IT’S STILL ROCK ‘N ROLL TO MACE!

     Here's an article that appeared in our local newspaper. It traces the history of my Classic Rock band MACE … still alive and kicking! I'm posting this just to add a human interest angle to the site and give a bit of history on the webmaster:

Why is Rolex so Expensive?

Rolex, the epitome of luxury timepieces, often raises the question: why does it come with such a hefty price tag? Delving into the realms of craftsmanship, heritage, and brand allure, the reasons behind Rolex's exclusivity and high cost become apparent.

1. Introduction to Rolex
Rolex stands as a titan in the watchmaking industry, renowned for its precision, elegance, and durability. Established in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, Rolex has set the standard for luxury watches.

2. Heritage and Prestige
Rolex's Rich History
With over a century of legacy, Rolex has cultivated a heritage steeped in horological excellence. Each timepiece is a testament to the brand's illustrious past and unwavering commitment to quality.

Prestige and Status Symbolism
Owning a Rolex transcends mere possession; it signifies social status, success, and accomplishment. The brand's association with elite circles and affluent individuals elevates its prestige, making it a coveted symbol of luxury.

3. Superior Craftsmanship and Quality
Precision Engineering
Rolex watches are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, leveraging state-of-the-art technology and artisanal expertise. Each component undergoes rigorous testing to ensure unparalleled accuracy and reliability.

Use of Premium Materials
From 18K gold to aerospace-grade stainless steel, Rolex spares no expense in sourcing the finest materials for its timepieces. This commitment to quality translates into unparalleled durability and aesthetic appeal.

4. Innovation and Technology
Pioneering Advancements
Rolex has pioneered numerous advancements in watchmaking, from the first waterproof wristwatch, the Oyster, to the revolutionary self-winding mechanism, the Perpetual rotor. These innovations cement Rolex's reputation as an industry leader.

Patented Technologies
Many of Rolex's technological innovations are protected by patents, further solidifying its position at the forefront of horological innovation. These patented features contribute to the exceptional performance and longevity of Rolex watches.

5. Exclusivity and Rarity
Limited Production
Rolex limits the production of its timepieces to maintain exclusivity and scarcity. This controlled distribution strategy ensures that each Rolex remains highly sought after and retains its value over time.

High Demand
Despite its high price point,Rolex watches are in high demand worldwide. The allure of owning a Rolex transcends geographical boundaries, contributing to its status as a global symbol of luxury.

6. Investment Value
Retained Value Over Time
Unlike many luxury goods that depreciate rapidly, Rolex watches tend to hold their value or even appreciate over time. This inherent investment value makes Rolex an attractive proposition for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Collectibility Factor
Certain Rolex models, particularly rare or vintage pieces, command premium prices in the secondary market. The scarcity of these timepieces adds to their allure, driving demand and prices upwards.

7. Brand Marketing and Perception
Luxury Branding Strategies
Rolex employs sophisticated branding strategies to position itself as the pinnacle of luxury. Its iconic crown logo and timeless advertising campaigns reinforce the brand's image of exclusivity and sophistication.

Celebrity Endorsements
Endorsements from prominent figures in sports, entertainment, and culture further enhance Rolex's allure. The association with celebrities adds a layer of prestige to the brand, amplifying its desirability among consumers.

