VH1’s “Behind the Music” has never seen the likes of Reggie and the Full Effect. There are tales of prison life in Nova Scotia, rumors of violent outbursts during a lobster-eating contest and a reported addiction to TV cult favorite “Quantum Leap.”
The truth, however, is that “Reggie” doesn’t exist. He’s the alter ego of James Dewees, who infuses his keyboard-laden rock band with tales of mythic proportions. The band’s newest album, “Under The Tray,” keeps the legend alive.
Q: You play keyboards in the Get Up Kids, a pretty successful indie rock band. Why do something as insane as Reggie?
A: I started recording these three-song demos of really silly songs in my basement and took them with me when I went on tour. Kids were like “Oh, these are cool–you should put them out.” Now we’ve put out album three, and I’ve got a corporate American Express card with “Reggie and the Full Effect” on it. That’s when you know you’ve made it.
Q: What’s the deal with all the Canada references on the record?
A: I found out I can get Canadian citizenship because my wife’s mother is Canadian, and since we’re married I can get it too.
Q: Man, they must be desperate for people to be Canadian citizens.
A: Look out Canada. Here comes me. I have to start learning how to count metric. And I’ve got to learn to enjoy mayonnaise a lot more, cause they love it up there.
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Reggie and the Full Effect kicks off its U.S. tour 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2000. $12.50 cover.
Other top shows this week
Tony Bennett. 8 p.m. Sat. and 7 p.m. Sun. $15-$65. Ravinia Festival, 400 Iris Lane, Highland Park, 847-266-5100.
Mountain, Velcro Lewis and the 100 Proof Band. 10 p.m. Fri. $20-$25. Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace St. 773-478-4408.
Norman Brown, Brian Culbertson, Chris Botti. 5 and 9 p.m. Fri. $60-$75. Navy Pier Skyline Stage, 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-559-1212.
Billy Idol. 9 p.m. Wed. $43. House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2000.
Ali Haider, Hadiqa Kiyani, Shehzad Roy, Strings, Nadia. 7:30 p.m. Sat. $20-$55. Arie Crown Theatre, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312-559-1212.
David Lee Roth. 9 p.m. Fri. $44. House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. 312-559-1212.
The Sex Pistols, Reverend Horton Heat, Dropkick Murphys. 7 p.m. Fri. $47. Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. 312-559-1212.
Conjunto Primavera, Banda, Tierra, Blanca, Los Morros del Norte, Exterminator. 7 p.m. Sun. $33. Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. 312-559-1212.
