The band is still working and still together. These guys are involved in like a million projects, including a potential reality makeover show called Making It Cool, which encourages former musicians to pursue their musical dreams. They're also opening for a super-guitar-solo and sash-heavy Diamond Dave-headed 2012 Van Halen concert tour. Robert "Kool" Bell told us that though they gig around the world, playing jazz festivals and casinos, this is the first real tour they've done in more than ten years.
Bell says of his time with Van Halen: "It's been great! David Lee Roth saw us in England last year at the Glastonbury Festival," he explains. They were putting together the reunion tour, and Roth asked the rest of his band if they'd be into having Kool and the Gang open for them. "They scratched their heads; 'What's your angle David?'" Bell laughs. It just all came together.
Kool and the Gang will be performing "kool rock," which means all of the favorites. No one will be confused about what's coming up next; they'll simply be pleased. Bell's favorite song to perform is "Celebration," so make sure to show Kool some extra love during this tune.
Bell is based out of Orlando and New Jersey, so coming this far south isn't an unusual occurence. They have a new album they're working on to come out next year. Bell's working on a soul project with his brother, a "Just Kool" project with musicians like Bootsy Collins and his other very happening and talented friends. A Mama Mia/Jersey Boys type musical is being created with their songs, which will likely heat Broadway the hell up with disco funk.
Musically, Bell is into everything from Coldplay to Chris Brown. "It's definitely on our iPod," he said of tour mates Van Halen's jams. "The music today is more dance-driven," he notes pointing out Lady Gaga, Bieber, and Beyoncé. But, "On the touring side," he thinks music remains the same; bands are "still out there doing their thing." And lucky for us, Kool is still out there being cool, doing its thing.
Kool and the Gang opening for Van Halen at BankAtlantic Center, 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise, on Tuesday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. Visit bankatlanticcenter.com.
New Times on Facebook | County Grind on Facebook | Twitter | e-mail us |
