Western Courier

Issue date: 11/7/05 Section: News

Former Fat Boys played two shows with mc chris over the summer, creating a new fan base. They are currently trying to book a show in the Macomb area.

Imagine being on stage as the opening band for your favorite group. Now pinch yourself because it is only a dream. However, for one Western Illinois University student this dream has become a reality.

Pat Ryan, junior broadcasting major, is a part of the three-man rap group known as Former Fat Boys. The group has reached unimaginable highs. A two-show mini tour opening for underground legend mc chris, a new album released on its own record label and a blurb on MTV's The Reality Show, a goal that most people only reach in their dreams.

Chris Ward, otherwise known as mc chris and from Libertyville, is a rapper, voice actor and Former Fat Boys idol. Mc chris has worked with Cartoon Network's Adult Swim on the cartoons Sealab 2021 and Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

When the head of the Former Fat Boys, Ben Garbe from Geneva, also known as $ucksex (pronounced success), tried to get mc chris to be featured on their album. When he said he was unable to, Garbe asked if he would consider coming down to the University of Illinois to play a show. Mc chris accepted and The Former Fat Boys accompanied him on stage. Mc chris liked the group so much, he invited it to open for him at two shows at the Mirmar in Milwaukee and the Double Door in Chicago.

"We are all huge fans of mc chris. He's hilarious, so it was very exciting to be able to open for him," Ryan said. "He has this great ability to make his fans feel like they are his only fans. He is interested in all they have to say. He is on the same level," he said.

The Former Fat Boys were opening in Milwaukee and after the show a group of people approached them. The Former Fat Boys told the group they were playing the next night in Chicago. The people showed up and, after the show, told the band they were there to see them.

"It was so flattering I almost cried," Ryan said. "To see people actually enjoy the crap you're putting out is probably the greatest feeling in the world."

The group had another humbling experience when $ucksex attended an open casting call for MTV's The Reality Show. He was picked, but was let go right before the cameramen began filming. However, they were able to get a few scenes in the commercial promoting the show.

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