By Chase Holmes, News Reporter
TRUSSVILLE — sideCar performed their final show at the Trussville Entertainment District and stepped guitar first into the future on Friday, June 23.
sideCar took to the stage at the Trussville Entertainment District with the knowledge that who they were as a band before they climbed the steps would be left behind, and something new was going to take its first breath after.
It also marked the return of sideCar to its full strength. Kelley Anderson, who plays guitar, hasn’t been actively playing with the band in 10 years. He rejoined his fellow members Kyle Hendrick on guitar and vocals, Lee Huffstutler on base guitar and Scott Stearns on the drums to put a capstone on the last 16 years.
Anderson said it was great to be around the guys again. “I really am happy about being a part of something that I enjoy so much. I was fortunate to find three great guys to spend time with playing music. It is a bonus when other people enjoy it so well. As a group, we have always felt that our sum is greater than the whole of its parts.’
Stearns said it was a shared humor that helped bring them together. “All the way back when we started this thing in 2007, we shared a great sense of humor. That’s a fantastic way to start any relationship.”
Their chemistry as a band was put on full display during their performance. Huffstutler gave all the praise to the city of Trussville and their fellow citizens.
“It couldn’t have been a better night. The people, the night, and the venue were incredible. I am so proud to live in the city of Trussville. To have something like that to have our talent on exhibition in that environment is incredible. It was a great time and we hoped everybody enjoyed it,” he said.
For sideCar, the most important thing was making sure that the band and their audience were thriving together. Hendrick said the band has always taken care to maintain a special relationship with those that followed them. “We always feel like we have to earn their attention and respect,” he said.
Huffstutler reflected on the different phases the band has went through and what might be coming next.
“On practice day one, we started off as an original group. We decided to try some cover songs and we eventually decided to turn into a cover band. We recorded an original album between 2009 and 2012 that will be released in the near future. We had such a good time Friday night. It was awesome. Everything worked.” Huffstutler said.
Depending on how the next year goes, he said they were more than prepared to handle all the jokes if they come together again next year. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we had a second annual final show,” he said. “This is a step among our stairs. This is the start of our next endeavor. It was a final show to put a cap on our cover life. We have a strong desire to do our own thing.”
“We don’t hunt, fish or golf. We each take satisfaction in being creative. But I can feel the clock ticking so there is a sense of urgency to move onto the next thing. We will only be immortal for a few more decades,” Huffstutler said.
For those wanting to find out what the future holds with them, you can look for the band’s first original album to release sometime in the future.