Sons of Ivan

There was once was a great ape. This great ape lived in a cement cell in a shopping center for the amusement of man. This shopping center was the world famous B&I. We are the "Sons" of this great ape. We are the "Sons of Ivan".

.

.



The Tale of Two Ivans:

.

.



During the 1980's the super power known as the Soviet Union was at its supposed height of power. With a large arsenal of nuclear weapons and an unhealthy distaste of American democracy, the Soviets were the largest enemy of the times. Fueled by movies and national news, many a time the thought of nuclear war with the communists crossed the minds of America's youth. Loud rumbles in the distance would conjure fear and anxiety, only soon to be realized as an in-coming thunder storm or a jet aircraft flying too low. Ivan is a popular Russian name and a nod to one of the lasting impressions of communism on man and on the band.

.

.



Meanwhile, as Ronald Regan and G.W.B. part 1 were calling the shots, a silver back gorilla (also known as a great ape) lived in a cement cell in a zoo/entertainment/shopping center located off a rundown highway in South Tacoma. The B&I shopping center was the home of "Ivan" the gorilla for many years. Near the back entrance of the store, located on the opposite end from the carousel, kiddie rides and video games, Ivan spent his days nestled between two lesser apes and a tic-tac-toe playing chicken. Ivan's cage featured painted green jungle foliage, some play ropes, a tire swing, and some basketballs for fun--everything one of the most intelligent and peaceful species on earth would need for a wonderful life. A majority of "Sons of Ivan" visited Ivan on more than one occasion with their parents, as did thousands of South Sound residents. As a child, watching the 400lb gorilla eat, climb ropes, whip his tire swing around, bounce and throw basketballs, pound his chest and smash his fists into the safety glass, Ivan evoked fear, awe, and even a little sadness. Again a nod, this time to the group's South Sound roots and the impression a 400lb great ape made on them.