Mud dance '99

Clint Wood

1999

WALKER -- Little did the headliner rock 'n roll group for Moondance Jam VIII in Walker on Thursday, REO Speedwagon, know its song, "Ridin the Storm Out," would play such a big part in the jam.

That is exactly what thousands of fans did at the jam after earlier rains and intermittent showers during the event turned the dirt into "sink to your ankles deep" mud.

The fans did come prepared. Their attire included plastic bags, camouflage and blaze orange ponchos, and Stearns rain suits complete with bibs for clothing, chore boots, Moon Boots, sandals or nothing for their feet and baseball caps, boonie hats and plastic bags for their heads.

All the bands also took notice of this dedication and thanked the fans. Mickey Thomas, lead vocalist for Starship, commented about the camouflage ponchos and rain suits by saying the fans were "duck hunters."

He told the fans he did not have any difficulty playing in the rain. He did note that his lead guitarist was worried about his equipment.

REO Speedwagon's lead vocalist, Kevin Cronin, did make mention of the fans before playing "Ridin the Storm Out."