The only original band member not from Bedford, Indiana, Loving Man met Berry and Dale at the John Birch Society summer camp. The three became instant friends united in the common goal of getting America out of the United Nations. Recognizing that Stone Carnival could not possibly function with only one bass player, Berry and Dale invited Loving Man to join the band in 1995. Original bass player Big J embraced the addition, and the duo became known as the “Partners-In-Pumping,” a term that for obvious reasons led to unfounded gay rumors. In any case, Loving Man and Big J’s bi-bassual relationship gave each player the freedom to explore musically, and also greatly improved the chances that at least one correct bass part was being played at any given time.
When the feud between Berry and Paul K. broke the band up in 2002, Loving Man considered joining forces with Berry until he learned that Big J had already agreed to play on Paul’s solo album. Unwilling to separate from his long-time partner, Loving Man played co-bass on Paul’s solo album. Although the album, entitled “Berry Sucks,” met with poor reviews, Loving Man was able to show a more sensitive side by sharing vocals with Paul in the controversial romantic duet, “We Can Both Have Berry’s Wife.”
Following the adage “more is better,” during the band’s hiatus Loving Man attempted to recapture the magic of his glory days by forming the Sub-Marines. This experimental act featured multiple bass players dressed in the uniforms of the Few & the Proud. With a repertoire that included popular patriotic hymns arranged in 5-part bass, they became favorites at Civil War reenactments and biker rallies.
Fun fact: Loving Man carries a list of suspected Communists in his pocket at all times. He’ll gladly share it if you ask, but be forewarned that many of the names on the list will cause you to lose sleep at night (Spoiler Alert: Colonel Harland Sanders is on the list!).
