It is common policy to give credit where credit is due, yet I still can't recall where I heard or read a comparison between Black Eyed Peas and '60s popsters the Archies.
The resemblance between the two acts is uncanny: both the Archies and Black Eyed Peas create or created entertaining, yet disposable pop nuggets appropriate for their time which resonate well with music listeners of any age. Although time will tell if the slew of past Peas hits will stand the time as the Archies' 1969 chart-topper "Sugar, Sugar."
Additionally, the Archies were a manufactured band, whose music was created as a supplement of sorts to the cartoon show of the same name, while multi-instrumentalist and present-day knob-turner extraordinaire Will.i.am is, arguably, the driving creative force behind the Black Eyed Peas. Given the colorful fashion he and fellow Peas Fergie, Taboo and Apl.De.Ap wear in their live shows and videos, it wouldn't be a stretch for the powers that be at Hanna- Barbera to knock on the foursome's door for their own animated effort.
The release of their 2009 effort, the chart-topping "E.N.D.," and the current arena tour that bring the foursome to Chicago's United Center March 13, finds the Peas in what could very well prove to be an interesting juncture in their career.
With a trio of hit albums and singles under their belt, and rumors of a forthcoming album, will "E.N.D." and it's tour serve as the beginning of what could prove to be a plateau in their popularity, or, with Will.i.am in high demand as a producer and Fergie, under her birth moniker Stacy Ferguson, branching out to the big screen, is the E.N.D. in sight? At least until the reunion tour a few years from now?
All of this, though, means nothing to Aurora-based producer Manfred Mohr, who filed a lawsuit against the band accusing the Peas powers of plagiarism. Turns out Mohr's composition "Boom Dynamite," written by Mohr and performed by him as one half of the outfit performing as Phoenix Phenom, bears an uncanny resemblance to the Peas' megahit "Boom Boom Pow."
Southern-fried rapper turned thespian Ludacris, who's "Battle of the Sexes" set is scheduled for release March 9, is opening for the Peas on their current tour.
The Black Eyed Peas, Ludacris, 7:30 p.m. March 13, United Center, 1901 W. Madison Ave., Chicago. $49.50-$89.50 (VIP packages also available). FYI: (312) 455-4500.
On sale now
For more information, contact the venues or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. Unless otherwise indicated, all shows are all ages.
* Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, May 21, Vic Theatre (18 and older)
* Adam Green, April 16, Schubas (21 and older, (773) 525-2508, schubas.com)
* Julian Casablancas, April 6, Vic Theatre
* Cannibal Corpse, April 29, House of Blues
* Jimmy Buffett, June 26, Alpine Valley Music Theatre
* Trans-Siberian Orchestra, April 17, Chicago Theatre
* Bleeding Through, April 21, House of Blues
The opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. He can be reached at T.shellberg@comcast.net
