Pop Rock Sensation '7th Heaven' Performs at Durty Nellie's

Pop rock band 7th Heaven performs Saturday, Feb. 12 downtown at Durty Nellie’s West Irish Pub at 10:30 p.m.

Media representative Lenny Rago said that while the band plays an array of rock, 7th Heaven’s genre primarily falls under a “fixed format” of pop rock, or what some might consider Indie rock.

In fact, the band reported on its website that 7th Heaven is “one of the highest grossing Indie bands.” Perhaps this isn’t surprising given its history.

7th Heaven has performed as a group for 26 years. The band’s current line up has been playing together for the past five of those, with most of its members native to local areas such as Mt. Prospect, Des Plaines and Arlington Heights.

Several years ago, band member and lead guitarist Richie Hofherr recruited Keith Semple all the way from Larne, Ireland to join forces with 7th Heaven.

At the time, Semple already had enjoyed local successes on his own, including playing for the TV show “Pop-Stars—The Rivals” (The British version of “American Idol”). Semple would perform on lead guitar and vocals for Hofherr’s band, ultimately contributing to 7th Heaven’s waxing accolades.

The pop rock sensation’s successes have included opening for big rock icons such as Bon Jovi, Rick Springfield and Brett Michaels. To boot, Chicago’s popular radio station, Jack FM (104.3) reported a fervent listener interest to see 7th Heaven open once more for Bon Jovi at Soldier Field this March.

7th Heaven’s music has been played on popular Chicago FM radio stations, including 93.9, 96.7, 101.9, 102.3 and 105.5.

Rago said the band’s performance style is distinct in that it “plays 30 songs in 30 minutes.” This speedy array of sound includes a “pop medley,” with five or six band originals mixed with popular rock from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.

“They're not ashamed to play covers; covers are what draw audiences,” Rago said of 7th Heaven.

That having been said, 7th Heaven also has amassed great success for its billboard hit “Better This Way,” a 7th Heaven original.

According to Rago, Durty Nellie’s, where the band has performed repeatedly, is an ideal venue in that it allows for a “big drawing band.”

“[7th Heaven] is a very entertaining band; an arena type band. They put on a great show for big audiences,” Rago said.

According to the band’s website, it released a “Live at Durty Nellies” CD/DVD in 2005. The band’s released original material is sold on popular music venues including iTunes and Amazon.com

7th Heaven consists of Mark Kennetz, bass guitar/vocals; Richie Hofherr, Lead guitar/keyboard/vocals; Keith Semple, Lead vocals/guitar; Nick Cox, Lead guitar/vocals and Michael Moonshey, drums. Hofherr and Moonshey are founding members of 7th Heaven.

For more information on 7th Heaven and its music, visit http://www.7thheavenband.com/.