When we started this site nearly six years ago, Hinder punchlines were a regular and consistent feature. They were just too easy. We couldn't resist making fun of those popular meth rockers and Creed wannabes from Oklahoma City. They even cracked the top 10 of our Top 100 Oklahoma Embarrassments. Here's what we wrote:
We know everyone has their own unique taste in music. For the most part, we respect that. But if you’re over the age of 21 and enjoy the “music” of Hinder, you need to see a therapist. And be sure to take your Axe Body Spray and Aeropostale shirt with you, too.
We were not the only people criticizing the act. In 2008, Joe Wertz profiled the band in an Oklahoma Gazette cover story titled "Hating Hinder." The article examined why non-meth users hate the band. The story didn't set well with the group. I guess it hurts to be dissed by your hometown alternative weekly. The article even led drummer Cody "Blower" Ross to confront Joe at the Gazette headquarters. That's almost as brave as bullying an employee at Len's Crafters.
(Quick Aside: The Gazette criticized Hinder for performing shitty music and basically being a "rock n' roll" parody act. Look at OKC treated them like they were rock gods. Everything you need to know about our city's two alternative weeklies can be summarized by those facts.)
Since their peak on 2008, Hinder's popularity — and our lame jokes about them — have been on the decline. If you need proof, check out their tour page. They've gone from playing large arenas and festivals in cities across the globe to headlining county fairs and tribal casinos in Buffalo. Or just consider that band members are making some promotional appearances today at Oklahoma City liquor stores.
From the Hinder Facebook Page:
We're going to be hanging out at liquor stores all day tomorrow signing booze and records. Come hang out and get some CLEAR10 Vodka and Dizzy 3.
2pm-3pm - Cheers Wine & Spirits - 1007 SW 19th St, Moore, OK 73160
3:30pm-4:30pm- Quicker Liquor - 9109 S May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73159 (SWOKC)
5:15pm-6:15pm - Broadway Wine Merchants - 824 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City,OK 73102 (DOWNTOWN)
7pm-8pm - The Wild Turkey Finer Wines & Spirits - 12021 N MacArthur Blvd, OklahomaCity, OK 73162 (NW OKC)
I wish I would have known about this sooner. I would have organized an Ultimate Hinder Fan Photo Contest. It would have been like our State Fair Photo Contest, only more depressing and with a soundtrack.
In all seriousness, send us a pic of the band if you go to one of these things. Spencer and I have a bet as to how many visible sores "Blower" has on his face. I also want to know what the turn out is for these types of events. If it works for Hinder, maybe we'll start making promotional appearances at liquor stores, strip clubs and comic book shops. That would be fun.
