The Champions of Nothing are responsible for the resurrection of "The Shaming of the True," the brain child of the late musician Kevin Gilbert. The semi-autobiographical, one-act rock opera details the disillusionment and disgust Gilbert grew to feel toward the music industry. Having died at the age of 29 in 1996, before the rock opera came to fruition, this event will be only the second time the piece has been performed for an audience.
"Being a classical singer, I have had experience of the world of real opera which attracted me to this," said Charlie Williams, lead vocalist and guitarist.
The other members of the Champions of Nothing include Luis Nasser, Mark Pieper, Matt Pieper, Rich Poston and Dale Stubitsch.
"[They] are all veterans of the Chicago rock scene ... this is my rock and roll debut" said Williams. "We came together just to do [The Shaming of the True].
Williams described the experience as akin to a Broadway show, with an original cast. Later, it gets revived with a different cast. The story hinges on one man's experience with moving to LA to become a star and gets chewed up and spit out.
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Champions of Nothing present
"The Shaming of the True"
Saugatuck Brewing Company Douglas
Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m. $10 advance / $12 at door |
"[He] decides to sell out and it drives him crazy, he has this psychological conflict."
While the rock opera is a mix of rock and ballads, there is a four-part a cappella fugue, which Williams says is incredibly difficult to perform.
"It is a barrage of industry music psycho babble. It's a unique way of encapsulating [the record executives] trying to get him to break down and sell out in a four minute piece. [Gilbert, as the fictional character Johnny Virgil] is speaking mostly in first person throughout this piece which makes it very poignant.
"I would say that this would appeal to people who are fans of Kurt Cobain, it is basically the same story. Kurt Cobain and Kevin ended differently, but ... they were both tormented by what they had to do to become [stars]," said Williams.
With Williams' avowed passion for Kevin Gilbert's "Shaming of the True," and the working talent of the Champions of Nothing, it is likely that the world will soon know the tragic tale of one musician and the crux of his experience which surely echoes throughout the lives of any up and coming talent with stars in their eyes.
"Tommy by the Who is considered to be the first rock opera. I don't think that until Shaming of the True came along, nothing touched Tommy ... It's a shame that it is unknown to the general public."
