Meeks, looking lupine.
DAYS OF THE NEW
9:30 p.m., Juanita’s. $15 adv., $17 d.o.s.
At the ripe old age of 17, Travis Meeks signed to a major label, and in 1997, with his band Days of the New, released a widely successful self-titled album that included the No. 1 single, “Touch, Peel and Stand,” which took a few beatings for its obvious parallels to Alice in Chains’ songs. Internal strife reared its head early on, and Meeks began earning an Axl Rose reputation for his mouth and refusal to play well with others. After missing a Florida concert in April 1998, band members appeared physically black-eyed and beaten the following day after what sources claimed to be a brawl. Criticizing a touring bill with Metallica and Jerry Cantrell, Meeks said that due to the band’s acoustic sound, Days of the New should have toured with a group like Dave Matthews Band. Blah blah blah. Fast-forward a decade. Still in the public eye, Meeks survived addictions to booze and blow before graduating to speed, the latter of which landed him on the A&E series “Intervention.” He’s still tussling with a diagnosed case of Asperger Syndrome, too. Musically worth noting, however, is his highly praised performance on the recent Doors tribute album. Look for Meeks to carry that kind of spirited vibe into Juanita’s by fusing experimental, alternative and post-grunge sounds. Silverstone opens the 21-and-up show.
—Paul Peterson