Tony Weeks Band to Pay Tribute to Kelly Roach at The Basement on April 4

When Tony Weeks messaged me a few weeks ago about his new record Art and an upcoming release show at The Basement, no one could have imagined that it would become a benefit show honoring the band’s bass player, Kelly Roach. However, the very next day, Kelly was rushed to the hospital and passed away that night. In the days and weeks following this tragedy, Tony has worked with Mike Grimes and others to transform the April 4 show into “A Tribute to Our Friend Kelly Roach.” The lineup includes Tony Weeks and the Tony Weeks Band featuring Tony Weeks (TWB), as well as The One and Only Bill Davis and the Tom Pappas Collection. Doors are at 7:30 pm, the music starts around 8:00 pm and tickets will be available at the door for $5.00. All proceeds from the night will be donated to organizations that Kelly and his wife, Karin, kept close to their hearts.

After moving to Nashville from Dallas in 1993, Kelly worked at Corner Music in 12 South for many years before moving to a job at SESAC. He LOVED this town, and played in many Nashville bands including, but not limited to, TAP, Business Casual, Dutch Whiskey, The One and Only Bill Davis, Toby Penner Band, Hard Rock Zombies, and the TWB.

Over the years, he appeared on countless recordings for local bands, and also wrote and performed his own music under the name 8 Track Ego. Two tracks from his project will be played during the show, fittingly at what was probably his favorite venue. I met Kelly 3 or 4 years while at a TWB show and he was a genuinely great guy. I expect there will be tears, but also good dose of fun and laughter at the show. After the break, check out one of my late friend’s favorite TWB videos, featuring an appearance from Kelly Roach himself, as well as one of the new tracks, “Slow & Certain.”