SEVEN: Mike Wengren’s New Cover Band Brings the Heat with Nostalgic Rock Anthems
Table of Contents
- 1. SEVEN: Mike Wengren’s New Cover Band Brings the Heat with Nostalgic Rock Anthems
- 2. Meet the Band: A Lineup of Local Legends
- 3. A Setlist That Takes You Back
- 4. From Jam Sessions to Sold-Out Shows
- 5. Why SEVEN?
- 6. What’s Next for SEVEN?
- 7. Relive the magic
- 8. DISTURBED Announces “The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour” with Special Guests and Unforgettable Sets
- 9. What to Expect on the Tour
- 10. The Legacy of “The Sickness”
- 11. A career of Record-Breaking Success
- 12. Why This Tour Matters
- 13. Mastering WordPress SEO: A Extensive Guide to Boosting Your Website’s Rankings
- 14. What is Off-Page SEO and Why Does It Matter?
- 15. Key Off-Page SEO Strategies for WordPress Websites
- 16. 1. Build High-Quality Backlinks
- 17. 2. Leverage Social Media Engagement
- 18. 3. Engage in Online Communities
- 19. 4.Collaborate with Influencers
- 20. Actionable Tips for Effective Off-Page SEO
- 21. Conclusion
- 22. Related Videos
- 23. What are some effective strategies for collaborating with influencers to boost website visibility?
- 24. 5. Monitor and Manage Online Reviews
- 25. 6. Utilize Content Syndication
- 26. 7. Participate in Local SEO Efforts
- 27. Measuring the Success of Your Off-Page SEO Efforts
- 28. Conclusion
Mike Wengren, the powerhouse drummer of DISTURBED, has stepped into a new musical venture with his freshly formed cover band, SEVEN. The group made their explosive debut with back-to-back performances on January 10 and 11 at RallyPoint in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Both shows were sold out, a testament to the excitement surrounding this star-studded collaboration.
Meet the Band: A Lineup of Local Legends
SEVEN isn’t just a side project—it’s a gathering of some of the most talented musicians in the local scene. Alongside Wengren on drums, the band features Brent Taritas (formerly of RHYTHM METHOD and NAUGHTY CHAIR) and Jeremy Jayson (of BELLEVUE SUITE and KING KONG) on guitars. Holding down the bass is Simon Farmery from RUBICON CROSS, while the vocal duties are shared by andré Beaudot (ex-NAUGHTY CHAIR), bobby Rouse (ex-RHYTHM METHOD), and Rich Hoffman of ALMIGHTY VINYL.
A Setlist That Takes You Back
SEVEN’s performances were a nostalgic trip through rock history, featuring electrifying covers of iconic tracks. Fans were treated to renditions of MEGADETH’s “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due”,RATT’s “Body Talk”,and TESLA’s “Modern Day Cowboy”. The setlist also included WHITE LION’s “Tell Me”, LOUDNESS’s “Crazy Nights”, EXTREME’s “He-Man Woman Hater”, and KING’S X’s “It’s Love”. Each song was a nod to the golden era of rock, evoking memories of late-night MTV’s ‘Headbangers ball’.
From Jam Sessions to Sold-Out Shows
In a recent interview with 102.9 The HOG, wengren shared the story behind SEVEN’s formation. ”I actually put together a cover band of some local musicians and myself on drums, and we’re actually playing January 10th and 11th at RallyPoint. The show is already sold out, actually, both of them,” he revealed. Wengren,who has lived in the area for years,explained how the band came together: “A lot of my buddies are really amazing musicians in so many other bands,and throughout the years I always said to myself,’I wanna play with this guy. I wanna play with this guy and this guy.’ So one day we just kind of called each other and [said], ‘Hey, let’s just get together and jam.'”
Why SEVEN?
Choosing the band’s name was no easy feat.Wengren joked,”It was super easy to pick the lineup. We just were, like, ‘Hey, do you wanna jam?’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘Do you wanna jam?’ ‘yeah.’ It was super easy. It took all of 10 minutes. And than coming up with a band name took us, like, over six months. We were, like, ‘Let’s just call it SEVEN [because there’s seven of us].'”
