Letters to the editor:
[email protected]

How About My Boss?

In several issues over the past few years, you have printed articles reminiscing about the Knoxville Band "Sage." In almost every instance you list the accomplishments of Travis Wyrick. But you have never mentioned the accomplishments of the any of the other guys in "Sage", specifically Dave Akers, president of M&L Sound, Inc.

I am a long-time employee of M&L Sound, Inc. and worked with Travis and Dave as the band's engineer. They were and probably still are two of the finest guitarists I've worked with in the 25 years I've been in the music business.

Both of them have shown so much talent and ability while staying in the music business that I am extremely proud to know both of them. When your articles come out, someone will tell Dave about it, he will almost always laugh it off. But the staff here is getting tired of the lack of respect shown to Dave. I certainly do not want to take anything away from Travis, because his work and rewards stand on their own merits. M&L Sound, Inc. was started in 1989 with about $5,000 and a little attitude. According to recent publications, yearly revenues run in the $4-5 million range. Current assets are around $2 million, but I really think it's more than that. M&L was started in Dave's basement in North Knoxville. M&L now has three warehouses ranging from 2,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet.

In June, Dave and former "Sage" singer Doug Shock traveled to and performed for our troops in the Middle East. They traveled to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bahrain, North Africa, and several other places. I can assure you that the staff was proud of the boss and the band for their sacrifice.

M&L Sound provides sound systems for many local and regional events such as Sundown in the City, Rockin' on the River, and Bristol Speedway's Music in the Meadow Series. We even provide systems for shows you help sponsor. M&L also has a contracting department that delivers and installs audio-visual systems nationwide. In fact, M&L is one of the fastest-growing audio companies in the country. We have had numerous articles written about us in The Knoxville News Sentinel, Pro Sound News, and Live Sound Magazine.

Dave has supported many local musicians without much fanfare through hiring them for extra work services or just flat-out help. Like Scott Pederson and Dave Heyer from Gran Torino, JagStar, Doug Shock, Dave Landeo, Tall Paul, Steve Britton, and believe me there are many more.

Tony Johns
Knoxville

Strummed Up

I'm always taken back to another time with "Secret History," but when my wife asked if I had seen the article about The Clash in the [July 17] Metro Pulse, I couldn't help but think back to March 28, 1984, at Alumni Gymnasium.

I was on the floor of that old gym and saw a true legend. After a quick exit by Tav Falco and the Panther Burns, the dozen or so television screens flickered with scenes of unfairness in the world and then Joe Strummer and The Clash took the stage.

I was there. I saw the greatest lyricist and rocker ever. He confronted us with the world's injustices and we knew that night we could make a difference, and if we weren't willing to, we knew Joe would.

Thanks Brian Conley for taking me back. When folks of my generation have forgotten whichever Top-40 artist they saw at the Coliseum or Stokely—I can always say, you know I saw the greatest band ever.

Scott Williams
Seymour