John Allen, Charm City Devils Prepare for Crue Fest 2

“You do something because you believe in it and you feel like it could be successful,” says John Allen, lead singer of the Baltimore-based Charm City Devils. “At that time, I was so young...I didn’t realize you had to write. I always thought we were a great live band.” The royal “we” John mentions is his first band, Child’s Play. John stayed active in music well past his Child’s Play days, drumming with SR-71 and continuing to write and record while waiting for his next opportunity.

That next opportunity came along a few years ago in the form of Charm City Devils. The band - first known as both Forty Acres and Chosen Son – were later renamed by Motley Crue bassist and Tenth Street Entertainment President Nikki Sixx. “The process of coming up with a name was excruciating,” admits John. “We wanted something to point to Baltimore. ‘Charm City’ is a nickname for Baltimore. I don’t know why or where it came from – probably a city elder years ago. [Nikki] put it together with “devils.” He said ‘You guys are like a gang. A rock band.’ I liked that it was putting a dark twist with the light – it gives it a balance,”  adds John.

With more time behind the kit than a mic, John is still working on his stage moves as the band gets ready for Crue Fest 2. “I’m still really learning my craft out there as a front man and lead singer,” John laughs. “You get out from behind the drum kit...it’s not as easy as I thought it would be! There’s a lot of things to think about and do out there. You know, like not tripping and remembering the damn lyrics! That’s tough! Engaging the crowd...and singing on key is a big one,” he continues.

In the end, Charm City Devils produce basic, blue jean rock n’ roll – and that’s fine with John. “Musically I’m coming back to my roots. You’re talking about street level, blue collar, straight up rock – stripped down.”

Charm City Devils will play Rock on the Range next month in Columbus, Ohio.

Comments

[aXe mAn]

Wow..... I didn't realize that there was a guy from Child's Play in this band!! haha
Wow very cool... "Rat Race" is a really underrated album.

[kari]

the singer for this band was in Child's play as in RAT RACE child's play? No S**T! Damn, I loved that record. Word the cassette OUT!
"It's My bottle, It's my whisky, if I want I'll take it all"

DAMN, I need to give this band a listen then.

[Fitz]

WTF! I met the singer when they opened for Buckcherry and PapaRoach about a month a go He was cool as shit and we talked about KIX he's a big fan and gets singing lessons from Steve Whiteman I never knew he was the drummer of Childs Play I love RAT RACE Dam it!! I would have talked his ear off about that band.FUCK!

[Allyson B. Crawford]

Some more info about Child's Play from Sleaze Roxx

http://www.sleazeroxx.com/bands/childsplay/childsplay.shtml

[KixRules]

These guys are amazing and the cd is REALLY good...and yes John Allen is the drummer from Child's play and to me is actually one of the best drummers you will see live. But now he is fronting CCD and doing a great job. Check out their cd when it comes out next month! And if you are going to Crue fest, get in early to check these guys out, you won't be disappointed...And yes KIX is probably a big influence for these guys.

[KixRules]

And actually Nicky Kay the guitarist in CCD was also the guitarist for Child's play! So you have two members of Child's Play in CCD.

[KixRules]

Here is a bit more about CCD with some stuff from Nikki Sixx:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlIY4jPuusg&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Echarmcitydevils%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded

[beco baby carrier]

You do something because you believe in it and you feel like it could be successful.