There's one Go Go band in the nation's capital that stands above the others.
When the seven members of 'Heat Stroke' aren't jamming on stage in D.C. neighborhoods, they're on fire trucks and ambulances.
“I grew up in inner-city D.C. So, it means a lot to give back to the young kids. Just to see them nodding their heads or their parents recognizing the songs or singing the lyrics. It’s always a good vibe,” Lead Vocalist Thaddeus Ellis, who retired this year from Engine 13 after 32 years of service, told a WAMU reporter.
EMS-06 Capt. Michael Timmons, the de facto leader and lead keyboard player explained: “Most of the guys here have been playing with bands around the city forever. We figured, we’ve got all this talent in the fire department, why not put it together?”
The band that has been performing for less than a year and members enjoy interacting with the crowd.
Engine 16 firefighter Kevin Wilson, 36, has been playing percussion for over 20 years and cut his teeth by getting “called up” to play with go-go mainstays Raw Image and Junkyard Band when they needed a substitute for a show. “Those are two of my biggest accomplishments. I tell my kids that I’ve played with legendary bands.”
Ronald Roundtree explained that the camaraderie continues when the turnout gear is gone and the instruments are picked up.
“That’s the unique thing about this group of musicians here. We haven’t been together that long. But when you hear us, you’re gonna think, ‘These guys have been together for years.’ That’s the natural instinct kicking in.”
Roundtree, a 20-year firefighter, said it's been a balancing act to get everyone on stage as they work different days and at various stations.
