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New Documentary About Local Band

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MILWAUKEE - Office jobs by day, U2 tribute band by night! Some local musicians are at the center of a new documentary.

At first glance, they look like your typical working-class family men.

Lead vocalist Scott Neis admits, "We're all just regular average guys as far as we know: Family, house, wife."

Onstage though, they transform into the popular tribute band U2 Zoo.

"God, are we thankful. It's been such a blast to be able to do what we do," Scott exclaims.

All of the guys have been playing music as long as they can remember. Bassist Mike Kawczynski says U2 Zoo was born about 6 years ago. "Milwaukee has so many great bands and a lot of original bands, great cover bands, but really not a lot of bands that do tribute," he explains.

Now an L.A. filmmaker is telling their story in the new documentary, 'Shine Like Stars'. Lead guitarist Brian Lang still can't believe they're getting all of this attention.

"I still can't quite take it all in, it's quite amazing." Mike adds, "It's very humbling because, we're just regular guys."

The filmmakers followed the band for more than a year. Drummer Craig Brog jokes about the experience. "They're making us look a lot better than we really are, a lot cooler than we really are," he says.

The film premieres Saturday April 17th at the Wisconsin Film Festival.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing it premiere at a beautiful theater out in Madison, it's on huge screen, sold out, really nice," Craig gushes.

The guys aren't letting this new found fame get to their heads. Brian explains, "I think what fuels the band is that we do have regular lives. I think if we did this full time, you wouldn't get the same effect, it would be just another band playing U2."

That's right: Don't expect these guys to look and sound just like Bono and the boys.

"The goal isn't to sound exactly like U2. I think the goal is to present the music as it's supposed to be presented, the same amount of energy, same musicality," Scott says.

U2 Zoo hopes this new exposure helps other Milwaukee bands as well. Brian says, "We've had local bands open for us at Shank Hall over the years, just trying to give them some bit of notoriety."

Who knows what the future will bring--but for now, the guys are enjoying this 'Beautiful Day'.

"I think when we feel like we have to play, or have to do it, at least for me, I'm done. I can't fake this stuff. God it's just so much fun!" Brian exclaims.

Could national fame be next? The filmmakers are shopping the documentary to film fests across the country.

You have a chance to see these guys live. They're playing at Shank Hall Saturday night.

Click here for the band's Web site.

 

Next Article in Special Assignments: Special Assignments: Local boy wins big award for his invention

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