Whether they’re out at Denver’s Psych Fest collecting weird shit like “trollops” (ask one of the band members about it) or decorating one of their jackets with pins and buttons found laying around the tour bus, the boys always feel at home in SLC, saying they prefer it to any other scene they’ve played in because of it’s low-ego, no bullshit feel when it comes to personal style.
Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct and unique member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, SLUG Style is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.
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Das Bus treated the fellas well while they were out on their recent two-month tour. With enough room to fit five sweaty dudes and still be comfortable, it proves that a well-fitted tour rig is a definite must.
Whether they’re out at Denver’s Psych Fest collecting weird shit like “trollops” (ask one of the band members about it) or decorating one of their jackets with pins and buttons found laying around the tour bus, the boys always feel at home in SLC, saying they prefer it to any other scene they’ve played in because of it’s low-ego, no bullshit feel when it comes to personal style.
Kallin calls this look the “tuck it, suck it and fuck it” and swears it’s a lady killer. He occasionally opts for a pair of low cut desert boots when he knows he won’t be needing the aid of grippy skater shoes, but is always sure to have a pair of skate shoes on hand.
Tcoy mentioned that Coalatree Organics are a sponsor of Max Pain and the Groovies, and that he regularly sports the Colorado based clothing line. The other members of the band all confirm that their drummer is rarely seen without a beanie.
Before a show, the guys like to head to the top of their van, which has become collectively known as “Das Bus,” and burn one down with their newest tour mate, Larry Florida (alligator head).
Guitarist Dallin Smith, sometimes referred to as “Dimebag” by his cohorts, was the most clean-cut of the crew, looking like he stepped directly out of Blindside, a local Sugarhouse skate shop that Max Pain and the Groovies frequent.
“I love these people,” Tcoy Coughlin says about his band mates, still fresh from a two-month tour, before they take the stage for their homecoming show. Max Pain and The Groovies are a group of skating, psych-rock cronies whose style is largely influenced by their music and pastimes.
One of Shane Preece’s major duties last time the band went out on tour—aside from playing guitar—was doing a majority of the driving, which earned him the right to wear the Captain’s Hat outside of Das Bus.
Frontman David Johnson reminds us of Bob Dylan as a beach bum on acid. Vests and buttons up are reminiscent of the folk singer’s early days, but bold patterns and dark washes are worn rather than solid, plain colors.
In their free time, both at home and on the road, Max Pain and The Groovies are always trying to fit in a skate session. The band has a way of seeking out like-minded individuals while they’re out on the road. They look for the people with exceptionally thrashed skate shoes—the more thrashed the better—they show a person’s willingness to party.
When out on tour, the guys try to find a happy medium between form and function in their clothes. “You have to wear something you are comfortable in and wear it for three or four days—okay, maybe a week, who knows.” says bassist, Kallin Campbell. “Yeah, you never really try to take too many clothes on tour,” adds singer/piano player David Johnson, with Tcoy finishing, “because you’re going to lose whatever you take.”
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