Mercy Rule’s guitarist John Taylor faced a tough decision many years ago. Both his musical career and his girlfriend, Heidi Ore, were demanding his time. He was forced to make a decision that would effect his entire life.

John did what any sincere man would do: he bought his girlfriend a guitar and introduced her to the band.

“Our relationship began through our music, so we like it that way,” Ore said. “We tolerate each other. Ron [Albertson, the drummer] makes jokes about it.”

When 13 Nightmares, led by vocalist/guitarist Gregg Cosgrove, added bassist Ore to their line up, they had no idea of the importance Ore would add to their lives.

Now, many years later, Heidi has stepped up to the mic and is leading ex-Nightmares’ members Taylor and Albertson to great success. The power trio, known as Mercy Rule, will make a stop on their current Midwestern tour tonight at the Maintenance Shop.

According to Relativity Records Publicity Manager, Tom Cordagan, Ore and cohorts are using the tour to stay “refreshed” while they record their second full length disc, due out this spring.

“We’re trying to make things different and building on providence,” Ore said.

The Sony owned label discovered Mercy Rule at New York’s legendary underground club, CBGB’s. The band’s 3 a.m. performance there has become a historic event for the up-and-coming grunge group.

“We all play as hard as we can,” Ore said in a recent press release. “Even at three in the morning.”

After a pair of successful 7-inch releases on the independent Chicago label Pravada, Rule released God Protects Fools, originally recorded on the Lincoln label, Caulfield Records.

When Relativity hooked up with the band, they decided to re-release a remastered, remixed version of the disc.

“We just wanted to get that disc out to more people,” Taylor said in a recent press release.

Mercy Rule also released a single on Faye Records last spring.

God Protects Fools is a ten song collection of Rule’s rookie tunes. “Our CD is like a map of anywhere,” Ore said. “Looking at or hearing it is not the same as experiencing it.”

Ore handles vocals for the self- described “Midwestern punk” band. Fools displays Ore’s powerful voice on song after song, resembling a Courtney Love with true feeling. Ore also mixes in an upbeat texture, similar to Kim Deal’s The Breeders, on tunes “Hit Me” and “Summer.”

According to Relativity Records, Ore, a self-declared housewife, worked with both Taylor and Albertson in writing the songs on Fools. The trio is also involved in cover artwork as well as t-shirt design for their band.

Taylor and Ore, who where recently wed at one of their favorite Lincoln clubs, named their band from the pain-reducing 10-run rule in minor league baseball, also known as the “mercy rule.”

One of the last times Rule was in Ames they opened up for Zuzu’s Petals.

“John and Ron wore dresses because that’s what Zuzu’s Petals wear,” Ore said.

The 9 p.m. show will also feature the Ames’ band, Pawnbrokeher

Pipe Dream. Admission is $6 at

the door. The show is as always all-ages.