The Rathbones are one of the great musical success stories. It’s a story about a group of guys that got together and decided to start a band. They picked up some instruments and started to learn some of their favorite songs. From there they have built themselves into one of the best local bands around.

The Rathbones began playing together seven years ago. With their endless touring and catchy pop flavor they have built themselves into a household name throughout the Des Moines area.

The band’s two current CDs Pure and Buzz have sold extremely well in the area which is a tribute to the band’s following.

Over the last year The Rathbones have not been as prominent on the Iowa music scene. Thom Wright, the band’s lead singer, said the band spent all last year touring as well as trying to get the band refocused.

“We went broke from touring,” Wright said. “But it really brought the band together.” While touring, the band had the opportunity to open for the Freddy Jones Band and Material Issue.

Now they’re getting ready for their second Ticketmaster Music Showcase and their return to the Iowa music scene.

Their first showcase was in 1994 and was as much a surprise to them as anyone.

Wright said he sent in a copy of the band’s work in May and hadn’t heard anything back until early September.

“Out of the blue I get this call that says we are invited to play in the showcase,” Wright said.

“It (the Showcase) is a nice shot in the arm for Iowa bands,” he said. “If you listen to the radio, you’re hearing the same thing as someone in Los Angeles. Here’s a good slice of what is going on in Iowa. “

But the world of music is never a stable environment.

There are countless stresses involved with tireless touring, late nights, smelly bars, agony of trying to write new material and conflicting personal issues. All of this makes it extremely tough to be an upcoming band.

“So much is chemistry,” Wright said. He continued saying that if the chemistry is not good, the show might not be as good.

All of the shows and the band’s success may eventually bring about the demise of The Rathbones. Wright said tonight’s show might be The Rathbones’ last.

He said that after playing so long, people come out to hear a certain sound. He also said that it makes it very hard to change your style.

“Pure has that pop feel all the way through it,” Wright said. ” Buzz is a lot different, one song might have a pop feel while another is more grunge.”

Wright said the band wants to keep playing, though. “I don’t know if we can do that under the name Rathbones,” Wright said.

Even with the threat of a break-up, the band is still looking forward to performing at tonight’s showcase.

“Everybody’s excited to get up there and play,” Wright said. “If I learned anything from the last Ticketmaster Showcase it’s just to relax and have fun.”

While the future of The Rathbones is unknown, it is certain that they will keep the crowd moving with energetic songs and a great stage presence.

“What you’re going to see is classic Rathbones, ” Wright said. “It will be a power packed set.”

The Rathbones join 6240, Inbred, Grain USA, Mudpuddles and Mumble for tonight’s showcase at People’s Bar and Grill. Tickets are $2.03 and the first band takes stage at 9 p.m. ID is required.