Verona Red issues an official statement regarding Performance Enhancing Drug Accusations

There have been a lot of rumors flying around lately about Verona Red having taken illegal performance enhancing drugs several years ago in order to get an edge in the local music scene. They have all steadfastly denied such allegations and are very concerned that their good reputations will forever be tarnished in the wake of such lies. The band's policy on drugs has always been, and remains to this day, to use drugs solely for recreational purposes with the intent of thinking more creatively, expanding their minds, or in the greater pursuit of getting laid.

Unfortunately, a former friend of the band has come out recently and accused lead guitarist and vocalist Chris Balzer of having taken steroids and Human Growth Hormones to build up arm, wrist, and finger strength. He claims that Balzer used these drugs for increased stamina during times when the band's gig schedule was particularly intense.

Balzer denied such rumors, and contacted lawyers about filing a defamation of character lawsuit. After preliminary meetings and interviews, however, the lawyers declined to represent Balzer claiming that they "didn't feel [Balzer] had any real character to begin with."

Still, the conflict rages on, and fans are forced to either trust Verona Red and stand behind them in this difficult period, or to believe a disgruntled former colleague's attacks. No matter how the matter is finally resolved, there will forever be questions about the integrity and legitimacy of Verona Red and just how they were able to rock so goddamn hard.

Before you choose, take the time on Friday, February 22 at 11 p.m. to come see Verona Red at the Note, 1565 N. Milwaukee Ave and live a part of the controversy.

Who is Verona Red?

As we all know, it is a long and difficult process trying to name a band. The name has to be both personally important and relevant to the band and also immediately memorable and eye-catching to the public. After all, if one is not familiar with a particular band's music or reputation otherwise, it is only through a captivating name that a random band will be given a chance.

So how important, how poignant IS the name Verona Red? What emotions does it elicit? I hit the streets to find out.

After being asked by people if it was some kind of flower, perfume, or wine, I realized I should clear up the confusion and actually mention that Verona Red was the name of a band.

"Is it kind of like the Indigo Girls?", "That's Fiona Apple's new project, right?" and "I don't know but it sounds pretty gay" were the most popular answers.

But what is the meaning behind it, it's raison d'être?

A few close friends of the band were able to shed more light. Joe Wilson, a long time friend and former schoolmate of lead man Chris Balzer's said, "I don't trust it, sounds like a French communist to me." Another friend, Steve, said, "I think they should just go back to the first band name, Audio Pollution. And while they're at it they should probably bring back the original line-up. And play the old songs. Just a thought."

Obviously I had to go straight to the source for the answer. The only person that would be able to provide me with a full explanation of everything that went into the process of naming the band was a band member himself. I caught up with Chris and asked him exactly where Verona Red came from, what it truly meant.

"I don't know, it was either that or the Van Buren Eight. Oh, or Basil."

Good choice, boys. Good choice.

Next Show: 11PM Friday February 22 at The Note (1565 N. Milwaukee, Chicago)