Silverada (Fmr. Mike & The Moonpies) Makes Its World Debut
Three hours after Mike Harmeier of Mike and the Moonpies made the surprise announcement that the band was changing their name to Silverada, the newly-named, but 17-year-old band took the stage at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater in Key West, Florida as part of 2024’s Mile 0 Fest. It will go down in history as Silverada’s first official show.
For more information on the name change from Mike and the Moonpies to Silverada, CLICK HERE.
As the band came out, a Silverada launch party ensued. Hundreds of Silverada T-shirts were thrown out in the crowd. Wade Bowen showed up with a T-Shirt canon, shooting shirts to the back of the amphitheater crowd, later helped by Mike Harmeier’s son. Two “Silverada” banners were unveiled on both sides of the stage, and Silverada beach balls and light up sticks were handed out throughout the crowd.
A show by the band formerly known as Mike and the Moonpies is usually a wild affair. The Silverada launch party took it to a whole other level. Silverada put on the best show in the band’s history, though that wasn’t exactly a tall order. But it also happened to be the best show in Mike and the Moonpies history too.
It’s fair to say that the reception for the new name has been frosty by the best assessment, and mostly negative wby the most accurate one, at least in the online world. But once the music started, none of this mattered. It was the greatest live band in country music playing a stellar show, no matter what they happen to be called. The only real names that mattered were Mike Harmeier, Catlin Rutherford, Omar Oyoque, Zachary Moulton, and Taylor Englert.
The name was different, but the songs were all the same hits from the band, along with a couple of new ones. Even if reception for the new name has been lukewarm, you could tell the respective members of Silverada see this as a new era, approaching the music with a renewed vigor, perhaps even happy to face the challenge of proving this name change was a smart move, and cherishing the opportunity for a fresh start.
Even if Silverada played the best show of their lives for the 5,000 or so folks assembled to see them down in Key West, it wouldn’t assuage the naysayers to their name change online. The shitposters will continue to shitpost, because that’s what they do. And the people who were never fans of Mike and the Moonpies in the first place still won’t be. They’ll simply use the name change as another opportunity to reef them in the nuts, along with all of their supporters.
But none of this matters in the end. On Friday, January 26th, 2024, the prevailing conversation in independent country music and Americana was the Mike and the Moonpies name change to Silverada. They achieved total immersion of conversation. Good or bad, people were paying attention, including some who may have never heard of the band before.
People like the familiar and that’s why there is some push back to the new name. Some established fans may hate the new name, but they’re not going anywhere. The music is too good, and ultimately, the music is what it’s all about. But when Silverada’s new self-titled album comes out on June 28th, all of this will be an afterthought. Their headliner show at the Ryman Auditorium on July 5th is already almost sold out.
The name change was never for the people who knew about Mike and the Moonpies. It’s about those that didn’t, and never would if the name change never happened. Who knows if it will work. But if you’re a trut fan, you hope it does. If nothing else, you’ve got to give them points for being bold.
Mike and the Moonpies is officially gone, and Silverada is here.
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All photos by Kyle “Trigger” Coroneos. For more photos from Mile 0 Fest 2024, follow Saving Country Music on Instagram.
January 26, 2024 @ 10:07 pm
As Trig contemplates renaming the website and logo…..
Jokes aside, happy that you could be there for the show. After seeing your photos of the boys on stage having fun with the new banner in the background, I’m already warming up and getting used to the new name.
I look forward to coming back to these comments in 3-5 years when they’re raking it in during a big tour. Then we can argue if the name change had anything to do with it or not.
January 28, 2024 @ 7:38 pm
They can call themselves Daisy Duke and the Crap Sandwiches and it wouldn’t matter a bit. Still the best damn country music Honky Tonkin band in the land. Haters gonna hate and negative people always going to post negativity. Best of luck to Mike and the guys!!
January 26, 2024 @ 10:24 pm
TO: TAFKAMM, OMAR, ZACHARY, CATLIN, TAYLOR, The Road Warriors, & Families.
Go get ’em you guys!
TEAR. IT. UP.
Muvada SILVERADA.
January 26, 2024 @ 10:34 pm
I hope they gain more recognition. Great band!
January 26, 2024 @ 10:39 pm
I’m still not convinced this isn’t some schtick…
January 26, 2024 @ 11:30 pm
Good name change. Bad velour sweatsuit.
January 27, 2024 @ 7:36 am
Channeling the Sopranos
January 27, 2024 @ 5:52 am
I really don’t care what they call themselves as long as they’re making the same great music.
