Beware the Deadly Wedley

“We’re here to make a stand for all who have been picked on, kicked on, but never licked on,” says singer/guitarist Eugene Over. His band the Pocket Protectors takes its sound from ’80s Freedom Rock albums and its look from Revenge of the Nerds.

The band’s offbeat arrangements take on everything from bloated rock operas to reedy-voiced ballads. According to Over, “Although ‘Mr. Roboto’ [Styx], ‘Beat It’ [Michael Jackson], and ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ [Prince] absolutely kill, our medley of the wimpiest ’80s hits, the Wedley, brings both smiles and tears to all who witness it.”

The Pocket Protectors recently earned a residency at Viejas.

“After months of negotiation,” says Over, “the entertainment and production directors were left with only two choices: either a restraining order or hire us.” Asked about their day jobs and other endeavors, Over says, “I cannot reveal any information that could lead to the unveiling of our alter egos.”

However, it’s not hard to ascertain that Eugene Over is actually Eric Golbach, and the Pocket Protectors’ members also perform as Platform 54 (disco), the Aqua Nets (big-hair metal), and Jurassic Rock (classic stadium rock). Of the four groups, the brainy Pocket Protectors are most in demand. They next appear April 12 at Viejas casino’s V Lounge.