Drummer Symmonds returns to hometown for pair of shows

Two years ago, Glenn Symmonds and some of his musician friends gathered for two important shows at the Roadside Bar in the Valley. Symmonds had been diagnosed with bladder cancer, and the concerts were meant to raise money for the expensive procedures Symmonds was about to undergo.

Symmonds was a longtime touring drummer for “Take Me Home Tonight” rocker Eddie Money, and Money himself showed up and played a set for the benefit performances. Symmonds, who was uninsured at the time, says the funds raised went on to pay for about $6,000 of his medical bills.

“I got to see a lot of my friends from high school, and people I hadn’t seen in years came out of the woodwork,” Symmonds said. “I had a lot of fun.”

As of August 9, 2013, Symmonds is cancer free, though he still has routine chemotherapy treatments because the cancer will likely recur. He now lives in Sacramento, California, and has medical insurance.

Symmonds, who grew up in Spokane and graduated from West Valley High School, returns to town this weekend for a handful of intimate solo shows, two of which will be broadcast live on Indie Air Radio. He also books private living room shows around the country, and Symmonds says those shows will be similar to ones you can see this weekend.

“I sing songs; I tell stories about the band and my years on the road,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun, and people are really enjoying it.”

He also recently released a studio album called “Beautiful Detours,” which features a dozen deeply personal songs about the last few turbulent years in his life. Symmonds’ lyrics deal with his cancer, his experiences on the road, his recent divorce and his relationship with his fiancée, Tami.

“The songs are stories,” Symmonds said. “You’re not going to put this on and take it to a party and everybody’s going to dance. It’s an album you’re going to put on at home and listen to it.

“Maybe do a little dusting and house cleaning,” he added with a laugh.

And while he won’t be playing with Eddie Money during his upcoming Northern Quest show – Money’s kids are currently serving as his backing band – Symmonds says he’s still a working musician-for-hire.

“I’m all ears,” Symmonds said about any job prospects. “I’m just glad to be alive, and I feel like I’ve been given a do-over. It makes me a better and more patient person.”