That being said, I highly doubt it was the name that was preventing them from going any further, or higher up the ladder with no escape hatch, as Mike phrased it. I don’t think ANYTHING was PREVENTING them. With the right management and booking agents, it shouldn’t be an issue, especially in an arena where more and more people are seeking out authentic country music.
Has a name change for a band ever really succeeded in increasing their popularity or marketability? Did Jefferson Airplane changing their name to Jefferson Starship (even with a change in the lineup) really have much of an effect on the band and their following? Technically, they may be different bands, sure, and there may have been some legal reasons for the name change rather than a “rebranding,” yes, so I understand the two things here are not entirely the same.
So let’s use an example where the band regretted the name but stuck with it: Goo Goo Dolls. Johnny Rzeznik has said that “it’s kind of a stupid name…We had a gig and so we had to come up with some kind of a name just to play the show. I don’t know where that came from. And we just never changed it, which I wish we had.”
The name never really hindered them. They catapulted to superstardom in the late 90s – and while they may not maintain the mainstream popularity they once had, it isn’t for reasons of the name – and they still succeed and have a very loyal fanbase.
Time will tell if this was a good move or bad move for Silverada. The band had become known by Mike & the Moonpies, and a name change isn’t really starting over, but it sort of takes away the name recognition. Then again, Cody Canada doesn’t seem to regret not pushing on a Cross Canadian Ragweed – which again, I realize there was a major lineup change there, but all the same, it doesn’t seem to have hurt him.
January 27, 2024 @ 8:13 am
I think it’s important to understand that this isn’t just about a name change. It’s about a reset. It’s about taking a step back, assessing where you are, retooling, and moving forward once again with more wisdom and purpose.
I don’t know if it will work. But I agree with the band that there was some weird ceiling over them. The name was part of that.
January 27, 2024 @ 9:06 am
Without proper management and changing their booking agent, isn’t this just putting lipstick on a pig?
If every time they step out of the red dirt region they play shitty little listening rooms with couches (Red Dragon in Baton Rouge) or coffee shops to a handful of fans, does it matter what they call themselves?
Look at fellow red dirt band Flatland Calvary this past summer … they opened for Luke Combs, then jumped on Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival and got some real national exposure. Why hasn’t the band formerly known as Mike and the Moonpies ever toured as an opener on a huge national tour? 2 years ago for a string of dates, Willie’s Outlaw Festival lineup was The War and Treaty, Charley Crockett, Zach Bryan, ZZ Top, and Willie Nelson. I would think getting on a tour like that would greatly benefit the band formerly known as Mike and the Moonpies – old ZZ Top fans would love them!
I also never hear their music on any TV shows, movies, video games, TikTok… Zach Bryan was going to be a superstar no matter what, but Yellowstone speed up that trajectory when they used “Condemned” episode 2, season 3 (July 2020). Whiskey Myers and Lainey Wilson also have Yellowstone to thank for major career boosters.
If it’s business as usual without any management or booking shakeup, then the results will be the same.
January 27, 2024 @ 2:11 pm
Adding Shane Smith to the Yellowstone band craze.
Might have eventually made the jump, but being in Yellowstone was a huge catalyst. Their last album was 2019, and were never huge outside of Texas beforehand.
January 27, 2024 @ 5:09 pm
Hoptowntiger,
You’re putting the cart before the horse here. They’re playing the venues that are commensurate with their draw. If they’re booked in bigger or better venues and don’t pack them out, they won’t book them again. They’re not getting opportunities on those big festivals and bills because people look at them as a known quantity. They’re on WME, which is a huge booking agency. But ultimately it’s up to the festival promoters to book them.
Same goes with syncs on TV shows, etc. I’m sure they’re trying to get these things, but it’s not happening for them. All of these things are reasons they want to do the name change.
Again, I don’t know if it will work and I’m not going to sit here and predict it will. But I’m not going to blame them for trying.
January 28, 2024 @ 8:40 am
Hey Trig,
I’m not suggesting bigger or better venues, just more appropriate venues. I’m not spending a dime to see the band formerly known as Mike and the Moonpies in a listening room with sofas and the sound of frothing milk from an espresso machine in the background. There are plenty of dancehalls, honky-tonks, large bars with stages where people can get up dance and shoot shots of fernet outside of the red dirt region they should be playing that are more appropriate for their crowd than listening rooms.