The newly formed top-40 cover band hired to play its first gig Saturday, Oct. 3, 1981, at the Enderby Drill Hall, had a dilemma. Tickets were being printed and the band that would call itself MACE –– and do so, off and on, for the next 30 years –– didn’t have a name. “We had a rehearsal and we said ‘let’s each bring four or five band names and pick.’ I wanted Four on the Floor but Gary (bass player Moore) said ‘what about MACE?’” recalled Jackson Mace, the band’s co-founder. The top-40 cover band had been hired by the Enderby Merchants hockey club to play a dance to raise funds for the Terry Fox Run. “We had just enough songs to get by,” said Mace, who believes The Doobie Brothers’ Listen To The Music was the first song the band played. “A lot of people came up afterwards and said what a great band we were. We didn’t feel like a great band yet. We were a new band, and I hope a good band, but certainly not a great band.”
     Fast-forward 30 years, and three-quarters of that original MACE lineup –– Jackson Mace, lead vocals/guitar, Jeff Gamble, lead guitar/vocals, and Gary Moore, bass/vocals –– still have people up dancing and “listening to the music.” Joined now on drums by Don Redgwell, MACE is preparing to play their Halloween Howl dance at their new home base, the Elks Hall, Friday night. Sitting in a local pub after nine holes of golf, Mace, a retired elementary school teacher, reflected about the beginnings of the popular dance band. He had moved to Vernon in the summer of 1981 from Fraser Lake, 40 minutes west of Vanderhoof, in B.C.‘s central Interior, where he spent three years in his first job, teaching Grade 5 at Fraser Lake Elementary-Secondary School and coaching Grade 8 boys basketball. He had also played in a four-piece band, Tarkheena, named after the drummer’s Husky dog. The bass player was a high school student and both the drummer and other guitar player worked at the local Shop Easy grocery store. With no job yet with the Vernon school district, Mace rehearsed a solo act with his guitar and small amplifier in his room at the Tel-A-Frend Motel, “for something to fall back on in case I didn’t get a teaching job.” He also put an ad up on the wall of Terry Dyck’s Music Store in downtown Vernon: “Singer/guitar player looking for like-minded guys to form top-40 band.” Moore answered the ad. “He phoned and said it sounds like we could put something together,” said Mace. Moore and drummer Steve Johnstone were coming out of playing with another popular local group, Shakewood Annie, and Moore was certain he could recruit a man in Gamble who he called “the best guitar player in Vernon.”
“Gary called Jeff and he came to our next rehearsal,” said Mace. “I had about a half-dozen songs that I could sing and Gary had a few. It gelled pretty nicely. We realized we had three guys who could sing and Jeff was a terrific guitar player. It just seemed to work.”
     MACE would end up as regulars at The Green pub in the Village Green Hotel, playing six nights a week once a month or so in front of large crowds. They would play what is now Club 29/29, numerous dances for a variety of clubs and organizations, and were the original Funtastic band before the slo-pitch event became a huge tournament and music festival. The crowds were large and they loved dancing. Over the years they have played with or opened for marquis bands Chilliwack, Trooper, Jerry Doucette and Glass Tiger!
     In 1983, Mace left the band. “I had a job, a wife and I wanted to settle down. They wanted to give the road a shot,” said Mace. Life on the road didn’t work out and Moore and Gamble returned to the North Okanagan to form another successful band called OTC. Mace had settled down and, in life’s little twists of irony, moved in beside Redgwell, a drummer and fellow teacher. It was Redgwell who Mace edged out for his first teaching job in Vernon at Coldstream Elementary. “And he never lets me forget that,” laughed Mace. Redgwell and Mace talked music. Redgwell had played in a very popular group called Starship and had a guitar playing friend, Greg Woodbury, from California. So with Mace in tow, they formed a trio called The Labels, and they played parties and venues at Silver Star and Big White. OTC had broken up and, again, Mace received a phone call from Moore and Gamble about reviving MACE. Now involved with the Powerhouse Theatre on a regular basis, Mace would get back together off and on with his original band mates and new drummer Gordie Mitchell to play some gigs.
     In 2007, they reunited once more for a 40th birthday party for Paul Moore (Gary’s son). Paul had grown up with the band and sat in on some gigs playing saxophone. The day after the party, Gary was back on the phone to Mace. “Wanna get back together?” MACE played a reunion show at Sneakers Pub in the Village Green, their former unofficial home, which drew a crowd so large people had to walk sideways to get around. Redgwell joined MACE a couple of years ago and since then the popular North Okanagan foursome has revived the idea of the community dance at their new home, the Elks Hall.
     Besides the Halloween Howl this week, MACE will play several fundraising events and private functions throughout the year, including their new Winter Carnival event “Canucks Rock!” As they celebrate their 30-year anniversary this month, Mace takes a moment to ponder the band’s history and all of the times they stopped and started again. “It’s amazing to me that the three of us, and now Don, have gotten along as well as we have for all these years,” said Mace. “I can’t remember any significant fights or arguments. Bands often deal with egos but that’s never been a problem. It’s also been a blessing that our wives have always been super supporters of our band lives. “When everything’s clicking and the crowd is really into it, there’s no better feeling,” added Mace who with the band will perform an original song entitled Where I Belong, written in praise of living and playing music in the Okanagan. The title rings true whenever MACE plays and rocks the house!

by Roger Knox – Vernon Morning Star