The King of Clubs plays host to five area bands to celebrate Rick ‘Q-Ball’ Wolf and Joseph ‘Joe-Bobb’ Roberts’ birthdays! It proved to be another stellar night of local talent!

I have been going to Columbus for national and local shows for years. The Columbus music scene has always been one of the best in the state. From Alrosa Villa, Slapsy Maxie’s, The Newport and many more the fans would come from all over. The current hotspot, The King of Clubs, has stepped up the local’s game, giving Columbus bands yet another place in which to highlight their talents.

While there was a slight lull for a few short years (thanks to the pandemic), the talent is back, and the cream of the crop is rising to the top once again.

Ricky ‘Q-Ball’ Wolf and his wife Angie opened The King of Clubs in 2019 amid the pandemic. Many thought it was not a particularly good business decision, but the duo and their staff have quieted the naysayers with the best music club in the entire state.

With a motto of ‘Where everyone is treated like royalty’ they set the bar high. Not only has The King of Clubs cleared that standard, but they have rapidly outdone themselves.

Whether it is national acts such as Adelita’s Way, Fozzy, Saliva, and Texas Hippie Coalition or the myriad of local bands that they host, The King of Clubs proves every time that they know how to host a party.

Such was the case on June 24, 2023, when the owner hosted his own birthday party along with bandmate, Joseph ‘Joe Bobb’ Roberts. The five-band lineup included longtime Columbus staples Corrosive Vengeance and XFACTOR1 (Q-Ball & J-Bobb’s band) as well as Insidiant, Audiocide, and Lost Past Everest.

Insidiant opened the night with a raucous set highlighted by the return of vocalist, Josh Chadwick. Chadwick was joined by guitarists, Bryan Gest, and James Plummer, as well as the rhythm tandem of Rob Kretzer (drums) and Cliff Stockham (bass). The band presented a smooth set that was a positive way to get the party started. The band will hold down one of the spot’s on Newark Pub LLC’s summer showcase on July 15th.

Zanesville’s Audiocide took Insidiant’s place on stage and kept the wheels rolling with an enthusiastic presentation. Vocalist Don Rush provided the crowd with an animated performance. His vocals were spot on, and his antics onstage proved to be amazingly entertaining.

Kyle Campbell and Dover were superb while tickling the six strings. Meanwhile Dave Sherfy (bass) and Adam Spangler (drums) rolled like a powerful locomotive throughout the set.

You can catch Audiocide live on July 29th at Piere’s in Ft. Wayne, Indiana when they perform during the Indiana Summer Festival.

Longtime playing partners with XFACTOR1, Corrosive Vengeance, proved why they have been around the Columbus scene for well over two decades. The five-piece band may not be flashy, but what they lack in that area, they more than make up for it with sheer talent.

Phil Yates(vocals), Johnny Thorn (bass), Dee Pinks (drums), Larry Stith (guitar) and Rick Schneller (guitar) collectively are as talented as any national act out there. This groove metal band model themselves after greats such as Slayer, Pantera, and Testament. They proved worthy of all three greats on this evening.

Corrosive Vengeance is slated to be back at TKOC on August 18th when they join another stellar local lineup featuring Hemlock. There’s no excuse to miss this event, with the Low Dough price of $5.00 for tickets.

Newer band, Lost Past Everest, made their TKOC debut and did so with an exceptional set. Lead vocalist, Jake Earley, may be a name that is recognizable considering he is a former member of the bands, Bobaflex and The Lonely Ones. He is a talented musician (guitar) as well as the frontman for this Pop Punk/Alternative/Post Hardcore group. He has slowed his guitar playing to concentrate on the lead vocalist position for the band who is looking for a fifth member.

Guitarist/unclean vocalist, Korey Worth, was outstanding with his vocal work as well as his punk stage presence. I am not sure if I ever saw him stop moving for longer than ten seconds. Such was the case for stand in guitarist, Johnny Vadala of the band, ZONEZERO. Vadala holds down the role as LPE searches for a regular. Michael DeTray was a beast on the bass with unbelievable backup vocals while rhythm mate, Jesse Elkins (drums), brought everything together with his spot behind the kit.

Lost Past Everest can be seen this Saturday in Baltimore, Ohio when they participate in Filthy Production’s ‘My Parents Aren’t Home House Party’!

Closing the night were the birthday boys and XFACTOR1. I am not sure how many times I have witnessed an XF1 performance, but on every occasion, I never leave disappointed. And this night was no exception. Despite a minor issue with a new lighting system, the five-piece power put the pedal to the metal, much to the delight of the paying customers.

Wolf has always been an entertaining individual and he was in rare form on this night. The $2.00 specials that the club was serving up may have played a role in that. Wait, does the owner even have to abide by those prices? I have long lamented the bass-playing talent of Joe Bobb and he continues to mesmerize the audiences with his pure talent.

Shawn ‘Tex’ Secen (lead guitar) and Ryan McRobie (rhythm guitar) were top notch as usual while drummer, EZ, ripped shit up with the sticks. The quintet added a trio when Kimberly Secen, Jessica Napier, and Angie (a.k.a. The Sunday Morning Angels) came on stage to back up the band for a couple of tunes.

Look for XFACTOR1 at two area festivals later this summer including the Poolpartypalooza (July 22nd) and Tiki Stik 2023 (August 4-5).

If you are also out and about on Wednesday, July 5th, look to get a ticket for Memphis May Fire, Norma Jean, Secrets, and Saul at TKOC!

To say I had a fun time would be a vast understatement. Thank you once again to all five bands as well as Rick, Angie, and their staff. You truly do treat everyone like they are royalty.

Enjoy the attached photo recap of the event. Until next time, this is Big L saying ‘keep those horns up and rock on!! \m/ \m/