WME books from a spreadsheet that takes into account this number and that number and more importantly the political nature of established relationships with venues and it spits out listening rooms and coffee shops which has killed Mike and the Moonpies touring existence outside of the red dirt region. It takes some creativity, but I see other artists of their stature (Chris Knight, Town Mountain) booking venues that better suits their fans.
Overall, I think commenters are just shocked (they are pulling out each others hair in the Mockingbirds fan page). The move reeks of desperation – it’s like changing your name because you stopped getting laid – and people fear what happens next if this doesn’t work.
January 28, 2024 @ 9:38 am
I think folks need to take a deep breath over this situation. I’ve seen the band over the last few days. Their spirits are high, the shows are killer, and they’re not going anywhere.
I think it’s important that people know that the name change is part of a greater effort to reset the band to address the very concerns you’re bringing up. They recently brought publicity and management in house to have more control, but still give them the latitude to sign with someone else if the opportunity comes along. I don’t think it would be smart for them to fire WME, who is the biggest talent representation company in the world. I would suggest trying to work within that system.
January 27, 2024 @ 11:59 am
I mean, the main thing preventing them from appealing to a wider audience wasn’t the name. The unfortunate truth is it’s Mike’s voice.
Those of us that love the band have grown to love the voice, but as for my friends that don’t usually listen to country, but I’ve gotten into Turnpike, Colter Wall, Tyler Childers etc? The newer fans that have led to the increased success of those bands aren’t latching onto MTMP/Silverada in the same way because of Mike’s voice. Simple as. I wish it wasn’t, because I think since ‘Steak Night’ Mike has been one of the best songwriters in the field, but it’s the unfortunate truth.
January 27, 2024 @ 1:23 pm
Love the guy and I think his voice is great for the band, but you are correct.
January 27, 2024 @ 3:44 pm
Huh, I think his voice is lovely, particularly on Steak Night! Zach Bryan doesn’t have the greatest voice or range, but he’s doing great. I think Mike imbues a ton of personality in his singing, which adds so much.
January 27, 2024 @ 7:48 pm
Mike’s voice is fine. In a time when Zach Bryan is one of the most popular artists around, the idea that anyone’s voice is holding anyone back is hubris. What holds artists back these days is having a great voice.
January 27, 2024 @ 11:38 pm
“What holds artists back these days is having a great voice”… I would add: “and a lack of character or standout writing/personality.”
I feel terrible for coming out with this, but the band formerly known as Mike and the Moonpies, has no “wow factor”, as far as I’m concerned. I know how inflammatory that can be for die-hard fans (and especially those who have seen them live— which I have not), so I don’t say it lightly. I LOVE Mike’s voice. The band is clearly in sync, and relies on pure feeling more than formulating and sterilized timing, to get the job done. I recognize the insane talent. At the same time, they have truly never stuck out to me. No matter how many times I try and listen. “Paycheck to Paycheck” and “Road Crew” are the only songs that stuck with me enough to mention without a google search.
That being said— voice is the least of their problems in my opinion. I am so surprised at the criticism, yet I can understand how I guess it’s not for everybody? Regardless… I think it goes much deeper than voice. Again, the name change may seem silly too many die-hards, however, I have listened to this band more in the past 40-something hours than I have the past 5 years. I feel like that is a sign of success and progress for the direction they are going.
January 28, 2024 @ 6:21 am
I’m just retelling what I’ve heard form friends who I have shown Silverada’s music too. What the difference between Zach B’s voice and Mike’s voice is to these people, I don’t know – but there is unquestionably *something* that is more of an acquired taste about Mike’s voice to people usually outside of this sphere of music.
The good news, though, is this sphere is now so much larger than it used to be that bands like Silverada don’t need to pull from outside of it, thanks to the success of people like Zach B, Turnpike, Tyler Childers etc expanding the sphere.
January 28, 2024 @ 4:40 pm
If we are talking about fame here, what is holding them back is the style of country they play. They are awesome at it, but aside from cheap silver, they make only one kind of country. What on earth makes anyone think they are going to smash the world apart with the type of country they play? It will never resonate with the masses.
February 1, 2024 @ 4:37 pm
The unfortunate truth is Mike needs consistency in the fashion/style department. No more ‘getting high at home’ stage wear looks. You can’t look good in neon in sweatsuits and sneakers. The rest of the band styles well on their own—fall into that Silverada vibe.
January 27, 2024 @ 6:18 am
What is in a name? If they are good, which they are, maybe the name does not matter. However, it has to be a risk as they are pretty well known as Mike & The Moonpies. Good luck to them. They deserve more recognition but I am not sure this will achieve it.
