“I’m kind of getting the impression (Shawn) may be thinking about not doing any more. This may be it,” Rouch said.
“We’re all in other things. The band isn’t together anymore,” Bradley added. “This is just a fun nostalgia trip. These might literally be the last ever Migraines (shows). Who knows if we’ll do a 30th?”
>> Love vinyl? Don't miss this awesome record sale this weekend
Bradley joined The Migraines right before the band’s second album was released in 1996, and eventually recruited Rouch and Bush as other members dropped off. It would be the start of many firsts for the then twentysomething musicians: first time playing out of Ohio, first time playing across the country, and even the first time playing with their heroes.
"It was really weird to be up on stage and see Marky Ramone (The Ramones) and Jerry Only (Misfits) standing out there in the audience," Bradley said.
Though The Migraines were serious about their music, their message was always with tongue planted firmly in cheek, while playfully adopting the classic Ramones model right down to the stage names. Songs like “P.C. Girl”, “She Bought New Boobs” and “Fraternity Boy” were meant to poke fun at what the band saw as silly in the ‘90s.
>> 5 foods you have to try at World A'Fair this weekend
“The Migraines were an irreverent, sophomoric, juvenile, silly, fun punk rock band,” Bradley explained. “Most of our catalog, if a new young band came out (with it) right now, they’d get so much flak. They’d be considered so offensive. What’s socially acceptable has changed. I’m glad we’re thinking about people’s feelings. But where do you draw the line?”
“Sometimes you’ve got to be like, let’s just have some fun. It doesn’t matter. It’s just a song! Laugh!” Rouch said.
The band slowly began to dissolve after Bradley left in 1999 to form the horror punk band The Jackalopes. Rouch, now of Dayton's The Nuckles, stayed with the group for a short time as The Migraines morphed into a straight rock band, before Browning changed the focus to Christian rock.
>> New bar, restaurant in old J-Alans space to hold grand opening party
“Shawn has always been the straight guy. He was never the wild tattoos, drunk, crazy guy. He was always the adult on the road. He was band dad,” Bradley remembered.
But the members all remained friends and stayed in contact over the years, which led to a reunion show in 2012. Now, on what would have been Joey Ramone's 66th birthday, they're back to play what seems like the last series of shows in Dayton and Ft. Wayne, respectively. The group is also celebrating the recent release of every song they've ever recorded on their Bandcamp site.
“You get in a minivan full of equipment with four guys and go on the road for a month or two, they become family. You love them. Sometimes you hate them,” Rouch joked.
“The only reason we’re doing it is not only because of our love of the material, but of each other. These guys were my brothers,” Bradley said.
Sometimes you can go back to your 20's again -- if only for a few nights at a time.
WANT TO GO?
What: The Migraines 25th Anniversary Show with Legbone, Bribing Senators, The Give-Ups, FBS
Where: Rock Star Pro Arena, 1106 E. Third St., Dayton
When: Friday, May 19, 7 p.m. (doors)
Cost: $10 at door, $8 presale
About the Author