King Reunites with the Rock Bottom Remainders

by Bridget Kinsella, PW Daily -- Publishers Weekly, 5/29/2007

It's been 15 years since the Rock Bottom Remainders, the self-described "musically challenged" band of literary luminaries, premiered at the American Booksellers Association trade show in Anaheim, Calif. To mark that musical watershed event, Stephen King, after a five-year absence, will join bandmates Dave Barry, Amy Tan, Ridley Pearson, Scott Turow, Mitch Albom and others for the 15th anniversary "Still Younger Than Keith" concert June 1, 9 p.m., at Webster Hall in New York City. The night's lineup includes appearances of past members, guests (Frank McCourt and Andy Borowitz among them) and Roger McGuinn from the Byrds.

The concert is a benefit for 826NYC, the New York affiliate of the organization Dave Eggers founded to get kids writing; the AAP's Get Caught Reading program; and the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression. On May 31, some of the RBR band members will be appearing on Good Morning America to talk up the charities the band is supporting. Over the years, the Remainders have hired a manager and raised more than $1.6 million for charities.

The band was the brainchild of Kathi Kamen Goldmark, then a San Francisco literary escort and musician, who brought together authors she had driven around who expressed a wish to play in a rock band. "None of them knew each other before," said Goldmark. Now some of the band members are best friends.

The Rock Bottom Remainders have shared the stage with numerous rock legends, including Warren Zevon and Bruce Springsteen, and have played for a variety of audiences including at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but the band particularly enjoys playing for a bunch of rowdy book trade show attendees. "When we play for booksellers, we do a lot more songs by Joyce Carol Oates," said Barry.

Information about all the things the Remainders are doing, including blogs and memorabilia auctions—plus ticket information and the chance to win tickets for the show and a pre-show VIP event —is available at www.rockbottomremainders.com.