Asphalt Playground

Asphalt Playground (1996-1999)

Asphalt Playground was an all‑original Metal band known for its disciplined production standards, powerful live performances, and professional show structure — rare for regional acts of the era. The band earned radio airplay on ZRock Pirate Radio and 98 KUPD, establishing itself as one of the strongest original acts in the Phoenix/Tucson circuit during the late 1990s.

Professional Production and Show Structure

Asphalt Playground operated at a level far above typical local bands. The group regularly performed full‑night shows with a dedicated professional sound engineer. This required:

early arrival and load‑in
noon soundcheck
full production setup
returning later for the evening performance
coordinated stage management
consistent, high‑quality live sound

Band Members

Lead Vocalist, Lyricist, and Band Manager: Hunter Storm
Lead Guitar: Bob Smalls
Rhythm Guitar: Brian Downing
Bass: Rob Erwin
Drums: Andy Crowley

Professional Production and Show Structure

Asphalt Playground operated at a level far above typical local bands of the era. The group regularly performed shows opening as direct support for major global acts, supported by hired production crew — a professional workflow normally seen only in touring acts.

Core Production Workflow

Early arrival and load‑in
Noon soundcheck with full system dial‑in
Full production setup including sound, lighting, and stage layout
Return‑for‑show protocol (crew and band leave after soundcheck, return for performance)
Coordinated stage management
Consistent, high‑quality live sound

Professional Operations and Band Management

This is the part most bands never had — and the part that made Asphalt Playground work. Hunter Storm handled the business operations of the band, ensuring that Asphalt Playground functioned like a professional act rather than a casual weekend group.

Booking the band — Secured venues, negotiated terms, and managed scheduling.
Creating and delivering flyers — Designed promotional materials and physically distributed them across Phoenix.
Building the mailing list — Maintained a growing fan contact list for show announcements and promotions.
Selling tickets — Made calls, coordinated pre‑sales, and ensured strong turnout for major shows.
Coordinating with venues — Managed load‑in times, production requirements, and promotional expectations.
Coordinating with venues — Managed load‑in times, production requirements, and promotional expectations.
Designing set lists — Created, printed, and distributed structured set lists for rehearsals and live shows.
Logo and CD artwork — Designed the band logo, CD artwork, and layout for promotional and distribution materials.
Hired sound engineer — Hunter Storm hired and personally paid for a dedicated sound man to ensure reliable, professional audio at every show.
Hired lighting technician — A professional light man handled cues, color washes, and visual dynamics.
Tour‑style discipline — The band followed structured timing, stage prep, and performance pacing.
Zero‑chaos execution — Shows ran cleanly, on time, and without the typical scramble.

This mindset set Asphalt Playground apart from other regional acts and contributed to the band’s reputation for delivering polished, high‑impact performances.

Performance Hierarchy and Time Slots

In the 1990s Phoenix/Tucson rock circuit, time slots were a major indicator of a band’s status. Being the 11 o’clock band was a significant achievement — it meant the venue trusted you to hold the crowd and build energy for the midnight headliner. Midnight was the prime slot, and 11 PM was the position reserved for bands with strong draw, reliable performance quality, and professional stage execution.

Asphalt Playground regularly secured the 10:45 or 11 PM slot, reflecting the band’s reputation, turnout strength, and production discipline.

Live Performances

Asphalt Playground was direct support as the opening band for global acts like Tesla, L.A. Guns, Lynch Mob, Bullet Boys, Raven, Sacred Reich, Pretty Boy Floyd, Sister 7, Vixen, A Flock of Seagulls, London, and St. Madness. Opened as direct support for and shared the stage with Gilby Clark former guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, and his band Mike Fasano, Phil Soussan, Ryan Roxie.