JackylFLINT, MI -- Since its formation in 1990, Jackyl has pretty much made the rounds of rock clubs throughout the United States.
But there's only one club the band calls its second home -- The Machine Shop in Flint.
"There's not a cooler venue in the country," said lead singer Jesse James Dupree. "The guys that own it, they're great friends and they're real passionate about what they do and that translates to everybody having a great experience there."
Before he would answer any other question related to his tour, which comes to the Shop on Saturday, June 23, or a new album set for release this summer, he wanted one thing known:
"There's a reason why [The Machine Shop] was voted one of the 100 most important things to happen to that city in the last 100 years," Dupree said with conviction. "They really provided a positive destination, wanting everybody to hang there right in the middle of Flint, considering all that Flint's going through."
Dupree, best known for his chainsaw-wielding solo during "The Lumberjack," no longer considers his band's performances "shows."
"It's basically turned into a family reunion now," he said. "It's something where everybody knows these songs. It's not about coming to see the show, it's about coming out to be part of the show. We always end up leaving a big old stain on that Machine Shop stage. I expect no less this time."
Jackyl is prepping a new album called "Best in Show," which Dupree said he believes will drop at the end of July. The album name is a joke that refers to the "classy" dogs that win Best in Show -- a stark contrast to the scavenger dog from which Jackyl took its name.
"It's got a lot of groove stuff on it," he said. "I think everybody's gonna really enjoy the record. The majority of the record is going to translate great to the live show."
James said over the years Jackyl's music has pretty much stayed the same.
"The party's just gotten bigger," he said. "We stick with what we know. We pushed the envelope from time to time but at the end of the day, we're just a tribute to straight-up rock 'n' roll."
Also at the end of July, Dupree will begin filming the fourth season of TruTV's "Full Throttle Saloon," a reality show which documents the happenings at the famous South Dakota saloon during the crazy days of the Sturgis bike rally.
Dupree is close friends with the saloon owner, Mike Ballard, and also produces the show.
"Every year's the unexpected," he said. "It's going to be another off-the-hook experience when we get up there."
Finally, this fall will mark the year anniversary of the motorcycle crash in Dupree's native Georgia that left him with a broken arm, ankle and foot.
""It was a hard thing to get over," said Dupree. "I still feel it from time to time. I broke my foot in four places, my leg in two places and my right arm. I hurt my feelings because I sure did love that motorcycle. It was not good. In 14 months time, I was shot out of a cannon, jumped off a bridge and hit by an SUV."
Jackyl with special guests Tripp N Dixie and Monkey Grinder
7 p.m. Saturday, June 23
The Machine Shop, 3539 S. Dort Highway, Flint
$15 in advance for the 18 and older show
(810) 715-2650 or etix.com