Dream of being a rocker? This camp is for you
For $1,999, you can jam with musicians from AC/DC, Megadeth, others


The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/12/08

Bob Seger once sang that rock 'n' roll never forgets. So, come back, baby, to Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp — at least for a day.

Neil Federman never forgets rock 'n' roll, either. The 55-year-old Woodstock resident, along with other rock dreamers, will be taking part in the one-day camp for rock when it comes to Atlanta on Wednesday.

Neil Federman of Woodstock will be taking part in Wednesday's one-day camp for rockers.
 
THE CAMP
The Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp will be Wednesday at Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St. For information or to register: www.rocknrollfantasycamp.com, or call 1-888-762-2263.

LIVING
Latest Headlines:
More Living Stories
Living photo galleries

Georgia Aquarium news and photos
Zoo Atlanta news and photos

The camp is a touring event that mixes seasoned rock musicians from bands such as AC/DC, Deep Purple, Guns N' Roses, the Cars and Megadeth with weekend warriors who want to experience a day of rock.

Federman first heard about the camp via an e-mail from Epiphone guitars.

"I copied the e-mail and brought it home and showed it to my wife," he says. "She was actually the one who convinced me I should do it."

Campers spend all day jamming with the rock counselors and their fellow amateur musicians, forming bands that will perform in the evening as the opening acts for re-formed rock band Extreme ("More Than Words") and King's X. The packages start at $1,999 (for the one-day experience) and go up to $9,999 (which really gets you on the road with a five-day tour).

Federman says he was initially hesitant about the expense.

"Being that I'm a little on the cheap side, the thought of spending this kind of money. ..." he says. "And my wife was like, 'Yeah, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing. The memories that you'll take from it will end up worth a lot more than the initial investment.' "

Larry Wachs of the Rock 100.5 morning show's the Regular Guys will participate in the camp, too.

"It's worth it if you can afford it," says Wachs, who has attended several similar camps. "I've found them pretty well populated despite the prices. I've been to ones that are more expensive and they're pretty full every time."

Wachs is a drummer, and he's most looking forward to hearing what fellow beat-keeper Chris Slade of AC/DC has to say.

"It'll be fun to listen and hear why he chose certain things," Wachs says. "When you talk to the guys about their music, they're very specific as to why they designed the song a certain way and why it sounds better when they play it on the record than when people cover it, because they miss out on certain points."

It's not just a frivolous day of indulgence, Wachs asserts. Campers might actually learn some nonmusical lessons.

"A lot of amateur musicians, such as myself, we play at home in our basements and pretend there's a crowd out there and you're showing off," he says. "You're now, for real, in the spotlight, and if you've never experienced that, there's no way all the pretending in the world can prepare you for that. So, it teaches you how to focus and relax and it carries over into other areas of life."

Like many rock dreamers, Federman spent time in garage bands in his younger days.

Unlike some, he still uses his skills regularly, playing with a band at City on a Hill United Methodist Church in Holly Springs.

Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp will be an entirely different vibe.

"At heart, I'm still a frustrated '80s hair band guitar player," he says, "and most of that music is not fitting for what I do on Sunday mornings."

Both Wachs and Federman say that one of the big perks of the camp is meeting fellow local musicians. Wachs still hangs out with folks he's met at previous camps, even getting together to jam on occasion.

"It's very social and you're with people of common interests," Wachs says. "You also find out that that really dull guy in the cubicle is a maniac on the guitar."

Vote for this story!

Related Subjects

Inside AJC.COM

Movie openings

"Cadillac Records" sings a familiar tune led by Beyonce portraying Etta James.

Cookie of the day

Chocolate-tipped butter cookies premieres today in our baker's dozen of goodies.

"Wonderful Life" Quiz

What did George wish for when he entered the drug store? Test your knowledge.

Weekend web fares

With more than 25 cities, the weekend travel deals are here. Example: NYC for $69.

Grammy nominations

Ludacris and Sugarland are some of the local acts who received Grammy nods.

A Christmas Story Quiz

How well do you know the cult holiday classic? Be careful or you will shoot your eye out.

Atlanta Holiday Guide

It's always a wonderful gift, so here are 10 books to give these holidays.

One-tank trip

Selma, Ala., is home to gracious architecture, large oaks and a beacon of history.

A Charlie Brown Quiz

Do you know what TV show was pre-empted to show this holiday classic? Test yourself.

Search AJC Archives

1985 to present     1868 - 1939 Advanced search

Kudzu.com services Find the right people for the job

Keyword     Business Name

AJCPets » The community for Atlanta pet lovers

Do Good Search for non-profit causes near you