Autumn Kings song connects with Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings playing tune by Windsor band Autumn Kings during games
A Windsor rock band is poised to score some major success after attracting the attention of big-league players including Kid Rock and the Detroit Red Wings.
The song Devil in Disguise by the Autumn Kings is in regular rotation at Little Caesars Arena during Red Wings games. Guitarist and vocalist Jake Diab said that opportunity has made a fan out of Kid Rock, who invited them to play some gigs at his bar in the arena. “We’re getting our feet wet, we’re meeting all the right people,” said Diab, 21. “I’m super stoked.” The four-piece band, formed in 2015, includes Diab, lead vocalist Joseph Coccimiglio, 24, bassist Tibor Bognar, 21, and drummer Nick Predhomme, 20.
Diab said Devil in Disguise — a hard-driving rock ditty heavy on drums and guitar — was already played during pre-season games along with other songs including one by Jack White. The band is hoping their song will be chosen as the “goal song” that is played whenever the Red Wings put a puck in the net.
“We’re pushing for exclusive so hard right now,” said Diab. “I’ve been talking to the Wings managers to make it the only one. But I’ll tell you this, they’re playing it every single game right now regardless.” Red Wings representative Alex DiFilippo confirmed the band is in the running for the coveted goal song. “We do currently play music by Autumn Kings during our game presentation,” he said in an email. “One of their songs is being considered, but we have not selected a goal song.”
Diab sent Devil in Disguise to the Red Wings several months ago. “People have been telling me when we tour, wherever we play, that this song is the ultimate fit for a hockey song,” said Diab.
He said the organization started playing it at the end of last season, to test fan reaction.
“It turned out to be great,” said Diab. “A couple weeks ago I get a call saying ‘we would like to use your song Devil in Disguise as a goal song this season.’ So when the Wings score a goal, they’re playing Devil in Disguise.”
Diab said there is a “na-na-na” chant in the song that is “almost tailored for hockey arenas.” He said the band gets paid a small royalty when the song is played. “But it’s more about the exposure to 19,515 people in Little Caesars Arena every night that we’re excited about,” said Diab.
The exposure is already paying off. Diab said they were invited to meet with Kid Rock last week. “He’s exactly how you think he is,” said Diab. “A super authentic man, very driven, a great musician. He said ‘your style rocks. It’s kickbutt rock ’n’ roll.’”
Diab said the Detroit rocker invited Autumn Kings to play five gigs at his bar, Kid Rock’s Made in Detroit, during the season. Their first performance will be Oct. 4 for the home opener.
“Kid Rock introduced us to his management last week, who seemed to take a liking to the band,” said Diab.
“So while we’re playing in this arena through the season at Kid Rock’s bar, they’re going to be flying out some of Kid Rock’s managers from Nashville to see the band play and scout.”
Autumn Kings will also take the stage in Windsor on Saturday at Rockstar Music Hall. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
A couple weeks ago I get a call saying ‘we would like to use your song Devil in Disguise as a goal song this season.’