January 27, 2024 @ 6:20 am
I like the new logo
January 27, 2024 @ 6:41 am
I’m surprised fans are griping about the name change. To me, the band kills because they write great songs, play tight and shred live. None of that has anything to do with a band name. Because of that, I think the name change can only be a positive. I wonder how much of the griping comes from the odd fandom thing of wanting the artist to remain small, or “my secret.” I just want these guys to succeed as much as possible and now is the perfect time for them in their niche of art.
January 27, 2024 @ 2:45 pm
I don’t think fan griping is malicious towards the band or in counter to their mainstream success. Fans have a connection with a name. It’s going to take some time to accept and for supporters to not personalize the band’s “outgrowth” of a name beloved to them. Creatively, they’ve taken issue with the new name. I don’t think fans would have reacted as harshly if the “why” and the creative story behind the new name had been empathetic and crystal clear.
January 27, 2024 @ 5:36 pm
However, the Rolling Stone article provides more direct insight on how the band landed on the name. Wishing Silverada the best.
January 27, 2024 @ 8:50 am
An aside, Mile 0 continues to be a great festival. Limiting the size to 5000 allows it to intimate, especially in the smaller venues.
January 27, 2024 @ 9:02 am
Froggy Freshhhh! (and Money Maker Mike)
January 27, 2024 @ 9:03 am
I’m kind of meh about the new name, but these pics show that it looks better than it sounds.
January 27, 2024 @ 10:02 am
Just psyched I have a Mike & the Moonpies Tshirt
The most underrated band in modern country music
January 27, 2024 @ 10:45 am
I heard Midland is changing their name to Duranga
January 27, 2024 @ 1:25 pm
I heard they were going with Tacomo….
January 27, 2024 @ 2:47 pm
I heard it was Odessa!
January 27, 2024 @ 12:14 pm
I’m curious about the setlist. Any chance you have that? Would love to hear any feedback on the new songs they played. Is the overall sound any different on those new tunes or just a natural progression from the previous record?
Thanks!
January 27, 2024 @ 1:11 pm
i don’t think the name was holding them back. i think this one might tho. silverada sounds more like an abba b-side than a country band.
January 27, 2024 @ 4:19 pm
“The shitposters will continue to shitpost”.
Is it possible that some people simply just don’t like the new name? I love the band. Have for a long time. And I get that you, Trig, truly are IN LOVE with the band. But you sound a little bit like a defensive, jealous boyfriend when someone says something negative about them – such as the new name.
It is okay for people to have a different opinion, bud.
January 27, 2024 @ 8:09 pm
The comment about shitposters was not about fans. It was about shitposters, meaning people who actively don’t like the band anyway and are piling on. Not fans.
Clearly this name change was not well-received online. I definitely acknowledge that. All I’m trying to do is explain the intention behind it. I think folks are reacting because they don’t like change, and they don’t like the name. I get it. I’m just trying to zoom out and look at the bigger picture. I also am open that I don’t know how all of this will go, and thus, the ultimate wisdom behind it.
What I do know is Silverada makes great music. And we should support great music. I also believe something needed to “happen” with Mike and the Moonpies, and said as much in multiple articles. There was a disconnect between where they were, and where they needed to be. I’m not sure if this name change is the solution, but hell, it’s worth a shot.
Not sure what I have to be “jealous” about. I do like the band. I like Jason Isbell as well, but am willing to call bullshit when I see it from him. I’m not calling bullshit here because I don’t know that’s what this is.
I think we should all take a deep breath, and re-evaluate when the album comes out in six months, and then again in a year from now. All anyone is really doing right now is speculating.
It worked for Watchhouse. Let’s hope it works for Silverada.
January 27, 2024 @ 5:04 pm
It is a silly moniker.
Reminiscent of a truck brand or a CVS drug.
Their popularity issue isn’t due to a name.
January 28, 2024 @ 2:26 am
The Teriffic Red Dragon in Baton Rouge is a unique listening room holding approximately 100 rabid loyal fans that LISTEN and appreciate great songwriting..they’ve hosted Guy Clark, Joan Baez and other big names at up to a hundred bucks admission years ago
.Not a typical stop for established bands but a great launching pad in a new area.
January 29, 2024 @ 7:16 pm
@RoyBoy I tried to get tickets to Chris Knight last spring at the Red Dragon. They never responded to emails and that was the only way I could find to get tickets.
