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| Photo By Sean Hughes/photopresse.com |
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Vol. 4 Issue 1 and Rob Fetters today
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Then: In 1997,
CityBeat launched the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards, a local version of the Tony and Grammy awards rolled into one. The first performers to be inducted into the CEA Hall of Fame were The Bears, the Cincinnati band that hit it big in the 1980s. Comprised of Adrian Belew, Rob Fetters, Bob Nyswonger and Chris Arduser, the group went on a three-year tour, and then Belew left to pursue a solo career. Rob, Bob and Chris reformed as the psychodots, while Bob and Chris played in numerous other side projects. Around the time of the first CEAs they'd reunited with Belew to begin work on a new Bears CD. (Issue of Nov. 20, 1997)
Now: By day, Rob Fetters is a commercial music composer, writing television spots for ABC and commercial music for the Cincinnati Museum Center and Newport Aquarium. But by night, this Bear still comes out to play.
Fetters has made Cincinnati his home. "My life is great," he says from the confines of the studio. "I have four kids. I'm in love with my wife. I ran the Boston Marathon this year. I'm a lucky person. I get to play guitar for a living."
When he's not composing, Fetters is playing and producing music. "This year I produced and played on an Afro-Pop CD for Baoku Moses," he explains. "It's very cool and very alternative."
As for The Bears and psychodots, both groups have projects in the works. The psychodots play annually at the Southgate House around Thanksgiving time (this year's show is Nov. 26), and they're planning to play the Sound Off for Kerry benefit concert for John Kerry Thursday.
"The 'dots haven't done the political thing before," Fetters says.
The Bears are also have their paws full, so to speak. The group released a live concert DVD this spring "to gossamer coverage," Fetters states, commenting on the lack of publicity it received. "Not many groups release DVDs. At least not yet."
The band is back in the studio, recording a new CD. "We're about 90 percent done," he says. "No idea when it'll be released. Maybe spring of 2005?"
Ultimately, Fetters is happy. Both of his bands are active, and he's doing what he loves. "I'm not rich and famous," he says. "I'd like to be rich. But not famous. That's a burden." He catches himself. "But I'm not broke! All bills are paid."
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? updates cover stories from throughout CityBeat's 10-year history.
