Of The Cellar” and the hit single, “Round And Round.”

According to Ratt’s official Web site, the band’s “comeback buzz” started in early 2007 when it was featured on an episode of VH1 “Behind The Music.” The series documents the story of famous bands.

The founding members, vocalist Stephen Pearcy, guitarist Warren DeMartini and drummer Bobby Blotzer, and new bassist Robbie Crane and guitarist John Corabi, would launch their first tour together in eight years that summer.

The headlining Canadian band is the Vancouver-based Headpins. Brown said the band was a hit with locals in their performance at a local bass tournament in 2004.

Headpins was formed by the late Brian MacLeod and Ab Bryant and added Bernie Aubin and Darby Mills. Their 1982 debut album, “Turn It Loud” was certified double platinum.

The band went on to release several more albums until Brian MacLeod lost his bout with cancer in 1992. The group reformed later that decade with the addition of guitarist Tony Dellacroce and released “Line Of Fire” in 2002.

Saturday’s line-up also includes “FireHouse,” another gold and platinum selling classic metal band that was voted Best New Hard Rock/Metal Band at the 1991 American Music Awards. The band’s biggest hits include "Love of a Lifetime", "When I Look into Your Eyes", "Don’t Treat Me Bad" and "Here for You."

The Minneapolis-based metal band, “Downtread”, formed in early 2007 with Brett Petrusek guitar and vocals; Eric Domagal, drums; Robert Berg, vocals, bass; and Teddy Gordon, guitar.

According to Brown, parking will be available in a portion of the Roadhouse lot and off-site pay parking will be offered by local residents, businesses and community groups. Brown noted that fans should be aware of ordinances and can park on one side of nearby county roads and both sides of the Minnesota Highway 11.

Wristbands will allow guests to come and go for the entire day. Patrons must be 21 years of age or older and no minors will be allowed admittance. Guests are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs, however, coolers and outside food and beverages are not permitted. A variety of food vendors will be on site and open until 1 a.m.

For more information, call 286-3545 or visit online at www.canamrockfestival.com.