Sonic's Rendezvous Band

The Profile

Detroit rock group formed around Fred "Sonic" Smith with Scott Morgan, Scott Asheton and Gary Rasmussen; best known for the single "City Slang" and later live/archival releases documenting their late‑1970s live power.

Fred "Sonic" Smith (ex-MC5) joined with Scott Morgan (Rationals), Scott Asheton (Stooges) and Gary Rasmussen (the Up) to form Sonic's Rendezvous Band. The band released the single "City Slang" (b/w "Electrophonic Tonic") in 1978. Many live tapes and archival releases followed; a notable compilation/album titled "Sweet Nothing" (Mack Aborn Rhythm Arts) was issued to recover a 1978 Second Chance concert recording, with involvement noted by Patti Smith in facilitating posthumous releases of Fred Smith material. The original single pressing had production/distribution issues noted in contemporary accounts.

Two DeBaser reviews celebrate Sonic's Rendezvous Band as a Detroit supergroup centering on Fred "Sonic" Smith and the single "City Slang." Reviews emphasize the band's raw live energy and the importance of posthumous/archival releases (notably the Mack Aborn / Patti Smith-backed "Sweet Nothing" set). The single "City Slang" (b/w "Electrophonic Tonic") and live tapes are repeatedly highlighted.