The Union Sports Annex featured the sounds of six local bands in Marquette Radio's first Battle of the Bands last Friday.

"The Battle was very successful — people showed up, had a good time and (there were) no major flaws," Suzanne Sando, MUR's general manager, said. "This was the first Battle that anyone on our staff had put on, and I think that for going into this with no idea how to do it, we pulled it off. We are definitely considering putting on another battle. If the interest is there, Marquette Radio will be there to host it."

Judges Mark Waldoc from Atomic Records, Rick Diderrich from the band the Sunday Runners and Marquette alumna Marianne Gosz, a DJ from 102.1 Milwaukee's Alternative Station, declared Bob Gun the winner of the battle and of the $500 grand prize. The other bands that played were Drew deLutio, Kyle Shamorian, Lucid Fate, the Toms and the Unknowns.

Bob Gun is a trio made up of Zach Rapport on guitar and vocals, Logan Stang on drums and Dan Duerst on bass. After the band's set, the toughest judge of the night, Mark, announced that this was the band who should win even though there were three bands still to perform.

"I thought it was pretty awesome to hear something like that, especially since he was the most critical of the three judges. I had to thank him afterwards," Duerst said.

"Did he say that? I must have missed it. In all honesty, I was pretty shocked and worried when I realized judges would be making comments after each band's set," Stang said. "But I guess it turned out alright because all the judges were very nice to us."

"I was a bit nervous, because I recognized Mark from his Post at Atomic Records and figured if anyone was going to tear us apart, it would be a guy who spends his days listening to records, both good and bad alike," Rapport said. "Needless to say, it was very encouraging to have such flattering remarks directed our way."

Sando said that it was obvious that Bob Gun came to play.

"Bob Gun had the energy, talent and desire that they needed to win the battle. It was obvious from the first chord they played that they wanted to win, and they pulled through," she continued. "Honestly, I was extremely impressed with their performance — not what I expected at all!"

At this time last year, Bob Gun had only one of its current members in it, with Rapport at the helm. Duerst said he had been a fan of that band, which worked in his favor when Rapport was looking for new members.

"Basically, Zach got fed up with the two original members of the band and wanted to find people who were more into it for the music," he said. "So, I auditioned sometime in June of '05 and I guess I worked out. We auditioned Logan a couple months later and he worked out too. We've been practicing our fannies off ever since."

If you'd like to check Bob Gun out, the band's myspace (www.myspace.com/bobgun) has a complete listing of appearances and concerts. Otherwise, more information is available on www.bobgun.com.