It was prior to my conception that Run-D.M.C. was formed, so unfortunately I never had the chance to appreciate the hip-hop trio during their prime. My current familiarity with them is centered around three simple facts:
1. They did that song “Walk This Way” with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, which was probably way more enjoyable at the time of its release.
2. Their song, “It’s Tricky,” was featured in the highly stylized (and highly kick-ass) snowboarding video game SSX Tricky, released way back in 2001.
3. They’re influential. And stuff.
Again, #3 isn’t really a matter of opinion, so when I point out that the surviving members of Run-D.M.C. (that is, Joseph “Run” Simmons, 47; and Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, 48) are reuniting for a performance at this year’s Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, TX, you should consider it noteworthy in every respect. Festival organizers made the announcement via YouTube that the duo will be headlining the main stage, in what will be Simmons and McDaniels’ first joint performance since at least 2002. The two officially retired the Run-D.M.C. moniker following the tragic death of DJ and producer Jason “Jam-Master Jay” Mizell late that year.
As far as the festival itself goes, it’s set to take place November 2-4 and features a bunch of artists who, aside from Run-D.M.C., haven’t been announced yet. Ugh, I’m sorry, but I can’t get the image of Run texting from his bathtub out of my head. Time to end this…
• Run-D.M.C.: http://www.rundmc.com
• Fun Fun Fun Fest: http://funfunfunfest.com
