Stage Buzz: Paradoxx at Brauerhouse • Lombard
John Dobbs of Paradoxx (Photo courtesy of Neck Illusions)
Paradoxx
Friday, April 7, 2023
Brauerhouse
Lombard, IL
After four decades, Paradoxx could be considered as esteemed senior statesmen in the Chicago metal scene. Brothers Glen (vocals) and John Dobbs (guitar), formed the band in their parent’s basement in Portage Park [Chiicago] in 1980. Along the way, they added bassist Frank Rotondo, Drummer Jerry Wiener, and guitarist Gary Vermette.
The band dominated the local metal scene in the ’80s (mixing NWOBHM and Thrash), playing sold-out shows from River Grove to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. In 1985, (with a loan from Mom and Dad Dobbs), the band took to the acclaimed Sound Summit studio in Lake Geneva to record their debut EP (Plan of Attak). Released later that year, most copies of the EP (on Silver Fin Records) were never officially released to the public after some internal discord over the final product. Flash forward many years, the original pressing of the EP has become a hard-sought collector’s item in the metal underground. Original pressings have sold for over $4000 on eBay.
IE sat down with guitarist John Dobbs, to update us about the EP reissue. “This has been a plan for the band for many years, but several roadblocks were keeping it from coming to fruition. It was kind of humbling having sort of a bidding war with several overseas labels that were clamoring to get this deal. There have been unauthorized bootlegs over the years, so to finally get hooked up with No Remorse Records to have it released, leaving us in charge of the layout, liner notes, pictures, and more. It was really special. Chris Papadatos and the entire No Remorse staff were really easy to work with and did a great job on the entire release.”
While The Complete Works did finally come out in 2022, it was by far no easy task to get it done. “The process did take longer than I would have liked due to several bumps in the road, Dobbs told IE. “Just petty B.S. that really made it less interesting to even attempt. After that was removed, it really was an easy process. I’m glad it took a bit of time as well, so we could do it right by the fans worldwide who have stuck with us for over 40 years. We are very proud of what these punk kids from Chicago were able to accomplish. The original Plan of Attak EP is somewhat of a holy grail, so to speak, and to be able to recreate that and be able to add some lost gems to it well was very exciting for all the guys. We are very fortunate for sure.”
Plan of Attak: The Complete Worxx contains the original 1985 EP featuring four songs (“Don’t Let Go,” “Unleashed,” “Live Free or Die,” and “Black Siren”) As well as four other ’80s era songs that had appeared on various local compilations. Sadly, the one person not able to enjoy the EP reissue is co-founder Glen Dobbs, who passed away from cancer in 2016. The liner notes serve as a tribute to John’s brother.
Appearing at Brauerhouse, Lombard on Friday, April 7 with Cover Dogs and Vicious Circle.
Facebook.com/groups/ParadoxxRocks
-Pat Michaels
Category: Featured, Stage Buzz
