from the Kane County Chronicle, April 21, 2000, "Sidetracks" section, page 6

Special Performance

Fans bid band a fond farewell

by Eric Schelkopf
Kane County Chronicle

Perhaps the best indicator of a band's impact is its audience reaction.Judging by the response The Bad Examples got at Fitzgerald's Saturday night, the band has had a strong impact on the Chicago music scene.After being together since 1987, The Bad Examples played its last show together during a sold-out concert at FitzGerald's.

Band founder Ralph Covert has decided to break up the band to pursue other musical opportunities.The evening became a celebration of music as well as a celebration of friendship, as the show featured both past and present members of The Bad Examples.Given the number of rap-metal bands filling the music scene these days, Covert and The Bad Examples are becoming a rare breed - a band that makes songs with catchy melodies that you can actually sing along to.And the band's songs have become part of our consciousness, at least for the fans who came out to the show.Case in point: When Covert stepped up to the mike to sing "She Smiles Like Richard Nixon," the crowd almost on cue started singing the chorus.

But the band's sound doesn't just revolve aruond its sweet melodies. The Bad Examples also has plenty of rock 'n' roll bluster, as the group showed in digging deep into its guitars for a gritty and explosive version of "Hey St. Peter."And, of course, what would a Bad Examples show be without "Sammy The Dog Has Learned To Play Trombone"? The upbeat song brought the party atmosphere of the night to a full frenzy, with the crowd ready to spend another three or four hours with the band.

But, alas, all good things must come to an end. And after the band performed its signature song, "Not Dead Yet," the evening started drawing to a close."For me, the decision to do this is probably the hardest thing I have ever done... I am just happy to make music and share it with you," Covert said to the crowd, the emotions of the night choking up in his voice. However, the evening wasn't quite finished as past and present members of The Bad Examples gathered on stage for a "Last Call.

"Let's hope the band will someday be back for a reunion show.