Taylor Hicks is doing some after-hours partying, going out with some of the other guys from American Idol following the Pop-Tart American Idol shows. He's been getting out with his former bandmates, LiMBO, when they're performing in the same towns. LiMBO (Little Memphis Blues Orchestra) has been working to schedule gigs near Hicks' Idol tour stops to coincide with the Idol Tour, creating an opportunity for Taylor Hicks to join them.
I've read a few articles claiming, in error, that LiMBO had no knowledge of Taylor's "surprise" visits, but that is inaccurate. Reports surfaced many weeks previous, attempts were being made to coincide LiMBO's and Taylor's tour cities and dates to enable the guys to get together for the "After Idol Parties." Promotions of these "After Idol Parties" are posted on their myspace site. They are a talented band, great fun to listen to, and with Taylor Hicks, a prime example of grooving soul music machinery.
Another interesting item emerging from these nights out is Taylor Hicks is not going out to the band gigs solo. He's bringing along some of the other Idols: Ace Young, Elliot Yamin, and Bucky Covington have formed what initially resembles the start of a new "Idol Rat Pack."
The Idol Rat Pack have been happily providing the public an American Idol "fantasy treat," allowing photo opportunities, partying and fraternizing with and performing for fans with LiMBO. The stop in Charlotte, North Carolina, had the Idol Rat Pack communing with their public at Coyote Joe's, a small country blues bar. Ace Young, being the sweet-faced nice guy, allowed unlimited photo opportunities, Covington, the party animal of the group, drank and danced the night away, Elliot and Hicks got up on stage to perform with the band.
I hold Hicks as filling the legendary Sintra's role in the original Ratpack, with Elliot Yamin pulling the Sammy Davis role. That files Young in the Dean Martin category – Martin was the pretty one of the group. Bucky Covington, he's a combination of Martin and Joey Bishop. Now, before anyone assaults my comparing the Idol Rat Pack to the original Rat Pack regarding the talent focus – I am simply making comparisons based on the entourage factors. (Plus, I do have a vivid imagination.) Regarding Chris Daughtry, no word out on where or if he falls within the Idol Rat Pack.
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Article comments
1 - B. Anders
I LOVE IT! I love all four of these guys and I think we are ready for a new Rat Pack. What a fun group they would be.
2 - brandon
The night in Charlotte, Chris Daughtry was with his wife and kids. That is MUCH MORE IMPORTANT than playing in a small concert with Taylor's ex band.
3 - Shawn
I am sure if their families were there, they would have been with them as Chris was with his. They deserve the down time after all these concerts and this probably helps them relax. I think it is great that Taylor takes them along and I hope they keep these special friendships after the tour. Rock on Taylor!! SOUL PATROL
4 - Barbieflausa
You hit it right on the head. I saw the AI5 Gang in action on 8/5. After being overwhelmed by the whole Taylor Hicks Experience...I talked with a couple old enough to be my parents. They said the same thing about Taylor. He has this "presence" which you felt even before he "entered the building" It was Sinatra, Elvis, Ton Jones, etc all over again. When the four guys (minus Taylor) sang on stage their collective voices became one. I hope their AI Brotherhood last for a life time. Male bonding at its best! THANK YOU AI5-RAT PACK!
5 - db
And Kellie could be the new Shirley MacLaine!
6 - Jewels
brandon, thanks for heads-up on Daughtry, I knew his family is in the vicinity so makes sense; I know I'd want my man at home and not out hanging with the guys ;).
db: Kellie as the new Shirley MacClain - Perfect!
LOL!
7 - chocho
Long Live Taylor hicks!!
8 - Sherry L
I wish I could see one of those aftershows. So far nothing scheduled for the Seattle/Tacoma area.
9 - carol
WOW OH WOW OH WOW OH WOW WHAT A CONCEPT!!!I LOVE IT
10 - Sandy
You've nailed it! Would love to see this pack stay together and play together! You are right on Elliott! I've been saying how much he reminds me of Sammy Davis Jr. ever since his performances on the show's "Elvis" night songs!! Definite OLD BLACK MAGIC!! This group is special for sure and HOT!! Looking forward to following the pack!!
11 - Carol
At least one of these guys could hold his own
with Frank and Dean talent wise and thats Taylor
Hicks. He is multi-talented and will be around
a long time. I think Elliot will do all right
too. And if the others hang with them who knows
they have some talent also.
12 - Rachel
I love this analysis. Taylor and Elliott both have a very strong presense and without taking anything away from chris Daughtry, they have the best voices as well.
13 - Marlene
The "special guests" are not guaranteed even when advertised on LiMBO's page. I attended the Duluth, GA concert and the after party was at Wild Wing in Suwanee, GA. The tour did not over night in a hotel and they had to load up in the bus by mid-night and hit the road. Taylor & Rat Pack did not get to drop by. Though, LiMBO was awesome.
14 - Jewels
They (LiMBO or L*M*B*O) do put on a tight show. Really a fantastic group of musicians. I was and am impressed with them!
Guess the Idol Rat Pack couldn't come out and play that time you were there, Marlene. If they don't overnight it's not likely they'll hit the LiMBO shows; and no, LiMBO can't guarantee the Idol's appearances. When the guys can turn out - it's one heck of a party! Tomorrow night in B'Ham should be a fun time for one and all who can attend. Nashville looks like a good bet for a rocking good time too. ;)
15 - FLORIDIA FAN
I have found the site you told me about, I even figured out how to put them on the favorites on our computer. thats awsome. I know you and all the soulpatrol bunch will be watching to see Taylor our new American Idol babe go and grow,I do like your take on this,modern day Rat Pack. Jewles ,YOU GO GIRL!!! To add another thing I noticed,see if anyone else saw the Pepoles magizine there was a profile photo of Taylor that so much looked like Elvis let me know if others have seen this photo. from FLORIDA FAN
16 - evie
i think the "AI5 rat pack" sounds great....but i would have elliott as the "chairman of the board". taylor would be dean, bucky would be sammy, and ace?? well, he could could be peter lawford.....
17 - Jewels
evie, good order for the boys, it's a fun idea to play with isn't it? LOL