What’s Next for SEVEN?
when asked about the band’s future, Wengren expressed optimism. “We’re definitely open to it. We’re putting a lot of work into it. We all take it very seriously. Hopefully it goes well and we have some fun,” he said.Though, he acknowledged the challenges of balancing multiple projects. “The thing is everybody’s pretty busy doing their own thing. Everyone’s got other projects and whatnot, especially myself with DISTURBED.”
Relive the magic
For those who missed the live shows, fan-filmed footage of SEVEN’s January 11 performance is available online, courtesy of WisRockin’. it’s a chance to experience the energy and passion that made these debut shows unforgettable.
SEVEN is more then just a cover band—it’s a party of rock’s enduring legacy, brought to life by a group of musicians who clearly love what they do. Whether they’ll take the stage again remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: their debut was a roaring success.
DISTURBED Announces “The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour” with Special Alex Reeds and Unforgettable Sets
Rock fans, brace yourselves. DISTURBED, the iconic hard rock band that redefined the genre at the turn of the century, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album, “The Sickness”, with a massive 34-date tour. Produced by Live Nation, “The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour” kicks off on February 25, 2025, in Nampa, Idaho, and promises to be a night of raw energy, nostalgia, and unforgettable performances.
What to Expect on the Tour
Each show will feature two electrifying sets. The night will open with DISTURBED performing their five-times platinum-certified album “the sickness” in its entirety, taking fans back to the raw, unrelenting sound that catapulted the band to fame. Following this,the band will deliver a full set of their greatest hits,showcasing their evolution over the past two decades.
The tour is divided into two halves, each with its own lineup of special guests. The first leg will feature THREE DAYS GRACE, marking the return of original singer Adam Gontier, and opener SEVENDUST. the second half will see DAUGHTRY as special guests, with NOTHING MORE opening the shows. This lineup ensures a diverse and dynamic experience for fans of hard rock and metal.
The Legacy of “The Sickness”
Released in 2000, “The Sickness” was a cultural phenomenon. Certified five times platinum by the RIAA, the album spent an notable 106 weeks on the US Billboard 200 chart. Revolver hailed it as one of the “Top 25 Debut Hard Rock Albums,” and its title track, “Down With The Sickness”, became an anthem for a generation. Billboard described the track as “the quintessential DISTURBED song, harnessing all the band’s seethe and its now-famous tribal beat and guitar chug into three and a half minutes of alt-metal mayhem. It’s menacing, it’s rhythmic, it’s rebellious.”
Emerging from Chicago, DISTURBED carved out a unique space in the hard rock scene with their infectious, aggressive sound. Their music resonates with fans on a deeply personal level, inspiring resilience and strength. Over the years, the band has sold over 17 million units, amassed nearly 8 billion streams, and sold out arenas worldwide. With six RIAA-certified albums and a string of top-ten singles on the Mainstream Rock chart, DISTURBED has solidified their place as one of the most influential rock bands of the 21st century.
A career of Record-Breaking Success
DISTURBED’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. The two-time Grammy-nominated band has achieved five consecutive #1 debuts on the Billboard top 200 with albums like “believe”, “Ten Thousand Fists”, “Indestructible”, and “Asylum”. This feat places them in the same league as legends like METALLICA, the only other hard rock group to accomplish such a milestone.
Their catalog is a testament to their enduring appeal, featuring hits like the platinum-certified “Stupify”, “inside The Fire”, and “Land of Confusion”, as well as the two-times platinum “Stricken”, six-times platinum “Down With The Sickness”, and seven-times platinum “The Sound of Silence”. The latter, a haunting cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s classic, showcased the band’s versatility and earned widespread acclaim.
Why This Tour Matters
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, “The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour” is more than just a concert series—it’s a celebration of a band that has consistently pushed boundaries and defied expectations. DISTURBED’s music has always been about more than just sound; it’s about emotion, resilience, and the power of perseverance. This tour is a chance to experience that energy live, surrounded by a community of fans who share the same passion.
whether you’re there to relive the raw intensity of “The Sickness” or to sing along to their greatest hits, this tour promises to be a night to remember. Don’t miss your chance to be part of rock history.
Mastering WordPress SEO: A Extensive Guide to Boosting Your Website’s Rankings
In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, optimizing your WordPress website for search engines is no longer optional—it’s essential.While many focus solely on on-page SEO, the real game-changer lies in off-page strategies. These techniques, executed outside your website, can considerably enhance your site’s authority, drive traffic, and improve search engine rankings.
