ROBERT MORAST
rmorast@argusleader.com

Published: 07/7/05

Judd Hoos will perform Friday in Dell Rapids.
(Argus Leader File Photo)
IF YOU GO:
Who: Judd Hoos
When: 9 p.m. Friday outside the Old Dutch Inn in Dell Rapids, 9 p.m. Saturday at the Sidewinder Bar in Sioux Falls
Tickets: $5 at the door Friday, free Saturday.

Bob Zwart is sick of hearing about "Lucy."

Every night he performs with Judd Hoos, some random fan throws out the request for this regional rock favorite.

The only problem is that his rock band doesn't do the song. That was Zwarté, the South Dakota rock group that has played to more bikers than Steppenwolf.

Still, the confusion is understandable since Zwart was a founding member and Zwarté drummer for 14 years.

But this is a new day, and one that doesn't include "Lucy" on the soundtrack. Last year, Zwart split from Zwarté and his brother Randall, to fulfill his dream of fronting and singing for his own rock project.

"People request 'Lucy,' " Zwart says. "I'm not going to butter my brother's bread anymore."

Instead, Zwart is focusing on Judd Hoos - named after a friend of the band - and the band's mix of covers and original rock music.

But the problem is that people can't let go of the Zwarté legacy. For example, advertisements for Judd Hoos shows regularly say something such as, "featuring Bob Zwart from Zwarté."

It's a frustrating problem for Zwart. The connection to his past band brings in people who will likely dig his straight-ahead rock sounds. But, the connection also implies Zwart still draws from the Zwarté catalog.

"This is not Zwarté. And for the most part it's not even close to Zwarté," Zwart says. "I'm proud of that band. But I want to get past it."

Friday, Zwart will hear the "Lucy" requests at a 9 p.m. parking lot party outside the Old Dutch Inn in Dell Rapids. Admission is $5 for the 21-and-over show.

The confusion may continue Saturday when Judd Hoos performs a free 9 p.m. gig at the Sidewinder Bar in Sioux Falls.

That the Sidewinder show coincides with the annual Hot Harley Nights biker gathering isn't a stroke of luck.

Like Zwart's former band, Judd Hoos draws from the legions of biker enthusiasts who crave hard rock sounds to go with the chugging roar of their metal steeds.

During the upcoming Sturgis biker rally, Judd Hoos will spend the week performing on the Loud American stage - a place Zwarté made famous.

"I'm licking my chops. I cannot wait for the first full week of the rally," Zwart says.

The Sturgis gig could also contribute to the Zwarté confusion. But, Zwart isn't worried. He's actually embracing the challenge and sees it as a chance to bury his past with his present music.

"It's a hidden agenda of mine, and we will," Zwart says of overtaking the Zwarté legacy. "But we're not close yet."