DEAD SERIOS: 30th Anniversary Extravagonzo!

January 24, The King Center, Melbourne, FL

Dead Serios, for those of you who just moved here, or live and die by the singers produced by American Idol; Dead Serios are legends. Legendary, in fact.

Way back when, in the late 1980’s and early 90’s, in the magical, golden days of WFIT and the Power Station, the Space Coast had a flourishing music scene that was self supporting. There were loads of venues for original acts to play and WFIT regularly added these bands to their rotation alongside national and regional breakout acts. Dead Serios was one of the brightest stars, and when it came to hard rock acts, they were the undisputed kings.

But nothing lasts forever. Bands folded, venues closed, and WFIT for a time, moved to more mainstream jazz and blues music. But anyone who ever saw Dead Serios will never say they forgot them. Fronted by the enigmatic Ded Lee Serios, the band played countless shows, opened for every touring act that had a fuzz box (Faith No More, The Dead Milkmen, etc. etc.) to it’s name and released loads of DIY records and tapes. Dead Serios was more than a band; they were synonymous with the local music scene. As members came and went, the DS alum went on to start their own formidable bands. The Screaming Iguanas of Love, The Scooby Doo’s, Dirty Poodle and so many more can point to DS as their boot camp on how to be in a band 101.

Saturday night in the intimate Studio Theater, which was nearly sold out, was a celebration of all things ridiculous and heavy metal. The show began with the classic ode to landscapers, “Lawn Care Studs” and never eased up. There were guest appearances throughout the evening. A very tall Oprah meandered onstage for “Who’s on Oprah?” Throughout the night they were joined the likes of Juicy Lucy, Ty Ogelsby, Medusa Singer and Buster, for “Buster’s Got a Booger.” Ded Lee, along with drummer Scooter Greenbud, bassist Joe DelCorvo and guitarist Stephen Pooley careened headlong through the bands catalog and Michelle Jones of Violectric, added some of her bowed magic to “Dysfunctional Family.” They were also joined by original line-up guitarist, Stewart Coleman for an epic reading of “Harbor City.”

As the show wound down, Ded Lee graciously acknowledged all those in the production as well as the promoter, and technical engineers. “We are a family! And remember, we’re not joking! We’re Dead Serios!”

Amen, brother. Amen.