REVving Up

On Tuesday, Jan. 7, psychobilly legend Reverend Horton Heat arrives at WOW Hall to promote the band’s new album, REV. They’re here to preach the “Gospel of Rock and Roll,” and you’ll be sure to hear a few new songs, including, “Victory Lap,” “Smell of Gasoline” and “Let Me Teach You How to Eat.” But don’t expect a cooking lesson. Jim “Reverend Horton” Heath says, “That song is basically about sex.”

To be released on Jan. 21, 2014, the 11th studio album by Reverend Horton Heat was recorded and produced by Jim Heath himself at the band’s studio with the support of new label, Victory Records. “It gave us a lot more leeway,” he tells EW. With the ability to be flexible and rerecord some of the songs, they’re faster and tighter than ever. “I’m looking forward to playing all of them!” Heath says.

Old school RHH fans shouldn’t be disappointed though, as they’ll play plenty of classic songs too. “Our fans are into our old stuff; they’ll want to hear our old stuff.” Part of the show will also have rockabilly guitarist Deke Dickerson joining the band on stage. “He’s super entertaining,” Heath says. “That’s going to be fun.”

This New Year, make it a resolution to put a little more rock ‘n’ roll in your life by seeing RHH, or maybe spice things up with some Reverend Horton “Heat Sauce,” available on the band’s website. Both of these things have something in common: “You can always add a little more.”

The Reverend Horton Heat plays with special guests Nekromantix and Old Man Markley 8 pm Tuesday, Jan. 7, at WOW Hall; $20.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!