#rob schnier

[krispyweiss]

Song Review: moe. with Jake Brownstein - “Happy Hour Hero” (Live, Aug. 7, 2025)

With Eggy’s Jake Brownstein on stage, moe. had one more guitar for this “Happy Hour Hero.”

Performed and captured on video Aug. 7 in Illinois, this version of the early-days number has even more of the Allman-esque, six-string harmonies one expects from moe.’s “Hero.” And the handing off of solos, beginning with Chuck Garvey’s talkbox showcase, is a slow build to sonic drunkenness.

Which is appropriate; for despite the song’s reggae roots, “Happy Hour Hero” is a drinkin’, rather than a smokin’, song.

But there is some fire here, weak vocals notwithstanding.

Grade card: moe. with Jake Brownstein - “Happy Hour Hero” (Live - 8/7/25) - B+

8/11/25

[krispyweiss]

Song Review: Rob Derhak and Al Schnier - “Willin’”

Bless Rob Derhak and Al Schnier for playing “Willin’” as old friends at home.

Question them for being willin’ to release it.

The moe. duo issued their take on the Little Feat number as the second teaser for their ongoing moe.stly Acoustic tour. After hearing it, Sound Bites would sell any tickets he was holding.

Derhak talks it in an artificial baritone while Schnier adds what he must believe are high harmonies. It almost sounds like a goof, but they’re apparently serious.

Which is seriously weird.

Grade card: Rob Derhak and Al Schnier - “Willin’” - D-

9/22/21

[krispyweiss]

moe. ‘Closing Doors’ While Bassist Rob Derhak Fights Cancer

Rob Derhak, bassist and singer for moe., was recently diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer and the band will go on “indefinite hiatus” starting Aug. 1, according to a statement on its website.

moe. plans to perform as scheduled July 21 and 28 on its own and Aug. 27 with Phil Lesh at the Lockn’ Festival, although it’s unclear whether Derhak will appear at the latter date.

“Other than these 3 shows, we will be closing our doors until further notice,” the band said, adding an announcement about its summer tour with Railroad Earth is forthcoming.

In a note signed “Your Pal Rob,” Derhak said his prognosis is good, although the treatment, which begins in early August, “will be rough on my body, and my voice.

“I will be out of commission for the foreseeable future, which means, moe. will be going on an unplanned hiatus,” Derhak said, while professing his love for the band, its music, its crew and fans.

“I hope to be back on stage doing what I love to do sometime soon,” he added. “Until then, know that I’m in good hands, and I’m forever grateful for all of your support.”

7/17/17