Apollo High School

One of the most notorious local"rock" bands known to Owensboro will be invading the Barbecue Festival this May. With the recently recorded "Shattered Utopia," the band Bad Order is receiving alot of attention. Members include Kevin Rhodes on lead vocals, Brian Fulkerson as lead guitarist, and Elliot Berry on drums.

Formed in 2002, Bad Order began delivering concerts two summers ago. This coming BBQ fesival will be the second the band has played. Bad Order was one of only two local bands invited to play last year's Festival.

"Shattered Utopia" was released in January of that same year. The release of this album has brought Bad Order very much attention and a long list of accomplishments to brag about. The song "Shattered Utopia" has been aired on radio station 101.9. "Q102" featured the band on their show "Airplay," dedicated to new talent. The band was also given a spot on Jerry Birge's TV show based in Owensboro.

Bad Order placed second in the 2003 battle of the bands, sponsored by radio station WKTG 93.9, Sunlite Music, and Club Cross Fade.

On April 24th, Bad Order will be appearing at Jamfest 2004 in Huntingburg, IN. On June 4th and 5th they can be seen at the Freedom Festival 2004 in Shepherdsville, KY for no charge. On June 11- 12th the band will be at Hancock County High School in Lewisport, Kentucky. This show will also be free of charge and is an effort to raise awareness for fighting cancer. Copies of the band's debut album, band shirts and other Bad Order paraphanelia can be purchased at Dagmar's Board Shop in the Towne Square Mall. Each song that Bad Order grants to the public via the CD is written by the band.

Store sizes are always small, to keep alive the independent feel, which also happens to be cash-efficient.

Of course, the best thing it has going for it is the hardcore music-motivated attitudes of every employee. No matter how fast or large the company grows, those in charge work very hard to keep the store from seeming too “corporate,” in trying to keep with its anti-establishment premise.

Hot Topic is usually the first to run new trend lines, obtaining exclusive rights to merchandising for TV shows and bands.

Once an idea is established, it only takes new stuff 6-8 weeks to show up nationwide in Hot Topic. Band tees can take only two weeks.
Most other places who do their productions over-seas take what’s new and what people wearing. Clerks in the store are reimbursed for all concert tickets. The requirement in exchange for this unique perk is to deliver a fashion write-up afterwards. Write-ups led to the store picking up products such as Faygo.

Hot Topic also keeps an attentive eye to suggestions made by e-mail or store suggestion box. Companion store Torrid, featuring Hot Topic stuff in plus sizes, was a direct result of these customer suggestions.

For Hot Topic frequenters, the Owensboro addition is a great convenience. Previously, shoppers were forced to travel distances for their coveted Hot Topic bag full of goodies. With a store relatively just down the road, many teens are excited and relieved to see its long-awaited arrival.