What is Off-Page SEO and Why Does It Matter?
Off-page SEO refers to actions taken beyond your website to improve its visibility and credibility. unlike on-page SEO, which involves optimizing content, meta tags, and site structure, off-page SEO focuses on building relationships, earning backlinks, and establishing your site as an authoritative source. Think of it as the digital equivalent of word-of-mouth marketing.
Key Off-Page SEO Strategies for WordPress Websites
Here are some proven tactics to elevate your WordPress site’s off-page SEO:
1. Build High-Quality Backlinks
Backlinks are like votes of confidence from other websites. The more reputable sites linking to your content, the higher your site ranks in search engine results. Focus on creating shareable, high-quality content that naturally attracts backlinks. Alex Reed blogging, collaborating with influencers, and participating in industry forums are excellent ways to earn these valuable links.
2. Leverage Social Media Engagement
Social media platforms are powerful tools for amplifying your content’s reach. Share your blog posts, infographics, and videos across platforms like facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Encourage your audience to engage with your content by liking,sharing,and commenting.This not only drives traffic but also signals to search engines that your content is valuable.
3. Engage in Online Communities
Participating in forums, Q&A sites like Quora, and niche-specific communities can help establish your expertise. Provide thoughtful answers, share insights, and link back to your website when relevant. This builds trust and drives targeted traffic to your site.
4.Collaborate with Influencers
Partnering with influencers in your niche can significantly boost your site’s visibility. Whether it’s through guest posts, interviews, or social media shoutouts, influencer collaborations can introduce your content to a broader audience and generate valuable backlinks.
Actionable Tips for Effective Off-Page SEO
- Focus on Quality Over quantity: A few high-quality backlinks from authoritative sites are more valuable than numerous low-quality links.
- Monitor Your Online Reputation: Regularly check for mentions of your brand and respond promptly to reviews or comments.
- Use Analytics to Track Progress: Tools like google Analytics and Ahrefs can help you measure the impact of your off-page SEO efforts.
Conclusion
Off-page SEO is a critical component of any accomplished WordPress SEO strategy. By building high-quality backlinks, engaging with online communities, and leveraging social media, you can significantly enhance your site’s authority and search engine rankings. Remember, SEO is a long-term investment, and consistency is key. Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your website climb the search engine ladder.
Related Videos
What are some effective strategies for collaborating with influencers to boost website visibility?
In your industry can significantly boost your website’s visibility. Influencers have established audiences that trust their recommendations. by collaborating with them, you can tap into their follower base, gain backlinks, and increase your site’s authority. Consider co-creating content, hosting webinars, or conducting interviews to maximize the impact of these partnerships.
5. Monitor and Manage Online Reviews
Online reviews play a crucial role in shaping your website’s reputation. Positive reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and industry-specific review sites can enhance your credibility and improve local SEO rankings. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and promptly address any negative feedback to maintain a positive online presence.
6. Utilize Content Syndication
Content syndication involves republishing your content on third-party platforms to reach a broader audience. Platforms like Medium, LinkedIn Pulse, and industry-specific blogs can help you gain exposure and drive traffic back to your WordPress site.Ensure that the syndicated content links back to your original post to maintain SEO value.
7. Participate in Local SEO Efforts
If your business has a physical presence, local SEO is essential. Optimize your Google My Business profile, ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information is consistent across directories, and encourage local citations.Engaging with local communities and participating in events can also boost your local search rankings.
Measuring the Success of Your Off-Page SEO Efforts
To determine the effectiveness of your off-page SEO strategies, it’s crucial to track key metrics. Use tools like Google Analytics, Ahrefs, and SEMrush to monitor backlink growth, referral traffic, social media engagement, and overall search engine rankings. Regularly analyzing these metrics will help you refine your strategies and achieve better results over time.
Conclusion
Mastering off-page SEO is a vital component of a comprehensive digital marketing strategy. By building high-quality backlinks, leveraging social media, engaging in online communities, collaborating with influencers, managing online reviews, utilizing content syndication, and focusing on local SEO, you can significantly enhance your WordPress website’s visibility and authority. remember, SEO is a long-term investment, and consistent efforts will yield lasting benefits.Start implementing these strategies today to boost your website’s rankings and drive lasting growth.