McGuire member rocks out Published Oct. 31, 2006 By Airman Rebekah Phy McGuire Public Affairs McGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- As a member of the 818th Global Mission Readiness Squadron and bass player in a local band, he somewhat leads a double life. He's an Airman by day and rock star by night. Staff Sgt. Barry "BUDA" Pope, 818th GMRS special vehicle maintenance craftsman, epitomizes the phrase, "work hard - play hard," as he continuously balances his time between his Air Force career and his working band, The Element. "I love performing and writing music. It's sometimes an emotional outlet, and it helps get a lot of frustration and stress out," Sergeant Pope said. "It's a relaxing atmosphere, when I'm focused on performing. And, it's amazing to see the crowd's reaction to our performance - to see them enjoying our music." Sergeant Pope said playing and performing has been a part of his life for 15 years and that he joined, The Element, after his previous band broke up due to a high volume of deployments. "I had just gotten back from a TDY to Germany, and I needed a band," Sergeant Pope said. "I was only back two days when I went to a local music store, pulled the advertisement for a bass player off the cork board, and came home and gave Adam Daniel, The Element's lead vocalist, a call." I used my nickname, BUDA, to introduce myself, and he didn't take me seriously at all." Finally, when he realized it wasn't a joke, we scheduled an audition, and after being offered to come back for a second audition, I was asked to join. We've been rockin' for the past three years," he said. Although Sergeant Pope goes by BUDA on stage and off, it wasn't originally given to him as a stage name. "My grandfather gave me that nickname when I was born," Sergeant Pope said. "I guess I was fat, and I came out with my arms and legs crossed, so I looked like a little Buda. I have never been called Barry ... my grandfather named me BUDA, so it's special to me." BUDA may have described Sergeant Pope as he came into this world, but it's not a completely accurate reflection of his current musical persona. The Element's music is best described as a hard rock genre, he said. "Our songs are very appealing to a wide variety of people - I like to say your grandmother will like it, as will your mom, down to your child, niece or nephew," Sergeant Pope said. "There are at least one or two songs on each album we have released that everyone will take a liking to." "The Element plays all original music - they are quite a talent," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Bailey, 818th Combat Readiness Group NCO in charge of mobility operations. "They are probably the best band in this area." After a full duty day on base, Sergeant Pope goes off to work with The Element. "Once the day finishes on base it's off to practice, rehearsal, recording, promoting or a performance," Sergeant Pope said. "On average, practice/rehearsal is about four hours each night, four times a week." When we are recording, it's usually a six-hour session each night. And during performances, depending on what time we take the stage for an hour set, we could be at a venue for eight hours after work," he said. Being a full-time Airman and band member can be very demanding at times, but Sergeant Pope said he is equally devoted to both. "I am 100-percent dedicated to the Air Force and the band," Sergeant Pope said. "They have both become part of my daily schedule, and I have a lot of support from the military. My co-workers have seen some of our shows - they understand all of the time and hard work we put into the band, and I appreciate that." "When I first got here, back in January, I met Sergeant Pope and we got talking," said Capt. Alexander Price, 818th GMRS force protection flight chief. "He told me about his band and gave me one of their demos - the same music genre I'm into. "I liked the music, so I went to see them perform at a domestic abuse prevention event, and my first thought was to throw out the demo, and go see them live," the captain jokingly said. "They were so different, so much better live. They had great sound, music and energy." After having worked with him for nearly a year, Captain Price is as pleased with Sergeant Pope's abilities as an NCO as he is with his abilities as a musician. "Sergeant Pope is a very impressive NCO," Captain Price said. "Actually, he's one of the best NCO's in this unit. He's been called on for some very important vehicle missions, and he is a trusted member in this unit." When I got to see him perform in such a different environment, it was like he was in a whole new element. The band is great and I hope to one day see them opening up for the 'chili peppers' or something." The Element has played at various locations in Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey, and has covered events that benefit charitable organizations. "We definitely like giving back to our fans and community," Sergeant Pope said. "They're the ones who come out and support us. Without the fans, the band is nothing." Sometimes the fans sing louder than us during a performance ... it's a feeling you have to be on stage to experience," he said. "We've performed for Bikers Against Child Abuse and Knights of the Innocent, which is also a child abuse awareness/prevention organization. We have also done breast cancer awareness events. Thousands of dollars have been raised." All of the hard work, time and dedication appear to be paying off for The Element. They have opened for several known musicians, have released two CD's, (the third, Quarter Life Crisis, will be released in 2007,) and seem to be gaining support in the mainstream music industry. "We've opened for Velvet Revolver, Hoobastank, Blue October, Flicker Sticker and George Lynch to name a few," Sergeant Pope said. "We have a single on four worldwide released tribute albums for The Distillers, The Vines, Yellow Card and Smashing Pumpkins," he said. Sergeant Pope said the band's best accomplishment is its song 'Dead too Long,' which is in constant rotation on (local rock radio station) 93.3 WMMR and is featured on 'Jaxon's Local Shot Vol. 1,' which is a number-one best seller at a mall music store in King of Prussia, Pa.," Sergeant Pope said. "We have also made a music video for our single, 'Breathe to Live,' which was edited by Christian Rozier, a video director, who has shot videos for many urban rock, rap and hip-hop artists, like Arrested Development and The Roots," he said. The band is busier than ever, and a tour is currently in the works, which is scheduled to begin Nov. 4 in Philadelphia. "We usually do shows Friday and Saturday nights on the East Coast, some Mid-eastern locations," Sergeant Pope said. "The farthest we'll go is probably Minnesota, although we might have a few shows in Arizona as well." "The performance you will see at any venue is alive with emotion and energy," Sergeant Pope said. "We have great fans, friends, family and great music, so come out and join us!" More information about The Element, their video, CD's and show listings can be found on the Internet.