Live Review: Steve, Bob & Rich evolve into The Rainmakers at Parody Hall in Kansas City, MO, May 31, 1986

For fans of the Kansas City trio Steve, Bob & Rich, a surprise was in store at this pivotal show. The big news was shared that the band had signed a major deal with PolyGram Records and it was announced at the show that their new name would be The Rainmakers. Parody Hall, down by the Missouri river was an ideal (albeit scary) place to host such a significant event.

After years of playing clubs and bars around the region, fans were very familiar with the trio’s sole album Balls, and sang along enthusiastically throughout the set. Most of those tunes ended up on the new record, with “Let My People Go-Go” as the debut single. “Rockin’ at the T-Dance” is the story of the Apollo 1 tragedy, the Hyatt Hotel disaster, and similar mishaps where they “Let the monkey go but blamed the monkey wrench.”

Much of the band’s material offers sharp observations on culture, society, American history, and the human condition. “Downstream” finds Harry Truman – when asked why he dropped the bomb – retorting, “Hand me that bottle and mind your own business.” And for added levity, “Drinkin’ On the Job” provides listeners with humorous wordplay on getting messed up in assorted professions. “The garbageman got trashed / The janitor got messy / The taxi driver got smashed / And the waitress she got tipsy,” to offer a few examples.

Of the 15 songs played, four were not on Balls, nor did they show up on any Rainmakers’ releases. All four deserved better fates. “Cool Down,” sung by Steve Phillips, is a driving rocker. On “The Book of Life,” Bob Walkenhorst sings, “I’ve got so many brothers and sisters now it’s never gonna happen to me / I’ll never write the book of life alone.” It’s an uplifting and joyful tune that never saw studio time.

“Don’t Let Go” puts Phillips back on lead vocals, with a plea to a former lover, perhaps. Bassist Rich Ruth added backing vocals and serious flair to the affair. The final rarity, “Hello I Said” is just seeking common courtesy with the line, “Hello I said what’s the matter are you dead? / Hello I said I didn’t ask you to bed / Hello I said won’t you talk to me? / Well, all I said was hi.” Halfway through the song, Walkenhorst asks the crowd, “Hey, is it midnight? Is it midnight yet? It’s midnight? Happy birthday to me, I’m 33 years old!”

The Parody was packed on this sweltering Saturday night in KC, with the indoor temps pushing up the mercury. Its listed capacity of 350 seemed optimistic as fans filled every available inch of space. Walkenhorst summed up the conditions perfectly: “If you didn’t sweat tonight you ain’t no friend of mine. In fact, if you didn’t sweat tonight you’re probably dead.” The band then launched into “I Talk With My Hands,” a tune that ended up on the second album Tornado.

Local radio station KY-102 eventually rebroadcast the show, and I was ready with my finger hovering over the red “record” button on my cassette deck. I still have that tape. Thanks to the Internet Archive, whose mission includes preserving fan and soundboard recordings, the concert survives today. The included post-show interview with KCUR is an added bonus.

With Pat Tomek newly installed behind the drums, the quartet soon released its self-titled debut album. The rest is rock and roll history. The band is still out there looking for its car keys, so if you get the chance, go see one of the best live acts around.

Check out The Rainmakers’ Facebook page and/or Bob Walkenhorst’s website for more info.

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