by Damian Garde
Daily Lobo
Despite his death in 2003, Johnny Cash has remained a fixture in American culture and, arguably, is more popular than ever before.
Adored by Bob Dylan, worshipped by U2 and exalted by Rick Rubin, Cash had a booming voice that spoke for the everyman. Even after his death, a well-received cinematic biography and a surprisingly successful new album have kept Cash on the lips of young and old.
Cash's posthumous popularity was further demonstrated in July when his latest release, American V: A Hundred Highways, debuted at the top spot on the Billboard chart.
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Thus, it comes as no shock that Albuquerque's Cash fans have organized a tribute concert to commemorate the man in black.
The Ground Beneath, a local metal band, is among the groups taking part. While metal is certainly removed from Cash's genre, vocalist Steven Civerolo disagrees.
"To me, Johnny Cash was the metal dude of the classic-country guys," Civerolo said, citing Cash's trademark dark image and fixations on death. "Besides, good songwriting is good songwriting."
Cash's connection with the heavier aspects of rock was cemented when he chose to cover "Rusty Cage" by Soundgarden and "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails, he said.
Straying from its usual sound, the band will play an acoustic set featuring newer Johnny Cash songs.
"Everyone else will take the best ones," Civerolo said.
The event, commemorating the third anniversary of Cash's death, was organized by Lucky Donohue of the band Sin Serenade, who will also take part in the tribute. Sin Serenade draws a striking contrast with the Ground Beneath in its punk-influenced country twang. Donohue said he doesn't see it as a problem.
"When I think of Johnny Cash, I don't think of country music," he said. "He was just a guy playing songs."
Donohue said Cash's populist edge is the key to his widespread acclaim.
"He's the real thing," he said. "Even when he got famous, no matter what, he was still down with the regular guy."
Sin Serenade plans to bring its brand of raucous country music to Cash's catalogue.
After the success of its two previous incarnations, the event has expanded to include performances at the Atomic Cantina and Burt's Tiki Lounge.
"It got so big, we needed more space," said Shawn Avery, general manager of Atomic Cantina. "We share a similar crowd with Burt's, so it seemed natural."
The event will include performances by 18 bands of various genres ranging from country to metal. Avery said the event draws a diverse crowd.
"From punk rockers to lawyers, we're all big Johnny Cash fans," he said. "So this is something we look forward to."
Johnny Cash Tribute Night
Atomic Cantina
315 Gold Ave. S.W.
and Burt's Tiki Lounge
313 Gold Ave. S.W.
Saturday, 9:30 p.m.
21 and over
Free