Judging by my past experience, I’m not sure I’d call it terrific. If there is a more efficient way to actually get into a show there?
January 29, 2024 @ 8:25 pm
Sorry you had trouble..my experience always good..Chris Maxwell is director..
January 29, 2024 @ 8:36 pm
Thanks for responding, I kinda wrote them off, but I’ll check out their upcoming schedule and give them another shot.
January 28, 2024 @ 7:36 am
I applaud it. If you have a stupid name, guess what? You can change it.
You may lose some brand recognition. On the other hand, you might not, and maybe the new brand will be better marketing in the long run.
Or maybe you don’t evan care, and you just want to like the name of your band. It’s your damn band, you can call it whatever you want. Oh no, an upset fan vows to stop listening. Oh well. Bye.
A lot of bands have stuck with stupid names and now it’s their lifelong legacy. Rock fans in the 90’s were listening to bands with names like Goo Goo Dolls, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Bare naked Ladies. These guys didn’t get the memo. It’s your band, dudes. You can call it whatever you want. If the name is dumb, lose it.
January 28, 2024 @ 8:25 am
For a few moments after I first saw the announcement, I thought their facebook page had been hacked!
But it’s been no secret that they weren’t happy with their old name, so it’s not really a surprise. I hope it works out for them.
If “Silverada – formerly known as, Mike and the Moonpies” (that’ll be small type on a poster) keep putting on shows as good as I saw them play in England last year, it won’t long before we’ll wonder what the fuss was about.
I was lucky enough to see them playing in a tiny black-painted bar, in the basement of a parking garage in Manchester UK. Ok… so the guitars changes had to be carried through the audience and there was a massive concrete column in the middle of the stage – but they put on the kind of show you’d expect to see on festival main stage.
Thanks Trigger, for the Mile 0 reports and the great pictures.
January 29, 2024 @ 7:23 am
saw them in germany on that same tour. they blew the roof top up
January 28, 2024 @ 11:26 am
Good or bad, these guys are getting a ton of publicity. This might turn out to be a good marketing move. As I said in the first article, Mike and The Moonpies was a goofy name. I do think the band needs to hire a proper manager and team, though.
January 28, 2024 @ 12:41 pm
You can’t discount how important it is to be the thing everyone is talking about. However you feel about the name change, this was an accomplishment.
January 28, 2024 @ 8:42 pm
I hear the Moonpie company issued them a cease and desist.
January 29, 2024 @ 12:23 am
That is simply not true!
January 30, 2024 @ 9:07 am
I would believe that in 2012, this is just a silly assertion now.
January 29, 2024 @ 9:33 am
Still the best country band around. One of the very best live acts you’ll see. I won’t ever miss them when they come to KC. Ever. Currently my favorite rock and roll band by a long mile. There is no one I enjoy as much or more besides maybe The Mavericks and Billy Strings.
If the boys in the band are down the the name change I am as well. But if listeners have shitty taste in music it won’t matter what they’re called. No other band really compares.
January 30, 2024 @ 7:16 am
listen, 10+ years ago, I went to go the see the Turnpike Troubadours at the old Peachtree Tavern in Buckhead GA. a little known band called Mike and the Moonies was the opening act. I was hooked then, I’ll stay hooked now. if changing the name is what gets them more recognition and possibly taken more serious as a real country band as opposed to a novelty act I’ll be glad to see it. but it’s still a shame that this is the kind of dramatic thing that they fee like they have to do to get noticed on a larger scale.
March 5, 2024 @ 6:45 pm
We were at the Peachtree Tavern that night to see the Turnpike Troubadours but must have gotten there after Mike and the Moonpies opened. Wish that place was still around. The Troubadours were awesome. Not even 100 people. Those were the good ole days. Not quite The Mercury, but the Peachtree Tavern was a great venue to see them when nobody knew who they were, especially outside of Oklahoma.
February 1, 2024 @ 2:55 pm
I didn’t really see this coming, but all power to ’em!
After thinking about it for a minute or two, I realized that telling people I’m a fan of a band named “Silverada” will involve less clarification than “Mike & The Moonpies”; only because the former sounds more sellable than the latter (which is a little cheesy, except to the already locked-in fans).
Also recalling that I quickly got used to Wilder Blue rather than Hill Country.
February 26, 2024 @ 2:21 pm
Mostly out of curiosity, any reason they have left the domain name on their website alone? Not nit-picking just wondering why it is still https://www.themoonpies.com/
Also, The title on the tab is “Home | MikeandtheMoonpies”