ROCK BOTTOM REMAINDERS Writers hit the road -- as rockers

The WannaPalooza Tour makes a stop in Cleveland on Friday.
By JOHN PATRICK GATTA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Together, the members of the Rock Bottom Remainders are responsible for more than 200 millions units sold around the world.
When the group takes the stage on Friday at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland as part of its WannaPalooza 2004 Tour, it will be the most successful supergroup to ever perform there.
No, this is not some European sensation that's finally making it to the United States. The Rock Bottom Remainders consist of some of the literary world's most successful authors including Dave Barry, Mitch Albom, Scott Turow, Amy Tan, Roy Blount Jr., Frank McCourt, Ridley Pearson and Greg Iles.
The open door policy on membership has also found Stephen King and Matt Groening knocking out bar band style renditions of rock and soul classics.
Background
Founded by Kathi Goldmark, a San Francisco book publicist and musician, the group debuted at the 1992 American Booksellers Association. Its name is a playful jab at publishers' overstock that is deeply discounted and placed in bargain bins.
The shows raise money for America Scores, an after school literacy program that uses soccer to inspire literacy and physical health among urban public school children.
Although its latest tour will be brief -- Cleveland is one of four scheduled dates this year -- the members even go the rock star route by traveling around on a luxury bus.
With so much literary talent in close confines, one would guess that it's an ongoing writer's conference with the participants discussing style, approach and inspiration.
"When we want to talk seriously about craft we have to hide from Dave," said Turow in reference to the humor columnist's desire to keep matters light-hearted.
"He goes on the rampage if he thinks we're getting serious. Some of us do huddle in the back every now and then and have fairly serious conversations about what we're writing and how we're writing and what are attitudes are. Obviously, we're all complaining about Hollywood, but generally speaking you can't get too close to that 'cause Dave won't [let us]."
Known for such bestsellers as "Presumed Innocent" and "Reversible Errors," Turow also maintains his law practice. His latest book, a nonfiction work titled "Ultimate Punishment," deals with capital punishment.
"Last time we were touring, I asked Dave what his opinion was on the war in Iraq and he says, 'Don't you know my solution for Iraq? I think we should just drop lawyers on them. If that doesn't work, we'll have to give the lawyers parachutes.' That's Dave's idea of a serious discussion on a contemporary political issue."
Turow isn't offended by Barry's comments because he's used to his irreverent personality. He also understands how beneficial it is to let off steam by acting as silly as possible in his role as a wig-wearing back up vocalist in the Remainders.
"For me, it's just a complete break from everything else. It has so little resemblance to the rest of my life whether it's being in the constant company of other writers, pretending to be musical, being onstage. It's like a real vacation from who I am."
Musical talent
Like his bandmates, he downplays his musical ability.
Filling that role is ex-Byrds frontman and solo artist Roger McGuinn. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer found out that the puppy in Carl Hiaasen's "Sick Puppy" was named after him.
The two met at a book signing, where the sometime Remainder discussed the group's activities. This will be McGuinn's third year with the band.
Turow definitely approves of the addition: "Roger is probably the greatest living 12-string guitar player. He is also the musical author of a number the anthems of my youth. Although, I now know Roger and [his wife] Camilla quite well and am amazingly fond of both of them, I still regard him with awe."
Confronted with such high praise, a modest McGuinn said, "They're all famous stars. They're all more famous and richer than I am. There's nothing to be in awe of. We have mutual respect."
When reminded of some of the writers' self-deprecating comments on their musicianship, McGuinn related, "Well, they do that to get more compliments. I don't mean to give it away. But, basically, it's just for a good charity and we all have a lot of fun."