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MAFB steals spotlight at USO rock concert

By Senior Airman Cortney Paxton, 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs / Published September 20, 2013

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Drowning Pool members - Jason Moreno, lead vocalist; C.J. Pierce, guitarist; Mike Luce, drummer; and Stevie Benton, bass guitarist, flew into Great Falls, Mont., to perform at Malmstrom Air Force Base - the band's last stop on a three-base United Service Organization tour.

Following USO concerts at Whiteman AFB, Mo., and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., the band performed an array of songs for Team Malmstrom members during a concert at the base theater Sept. 13.

"We totally respect all of the men and women in service," Pierce said. "They've been all around the world and we just do this out of respect for them. It kind of gives them a piece of home especially when they're away in war zones. You just kind of give them that mental break and bring them back home for a minute at the rock shows. It's just a great feeling."

Preparations for the band's arrival started months ago. Grizzly Bend staff members worked diligently to support the band members' needs during their visit. They arranged lodging, meals and transportation. They also put a call out for volunteers to provide security during the concert as well as set up and tear down for the event.

During the concert, the band played songs from their most recent album, as well as past albums to appeal to all different generations in the crowd.

"We do a mix - we're constantly changing our set list at the last second," Pierce said. "Like, literally 30 seconds before the show. We like to kind-of evenly spread it out, so we do a fair amount of songs off of each record. We set it up so it's more like a family show rather than playing at the 21-and-up club."

Drowning Pool has been playing successfully since 1996 when the band got together in Dallas. Their success rose in 2000 when they were signed professionally. Since then, the band has had a few different lead vocalists, including a recent change in 2012 to Moreno. According to Pierce, the loss of the last vocalist provided some inspiration for their newest album.

"With the first handful of songs I started writing, there was definitely a frustration there since we had to change singers again," Pierce said. "I'm proud of all of the records we made with all of the singers we've had, but when Jason walked in, it was fun again. We write so many songs so fast because when it works, it works. The last couple of years have been almost so fun it hurts."

The concert at Malmstrom proved to be fun for everyone in attendance. During their performance, the band encouraged the audience to sing along to songs they recognized and stand up and get closer to the stage. They eventually ended a successful performance with one of their more popular songs, "Bodies."

According to Pierce, the band accepts USO tour opportunities whenever they can. By touring the United States and locations throughout the world, the band hopes to promote happiness and allow service members a break from their jobs.

"We love performing for our troops," Pierce said. "If we're not doing something with USO and not on tour and we're near a base, we try to get in and do something with them. I love it all - it's definitely a different vibe. Everyone is so respectful and we're all here to have a good time and we do. We'll continue to do it just as long as they'll have us."

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