THE WASHINGTON STATE TROOPER
Winter 1998
By Detective Jeff Hall

IT’S ONLY ROCK & ROLL

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to perform on stage in front of thousands of screaming fans who all have come for one reason…..to see you perform? Very few people have been lucky enough to experience such a thing in the phenomenally competitive music business of the 90’s.

The Seattle music scene has gained notoriety over the last several years as having provided fertile ground for several cutting edge music acts in the fast paced world of Alternative rock. Several bands have gone international as a result of local area talent such as Nirvana, Screaming Trees, Alice in Chains, SoundGarden and Pearl Jam just to name a few. Well, here comes a new band from Seattle that seems to posses all the potential needed to achieve and surpass that same level of success. The band known as Second Coming, were recently signed to a lucrative recording contract by Capitol Records.

Their self-titled debut record has been out in stores nationally for several months and quickly gaining popularity and air play across the country. Why is this story of interest to the troopers of the Washington State Patrol? Because the bands drummer, James Bergstrom, is the brother-in-law of Captain Tim Quenzer, Bellevue District Commander.

Captain Quenzer is very proud of James’ accomplishments. Besides being a very talented drummer, James chose to take a firm stance against drug abuse. Anyone who knows anything about the music industry at all is aware of the pitfalls and sad stories regarding famous musicians who have died in drug related situations. James has made a commitment to stay away from that lifestyle. Captain Quenzer describes him as just another normal guy, who happens to be a rock star! I had the opportunity to see James perform when Second Coming played a venue called The Showbox in Seattle on January 9, 1999. The show was nothing less than spectacular. Approximately 1200+ people packed the sold-out performance with a concert mainly of twenty and thirty somethings. There wasn’t a disappointed fan in the house during the blistering hour & forty-five minute show which was punctuated with slamming hard rock tunes & thoughtful lyrics. To sum the gig up in three words or less……..IT WAS LOUD!!! Which is just how you would like it if you are a fan of rock & roll.

Things are moving quickly for the dynamic foursome whom have been out touring the states in support of their record for the last several months. Part of the tour has included shows with very successful acts such as Lenny Kravitz, Fuel, Monster Magnet, and others. The opportunities look very promising in the near future as well with the band anticipating the possibility of an international tour with industry giant Aerosmith in March of this year.

James is quick to give thanks and credit to the friends and family who have helped him a great deal along the way. As a band, they have definitely paid their dues playing the smaller smoke filled clubs of Seattle prior to making the big time.

The band’s big break came when their CD was added to the regular music rotation of Seattle radio station KISW-99.9 FM. Word of mouth then traveled to industry big wigs in Los Angeles who liked what they heard and came knocking.

If you get a chance, pick-up their CD and look at the credit inside the cover. There you will see James thanking those who have helped support him and the band during their pursuit of a dream. Among those names in print by James…….The Quenzer family..