thedrifter
07-23-07, 06:32 AM
The stresses of a combat deployment can sometimes overwhelm service members. Increased operational tempos and separation from loved ones can start to take their toll. When that happens, service members need a little something to vent the stress.
That is exactly what the band Five Star Iris gave them during their concert at the Al Asad base theater, July 12. For two hours the four-man band shook the house with melodic guitar riffs and meaningful lyrics.
The concert was just one stop on the band’s 25-day tour of the Middle East. The tour’s 15 shows took the band everywhere from Qatar to Iraq, with their last show scheduled in Bahrain.
“We’re big supporters of service men and women, and we were fortunate enough to be asked to do this,” said Alan Schaefer, the lead singer for Five Star Iris. “We’ve done two tours with the Navy, and when they asked us about Iraq we said ‘absolutely’.”
The band consists of Schaefer, Alex Winfield on the guitar, Robert Schaefer on the bass, and Dan Fishman behind the drums.
The band played many of their own songs, including “Let It All Out,” the first single from their self-titled debut album. They also played a few cover songs. One highlight of the evening was when Winfield surprised service members by singing Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.”
“We’re having a blast,” said Alan. “We get a chance to go around and learn what everybody does. We got to sit in a zillion dollar plane and put on flight gear. It may be an everyday thing for (service members), but it’s an experience for us.”
The band says they have been welcomed with open arms at every stop, but have developed a special affinity for the Marines they have met during their tour.
“Marines have been the most welcoming,” said Fishman. “Everybody has been nice, but the Marines have done that little extra. And they’re a lot more laid back. If it wasn’t for the Marines, we wouldn’t have been able to do the Iraq shows.”
The band was almost stranded at their previous destination. If not for a Marine KC-130J, the band would have missed several shows, explained Fishman
The Marines in the crowd returned the sentiment. Many stayed after the show to get autographs from the band and to take photos with them.
“Five Star Iris is going to be a big hit in the future,” said Lance Cpl. Jessica Perez, the maintenance management chief for Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28. “They’re an All-American band that supports the troops. We had a great time, and I definitely look forward to getting their CD.”
Even though the band is having fun spending time with service members in the Middle East, they can not wait to go back and share their experiences with people back in the states, according to Alan.
“It’s been awesome,” said Alan. “We’re excited to go home and let everybody know about all the good stuff that is going on here. It’s amazing.”
That is exactly what the band Five Star Iris gave them during their concert at the Al Asad base theater, July 12. For two hours the four-man band shook the house with melodic guitar riffs and meaningful lyrics.
The concert was just one stop on the band’s 25-day tour of the Middle East. The tour’s 15 shows took the band everywhere from Qatar to Iraq, with their last show scheduled in Bahrain.
“We’re big supporters of service men and women, and we were fortunate enough to be asked to do this,” said Alan Schaefer, the lead singer for Five Star Iris. “We’ve done two tours with the Navy, and when they asked us about Iraq we said ‘absolutely’.”
The band consists of Schaefer, Alex Winfield on the guitar, Robert Schaefer on the bass, and Dan Fishman behind the drums.
The band played many of their own songs, including “Let It All Out,” the first single from their self-titled debut album. They also played a few cover songs. One highlight of the evening was when Winfield surprised service members by singing Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.”
“We’re having a blast,” said Alan. “We get a chance to go around and learn what everybody does. We got to sit in a zillion dollar plane and put on flight gear. It may be an everyday thing for (service members), but it’s an experience for us.”
The band says they have been welcomed with open arms at every stop, but have developed a special affinity for the Marines they have met during their tour.
“Marines have been the most welcoming,” said Fishman. “Everybody has been nice, but the Marines have done that little extra. And they’re a lot more laid back. If it wasn’t for the Marines, we wouldn’t have been able to do the Iraq shows.”
The band was almost stranded at their previous destination. If not for a Marine KC-130J, the band would have missed several shows, explained Fishman
The Marines in the crowd returned the sentiment. Many stayed after the show to get autographs from the band and to take photos with them.
“Five Star Iris is going to be a big hit in the future,” said Lance Cpl. Jessica Perez, the maintenance management chief for Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28. “They’re an All-American band that supports the troops. We had a great time, and I definitely look forward to getting their CD.”
Even though the band is having fun spending time with service members in the Middle East, they can not wait to go back and share their experiences with people back in the states, according to Alan.
“It’s been awesome,” said Alan. “We’re excited to go home and let everybody know about all the good stuff that is going on here. It’s amazing.”