Rogue Wave's Incredible Story on Morning Sessions

Rogue Wave drummer Pat Spurgeon counts his blessings because of someone's decision to become an organ donor. Born with one failing kidney, Spurgeon's quest for a suitable match ended 13 years ago when he underwent his first kidney transplant. When that organ began to fail, however, it looked like it might have been the end for a musician who was just starting to hit his stride--and for a band that was poised for success.

Undeterred by the difficulties and risks associated with the process, Spurgeon made the decision to perform self-dialysis on the road. Meanwhile, Spurgeon's friend Jim Granato chronicled the mechanics of self-dialysis, the search for a new kidney, and the support system created by family and bands such as Death Cab for Cutie and Nada Surf that helped to raise money for health care costs.

Granato's resulting documentary, D tour, is a must-see rock doc--regardless of your position on organ donation. And Pat Spurgeon's personal story is a must-hear interview on Morning Sessions at 9:20 a.m. Friday.
Rogue Wave performs at the Ottobar on Thursday, July 29.

Life Hit By a Rogue Wave

If there ever was a "perfect storm" for the undoing of a band, then Rogue Wave got hit by a big one.

Over the past few years, former member, Evan Farrell was tragically killed in a house fire, drummer Pat Spurgeon, who was born with one kidney, took his dialysis on the road while he desperately waited for a donor, and frontman Zach Rogue, slipped two discs in his neck, which caused him to lose sensation in his guitar-playing hand- not to mention, he was bed-ridden for some time.

The overcoming of all these things is a legendary and moving story. If you get a chance, seek out the PBS documentary D-Tour on Pat's life-affirming story to find a donor match.

The other triumph is their new album on Brushfire Records, Permalight. It's got lots of clicks, clacks and other percussive electronic touches that make it, kind-of easy to dance to. It's an honest and energetic re-emergence.

Rogue Wave play the 930 Club tonight.

Brushfire filmaker and co-owner Emmett Malloy directs the video for their new single, Good Morning

Rogue Wave - Good Morning from Rogue Wave on Vimeo.

and check out more of Pat Spurgeon's incredible story here:

D Tour trailer from Jim Granato on Vimeo.