For those who were going to region night clubs and concerts during the 1970s, the name M&R Rush, one of the most popular local rock bands of the late '70s and early '80s, conjures up memories of good times, good music and their rockin' youth.
Perhaps that's why the still highly energetic group -- now all in their 50s -- continued to pack in crowds whenever they plug in an play.
"It's like being a bunch of teenagers again," guitarist John McFarland said.
Even though a major label record contract eluded them during the signing frenzy of the late 1970s when such contemporaries as The Hounds, Off Broadway, The Boyzz and Survivor were signing on the line, M&R Rush still managed to land a Top 10 single, "Rock And Roll Chicago," on WLUP (The Loop).
Having reunited in 2002, the original line-up still has enough musical moxy and muscle to be one of the most in-demand rock 'n' roll attractions at summer festivals and fairs throughout the Midwest.
"We knew all the guys in Styx, especially J.Y. (James Young) and (original/deceased guitarist) John Curulewski. We were a little younger than those guys, and we really looked up to them. All the kids in the neighborhood did," recalled drummer Marty Mardirosian, who is the "M" in M&R Rush, which has its roots in Roseland, the same Chicago neighborhood that spawned classic rockers, Styx.
"We never expected anything like this," McFarland said of their reunion in 2002.
"When we booked our first show, we were worried nobody but our families would come out and see us."
Not only was there a demand to see the band perform again, but there also was a demand for their songs from the old vinyl and cassette-tape days, so in 2003 the group released a "Best of..." compilation.
In 2005, members entered the recording studio for the first time in more than 20 years with a cache of new songs and created a collection that reflected the band as they are today.
That album, "The Thrill Of The Chase," proved the band's songcrafting skills were better than ever.
"The Internet has opened up a whole new world to us and our music," Mardirosian said.
"We're selling CDs to people in Europe and Japan and all over the place. It's pretty amazing really how well things have gone for us."
This weekend marks the release of their group's second new album of material and its third overall career CD, "Keep On Rockin'," which members wrote and recorded this past winter.
A free fireworks show immediately follows M&R Rush's performance.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at beatboss@aol.com.
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M & R Rush (with special guest Terry Klema)
When: Saturday night at 7
Where: Orland Hills Festival, 16553 S. Haven, Orland Hills, Ill.
Cost: Free
FYI: www.mandrrush.com
