Tape #1
July 1980
Reviewed by VegaNova
Segment 1
"Heartaches"
Segment 2
"Roast Beef Sandwich"
Segment 3
"Catch-a-Wave"
Segment 4
"Rolfe and Earl #1 - Hit the Cymbal"
Segment 5
"School Days"
Segment 6
"Heartaches"
Segment 7
"Roast Beef Sandwich"
Segment 8
"Catch-a-Wave"
Segment 9
"School Days"
This was the Rock-afire Explosion's first showtape and introduced audiences to the new characters at ShowBiz Pizza Place. This tape used a very short run of songs that was repeated. However that's probably not as bad as it may sound considering this tape was only used at a handful of locations which existed early on in the days of ShowBiz.
Roast Beef Sandwich / Rolfe & Earl #1 - Both of these skits have an intro and outro jingle. The one used for Rolfe and Earl was also used on all the show intros added to the Wolf Pack 5 Showtape when it was modified for use at ShowBiz.
Odd Date - The date documented on this reel is Jan 12, 1980 - six months before the first Rock-afire was installed in Jacksonville, FL - and two months before the 1st ShowBiz opened with the WolfPack 5, suggesting that Creative Engineering was hard at work on the Rock-afire shortly after signing the pre-incorporation agreement with Bob Brock.
-3 out of 5 Tokens-
Not a long or a great tape by any stretch, but a perfect foundation for the Rock-afire to build upon. Many of the shows are rough around the edges and unrefined, the Rock-afire characters have no speaking segments, and there is no interaction between any of the stages. However the character's personalities already show sparks of life that go beyond those of the Wolf Pack 5.
The side stage shows are the most interesting by far. Rolfe and Earl are presented with a strong comedy routine that explain who's in charge of who in this first showing. Rolfe's dimwittedness and Earl's exploiting nature is as well defined here as it will ever be. Billy Bob and Looney Bird are also given solid personality in an impressive routine which exists today as one of my all-time favorites. Billy Bob's good nature is explained, as is Looney's mischeivious antics. The Rock-afire also has some decent songs as well, but most of which are oldies done in Wolf Pack 5 fashion. As stated earlier, this is not a particularly great showtape, but one that does its job well in introducing everyone to the Rock-afire Explosion.
Please note that this tape was submitted to us with a few sketchy details. There's a good chance that this may not have been the actual tape that was sent out to stores. If you have this tape and can show documentation of any details we're missing, we'd love your assistance. We're actually seeking help on any and all Rock-afire showtapes from the early years (1980-82). So if you have anything that might be helpful to completing our list please contact us!
"Heartaches"
Segment 2
"Roast Beef Sandwich"
Segment 3
"Catch-a-Wave"
Segment 4
"Rolfe and Earl #1 - Hit the Cymbal"
Segment 5
"School Days"
Segment 6
"Heartaches"
Segment 7
"Roast Beef Sandwich"
Segment 8
"Catch-a-Wave"
Segment 9
"School Days"
This was the Rock-afire Explosion's first showtape and introduced audiences to the new characters at ShowBiz Pizza Place. This tape used a very short run of songs that was repeated. However that's probably not as bad as it may sound considering this tape was only used at a handful of locations which existed early on in the days of ShowBiz.
Roast Beef Sandwich / Rolfe & Earl #1 - Both of these skits have an intro and outro jingle. The one used for Rolfe and Earl was also used on all the show intros added to the Wolf Pack 5 Showtape when it was modified for use at ShowBiz.
Odd Date - The date documented on this reel is Jan 12, 1980 - six months before the first Rock-afire was installed in Jacksonville, FL - and two months before the 1st ShowBiz opened with the WolfPack 5, suggesting that Creative Engineering was hard at work on the Rock-afire shortly after signing the pre-incorporation agreement with Bob Brock.
-3 out of 5 Tokens-
Not a long or a great tape by any stretch, but a perfect foundation for the Rock-afire to build upon. Many of the shows are rough around the edges and unrefined, the Rock-afire characters have no speaking segments, and there is no interaction between any of the stages. However the character's personalities already show sparks of life that go beyond those of the Wolf Pack 5.
The side stage shows are the most interesting by far. Rolfe and Earl are presented with a strong comedy routine that explain who's in charge of who in this first showing. Rolfe's dimwittedness and Earl's exploiting nature is as well defined here as it will ever be. Billy Bob and Looney Bird are also given solid personality in an impressive routine which exists today as one of my all-time favorites. Billy Bob's good nature is explained, as is Looney's mischeivious antics. The Rock-afire also has some decent songs as well, but most of which are oldies done in Wolf Pack 5 fashion. As stated earlier, this is not a particularly great showtape, but one that does its job well in introducing everyone to the Rock-afire Explosion.
Please note that this tape was submitted to us with a few sketchy details. There's a good chance that this may not have been the actual tape that was sent out to stores. If you have this tape and can show documentation of any details we're missing, we'd love your assistance. We're actually seeking help on any and all Rock-afire showtapes from the early years (1980-82). So if you have anything that might be helpful to completing our list please contact us!