Zwart returns with new band, new sound

By Rebecca Cruse
Capital Journal Staff

A well-known South Dakota musician will be returning to the Longbranch Friday night with the hope of letting go of his past. The last time Bob Zwart played the Longbranch, he had a different sound, and he played for a different band.

Zwart, former drummer of the popular South Dakota band Zwarte, is a native of Dell Rapids and currently resides in Sioux Falls . He and his brother Randall Zwart founded the band that eventually became a staple for Sturgis Rally-goers and provided the official anthem of the event, "Sturgis."

Bob Zwart is no longer a member of Zwarte. He is now the front man of a new band that was formed in 2004. Zwart and Zwarte bassist Chris Hornick left the band with ideas of starting over. The duo joined with two members of the popular Rapid City band Stone's Throw to from Judd Hoos .

The remaining members now perform under the name, The Randall Zwarte Band, which local music fans had a chance to hear last summer when they played the Longbranch while filming their "Take the Ride to Sturgis" documentary.

Bob Zwart has not played in Pierre since the band's split, which Zwart says was the result of his need for change.

"We were playing in Illinois somewhere, when I just really hit the wall. The band had become complacent to me. It had run its course for me and it was just not my speed anymore. That's really why I left," Zwart said.

Zwarte had recorded six albums and sold more than 150,000 copies while Bob Zwart was drummer, but he does not want people to focus on his past accomplishments. Zwart's attention is focused on his band and its own journeys.

According to Zwart, the four piece rock band, Judd Hoos , was created with a commitment to great music and superior live shows. The unique sounds of the band's music and the impressive lighting are the main attractions for fans.

"Everyone that sees us has to watch the show. They can't take their eyes off it. That is something that I set out to create every time I do a show, and that is what people should expect to get when they come out to see us play," said Zwart.

Judd Hoos is made up of Zwart, Hornick, Shane Funk on drums and vocals, and a Rapid City native, Drew Lerdal on lead guitar.

The band covers a variety of popular music, including songs by the Foo Fighters, Maroon 5, Sheryl Crow, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, U2, and Nirvana, as well as their original music.

Judd Hoos will be performing at 9 p.m. at the Longbranch on Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March 5. There is a $2 cover charge.