The FN' Story
The FN' Band never intended to be a band at all. It all started in lead singer Nick Holtgrave’s apartment back in ‘96 when he would play what little guitar he knew for his friends as they drank and sang along until the sun came up. Eventually, long time friend Jeremiah “Frog” Jordan decided to show off his skills on a set of Tupperware bowls and a couple of wooden spoons and joined in to provide some rhythm.
A few months later Nick moved into a rent house where there was just enough room in his damp and dingy basement for Jeremiah’s beginner’s drum kit and a cooler of beer. The two played regularly, just for fun, creating an odd sense of timing and rhythm. After the two began to get better and eventually bored of the sound of guitar and drums, it was time to add a voice. So with no one else around and no p.a. or microphone, Nick just began to scream lyrics with everything he had. It wasn’t real pretty, but it had heart. They even had a couple of performances for a select few family and friends as a two piece playing every CCR, John Mellencamp, and Chuck Berry tune they knew, twice. Although the songs were offbeat, out of tune, and usually nowhere close to the original, and through Frog's constant piss breaks, Nick would not move his ass from the barstool from which he played for hours at a time. Friends and family loved it and repeatedly asked them for a band name. Since the only two members at the time where Frog and Nick, Nick simply dubbed it The FN’ Band and soon designed the FN’ logo still used today.
Around ’98 Bruce Hilmes, a veteran musician from other local bands such as VD & the Carriers and The Good for Nothing Band sat in. Although he was a guitarist at heart, he loved music enough he decided to play bass guitar to help round out their sound. Problem was he didn’t fit in. Bruce had trouble finding the unique rhythm that Nick and Frog had developed for themselves. In fact, they thought he sucked. It took several months for him to find that rhythm, but when he did, The FN’ Band had found its own style and sound. Frog’s brother and Nick scrounged up some money for the best drum kit they could afford. Bruce put together a PA from the 70’s, and Nick played a $60.00 guitar he bought at a pawn shop. It was real rough around the edges, but when they played for friends after the bars would close, or at Jordan’s parties, everyone thought they rocked.
That was supposed to be it. Get drunk and play a little music at parties, but when friend of the band Lisa Krebs was struck ill in 2001, and needed a benefit dance, her friends wanted only one band, The FN' Band. They did their best, even though that was not very good at the time, and people appreciated it. Someone actually liked it enough that they where booked for their fist paying gig at the Hoffman House, where they produced a much more polished sound that every one went crazy for. That first gig had over 300 people show up. Before they knew it, they had a loyal following and every bar around wanted to book The FN' Band. The songs where simple and driven with a heavy beat, but it was all music that people wanted to hear. From 70’s classic rock, to 80’s favorites, to a few new hits. It was all dancing, sing-a-long music that filled each bar beyond capacity everywhere they played.
Although they were happy and having fun as a three piece band the song restrictions were frustrating. Bruce was searching for a Bass player so he could go back to playing lead Guitar. When a real musician like John “Chopper” Robke offered his lead guitar services in the fall of 2003, The FN’ Band jumped at the opportunity. Bruce and John had played together back in the VD & the Carriers days, so they knew what they were getting. Chopper was the last piece of the puzzle. The band had slowly replaced all of there junk equipment with state of the art gear to make them sound as good as possible (although Nick still plays that $60 POS "Wes Paul" guitar). They practice every week to continue to learn new songs, perfect the old favorites, and keep their loyal following. With a talent like "Chopper" on board the band's sound got better and tighter with every show.
After an incredible New Years 2005 party at the Carlyle VFW Hall which packed the place beyond capacity, Chopper informed the guys that he was ready to retire. He knew the band would have no problems finding suitors to replace him on lead. Rumors of the bands breakup spread quickly once the announcement was made. But the FN' Band knew they would continue and had to look no further than longtime friend Nathan Hegger. Nate was running sound for the band for some of the bigger shows. They knew he was an incredible drummer and keyboard player, but had no idea of his skills at guitar. He immediately fit in and supplied us with a new batch of ideas. Playing only one or two gigs a month keeps everything fresh and the FN' regulars eagerly await each gig. From that, they found their motto “Good FN’ Music, for a Good FN’ Time.”
Individually-------
Nick Holtgrave: lead vocals, rhythm guitar.
Nick (the FN’ voice). What Nick lacks in skill and musicianship he more than makes up for in passion and heart. There are a lot of other musicians with a lot more talent, but few that put forth half the effort that he does. From Prince to Puddle of Mudd, he sings every song with a yell that can get most anyone’s attention. You will always see him with a bottle of So' Co' near his mic stand. He claims that as his secret to maintaining his powerful vocals all nite long. (Doesn’t hurt the party atmosphere either)
Jeremiah Jordan: drums
Frog, (the FN’ thunder). Drives a beat that makes you wanna dance to every song. Although small in stature, he plays with such force he had to quit playing with wooden sticks because he would break them in a matter of two songs (he now uses graphite sticks and still breaks a few). His talent is only surpassed by his love for playing, and once he sees the crowd bouncing to his beat he shifts into gear and turns into a drumming machine.
Bruce Hilmes: bass, vocals.
Bruce (the FN’ work horse). He provides all of the timing and rhythm to the band. If it wasn’t for Bruce's constant urging, the band probably would have never left Nick’s house and would have been a basement band forever. Bruce’s confidence and faith in the band pushed the FN' Band to play when the original two members thought it could not be done. Although Bass guitar is his least favorite instrument to play (he also plays lead guitar and drums), he could not be having a better time with any other band.
Nathan Hegger: lead guitar, vocals
Nate (the FN” talent). The youngest member of the band, yet has more playing experience than the other 3 combined. Nate has been playing with several bands since his early school days. He is wonderfully gifted at guitar, drums, keyboards, and vocals. With a mindful of hundreds of songs, he fit in quickly and perfectly with the group after Chopper's departure. His stage presence and playfulness makes him a crowd favorite at every show.
John Robke: former lead guitar, vocals
Chopper (the FN' pro). Chopper played with the FN' Band from October 2003 to May 2005. A veteran of many years and several bands, he is the true talent that brought the band to the next level with his amazing guitar solos and much needed harmony. His addition enabled the FN' Band to keep growing.
Together----
The FN’ Band is not best band you will ever hear, especially if your sober. They do not aspire to be a full-time touring band or to "make it big". But it is hard to find a band that provides a better Saturday nite party. Playing nearly 50 songs a nite, they play all types of music that every one loves. The diversity is their best quality. The standards, like Summer of 69, Footloose, and Mustang Sally to the obscure songs that most bands would be afraid to attempt, like Beat It, I Touch Myself, and yes, Pussy Control. If you're easily offended, be sure to leave before the last set so you can get to church in the morning. With songs like She FN' Hates Me, Cuz I Got High, Pussy Control and a very special FN' version of Wild Thing rounding out the night, the last set is the dirtiest, rawest, and yet most requested set of the night that brings the crowd into a frenzy. The FN’ Band is not very technical, in fact they are sometimes down right sloppy, but it is obvious that every one, including the band, is having a blast. All thanks to a loyal following that loves to drink and dance and go nucking futs every time they play. Simply put, the music is good, but the people that show up and party with The FN' Band when they play make them great.
p.s. Always remember - "The more you drink, the better we sound."