? and the Mysterians Play Fire Relief Benefits

Now that the shedding of tears is over, garage rock stalwarts ? and the Mysterians-- whose wildly influential 1960s cut "96 Tears" you've heard, even if you think you haven't-- make a triumphant return to the stage.

As you may recall, the Clio, Michigan house belonging to ? (given name, allegedly: Rudy Martinez) and his manager and backing vocalist burned to the ground back on January 9 of this year. Apart from seeing his home reduced to ashes, ? also lost four pet Yorkies and a cockatoo in the fire, with a fifth dying later due to injuries sustained during the blaze. Also gone forever: heaps of recording equipment, the gold record for "96 Tears", and numerous valuables.

If your heart-strings haven't been sufficiently tugged yet, check out the video below, which has ? wandering through the snowed-over ruins of his home and offering an inspirational message in spite of it all.

Rather than idly weep, however, ? will begin the rebuilding process by doing what he does best: rocking and rolling. The charismatic vocalist and his Mysterians play two shows this month to raise fire relief funds; the first goes down at Chicago's Empty Bottle tomorrow night, March 24, and the second has ? and band rocking St. Louis' Off Broadway on March 30.

The same night as the St. Louis gig, a bunch of Detroit garage rockers will hold a separate benefit for ? at their city's Magic Bag. That bill includes Nathaniel Mayer, Fortune & Maltese, the Fondas, the Meltdowns, the Avatars, Outrageous Cherry, and Space Heaters, with more guests to be announced. That's a whole lot of rock for a mere $10 and a cause that can't be beat.

A born entertainer, ? will likely find himself called to the stage on more occasions in the coming months.

? and the Mysterians:

03-24 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
03-30 St. Louis, MO - Off Broadway