Band that allegedly blocked 101 Freeway sings about traffic jams
The group allegedly responsible for causing a huge traffic jam on the 101 Freeway by blocking all southbound lanes is an Orange County-based band called the Imperial Stars.
California Highway Patrol dispatchers said they first learned about the disruption from a 911 caller who reported "a concert going on on a truck on the freeway." The band had blocked the freeway with their truck, and members of the group were standing on top of it, playing music, authorities said.
On their website, the band members advocate for aiding homeless children and pledge to donate proceeds from one of their songs, "Traffic Jam 101," to homeless children.
The band describes itself as "ROCK STARS! Living on the Edge they're known for getting crazy and hanging out with their friends."
The debuted in 2010 with a "hard core, hip hop" album.
Band members include vocalists Christopher Wright and Paul Arabella, guitarists Alec Bauer and Keith Yackey and drummer Kenny Cash.
The Highway Patrol said it was in the process of towing the truck and had arrested three people, who officials did not immediately identify.
-- Andrew Blankstein
EDITOR'S PICKS:
song isn't half bad.
Posted by: damien | October 12, 2010 at 11:56 AM
Outrageous. They ought to have the book thrown at them. Seriuosly unacceptable.
Posted by: Bill | October 12, 2010 at 12:35 PM
good for them.great cause and good music,
Posted by: kevin | October 12, 2010 at 12:35 PM
It is all bad.
Posted by: Furry | October 12, 2010 at 12:42 PM
No, the song is ALL BAD.
Posted by: Liz | October 12, 2010 at 12:44 PM
Are you kidding? It's beyond terrible.
Posted by: Steve | October 12, 2010 at 12:48 PM
And naturally, the Times glorifies these lamebrains and gives them a puff piece advertisement article.
Posted by: Mufon | October 12, 2010 at 12:49 PM
Morons! It's incredible what people would do to get some internet fame. I guess their music wasn't good enough to do it for them, so they took drastic measures and decided to add to the already congested traffic of Los Angeles. I hope they get some severe punishment for their stupid stunt.
Posted by: Anthony | October 12, 2010 at 12:50 PM
it's crap. could not finish it.
Posted by: Fred | October 12, 2010 at 12:50 PM
I hope these idiots have to stand in line for a few days just to see the judge in this case.......since clogging a major artery of southern california seems like such a neato idea....
Posted by: MadMiek | October 12, 2010 at 12:59 PM
LAME!!!!!! thats all i can say.
Posted by: Robert | October 12, 2010 at 01:06 PM
Totally Awsome!!! I can't wait to see it on YouTube!!! I never heard of the Imperial Stars before, but now I'm a fan. Check out their website, they care about misplaced children and will donate all the money they make from this song to needy kids. :)
Posted by: Roxanne | October 12, 2010 at 01:07 PM
The music video sucks - the graphics are cool, but the dancing is horrible.
I think this type stunt is stupid and unfair to all the people who were made late to work cause these morons have no respect for anyone but themselves. I hope they get jail time for this.
I personally refuse to buy into the band for the sole reason that they don't deserve attention for the stupidity they displayed today.
Posted by: Mark | October 12, 2010 at 01:08 PM
I'm looking forward to hearing their chart-topping sequel
"Traffic Jail, Fines, Lawsuits 101"
Posted by: DJM | October 12, 2010 at 01:08 PM
Due to loss of regional productivity caused by missed work hours, let them promote the hell out of their songs so that they can live off the royalties while each of them spends 5,000 community service hours cleaning up the shoulders of our freeways.
Posted by: Chris Nunes | October 12, 2010 at 01:15 PM
Wow, what a crappy song, boys. To be rockstars first please perform rock music. 2nd be stars. Both of these will be nearly impossible for you I fear. So here's an idea, if people won't willingly listen to your listless dreck you could always force them. Just stop traffic and start playing, guaranteed fans! Oh you tried that? Got arrested huh? Still no talent? Shame.
Posted by: idiotproof | October 12, 2010 at 01:16 PM
It's not half-good either.
Posted by: Joe | October 12, 2010 at 01:37 PM
no offense. but their music is dreadful. I can't believe they put soo many peoples lives and jobs at risk to play their silly song in the middle of the freeway. People in LA have places to go. morons.
Posted by: Cords | October 12, 2010 at 02:12 PM
I wonder how many kids were assaulted, beat up, or otherwise victimized while police were unable (because of severe traffic congestion on the 101) to respond to them.
Also - being "known for... hanging out with friends" is probably the funniest line from a bio I've ever heard.
Posted by: petey | October 13, 2010 at 02:54 PM
About Imperial Stars Band-Traffic Jam 101. I feel so proud of these Boys. Because really they have a great MISSION HELPING HOMELESS CHILDREN. GOD BLESS THEM.
Posted by: Angelina | October 13, 2010 at 11:30 PM
alec bauer did not participate in this stunt
Posted by: tim anthony | October 14, 2010 at 10:05 AM
Boy...... They really suck! No surprise.
Posted by: El Guapo de la ciudad de Los Angeles | October 14, 2010 at 11:26 AM
If I'm going to be stuck in traffic on the 101, it better be something worth looking at, these guys are lame, somebody must have a rich dad. They suck.
Posted by: donut | October 14, 2010 at 12:02 PM