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Band
Podcast guestHalfway There
High-energy '80s rock tribute band that grew out of a Bon Jovi project at the Rock Camp Experience, fronted by Melissa "Ace" Hicks and Sonia.
Halfway There started as a Bon Jovi tribute put together at the Rock Camp Experience, which the band calls "school of rock for adults." The players liked it so much they kept going, and the band has grown into a full '80s rock show. The lineup includes vocalists Melissa "Ace" Hicks and Sonia, bassist Sean Madden, drummer RT "Ryan the Hitman," and guitarist Jeff. The band rehearses in RT's garage and is a regular at local open jams.
On the Minnesota Music Note
The Minnesota Music Note - Ep 58 - From Rock Camp to the Big Stage: The Journey of Halfway There
2mo ago
Open episode pageFun facts from the interview
- The band formed out of a Bon Jovi project at the Rock Camp Experience and celebrated five years together on March 24.
- Ace started singing in a band in Ace's 40s, after a stranger at a karaoke bar suggested Rock Camp.
- Ace once pushed for a Queen camp at Rock Camp. It took 10 people to cover what Queen did with four.
- The band's first gig was on the tiny stage at the Driftwood, with all seven members squeezed on.
- Sean Madden joined after seeing Ace sing at the Ziggy's jam, and now always wears a big '80s wig on stage.
- Sean picked up bass, then drums.
- The first album RT ever bought was Mötley Crüe's "Dr. Feelgood."
- RT's full drum kit is nicknamed "Megatron."
- After two years on the side stage, the band played 60 minutes of Bon Jovi on the main stage at Tribute Fest in Duluth's Bayfront Park in August 2024.
- A gig in Monticello led to a booking at a national BMX event in St. Michael.
- Recommended guests: Jose Lozano, guitarist John Peterson and the band Dirty Bottles.
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