The Verve Pipe Wows Audience with Stellar, Retrospective Show
Concert
By Jon E. Haney
In the fall of 1992, one of the best places for live music was a little sketchy dive bar in Holland, Mich. called Parrot’s Lounge. As a venue, Parrot’s left much to be desired. The acoustics were terrible, the seating was uncomfortable and it got sweltering with a packed house. But the beer was cheap and cool bands always played on Friday and Saturday nights.
It wasn’t uncommon to see bands from East Lansing, including Jerry & The Juveniles and Wally Pleasant. It also wasn’t unusual to see Grand Rapids native and Michigan basketball forward James Voskuil show up occasionally in Holland. (But he did not bring his Fab Five teammates).
Two of the best bands playing Holland back then were Water 4 the Pool and Johnny With An Eye. When the principal band members announced they were joining forces in a new band, the merger was met initially with skepticism and disappointment – not enthusiasm. But that combo would create one of West Michigan’s most popular national acts, The Verve Pipe. Releasing 13 albums over almost 30 years, the band is now part of Michigan’s underappreciated rock history. A one-hit wonder they are not.
I attended The Verve Pipe concert at GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Feb. 10, commemorating the seventh anniversary of this outstanding venue managed by Live Nation. The performance by Brian Vander Ark and the seven-member band was amazing. The band's energy was contagious and the audience was on their feet, singing and dancing to many songs.
Brian Vander Ark's soulful and soothing alto voice was captivating and his passion for music was evident in every note. The Verve Pipe members were equally impressive, playing their instruments with skill and precision.
The setlist was a perfect mix of old classics and newer hits, with the band playing some of their most popular songs like “Photograph” and “Cup of Tea.” “Spoonful of Sugar” from their second LP “Pop Smear” (1993) and, of course, the requisite "The Freshmen" towards the end of the show were notable. Covers of Blue Oyster Cult’s “The Reaper” and “Take the Long Way Home” by Supertramp were definite highlights and the crowd loved them.
One of the best moments of the evening was when Vander Ark introduced a “Paul McCartney” type song or maybe “Paul Simon.” It was one of the Paul’s. Vander Ark and female vocalist Channing Lee performed “Found” from 2021’s album “Threads” and it was enchanting.
The stage was beautifully designed, with stunning lighting that added to the concert experience. The sound quality was top-notch, with every note and beat crystal clear. A camera operator roamed the stage all night, so it may be realistic to expect a future concert show release on video.
Seeing the band live is rare these days. Most of the band members have side gigs and other projects. Vander Ark was recently hired as a deejay at 97 WLAV-FM. Their last Michigan gig was back in October at The Ark in Ann Arbor.
Overall, Brian Vander Ark and The Verve Pipe provided an unforgettable experience for those fans who had the foresight to buy tickets. Their music, energy and passion were awesome. It was a night to remember.