The Velcro Pygmies are one of my favorite groups of all time, and I'm positive quite a few of you guys have never heard of them. While this band is not obscenely famous or renowned in popular culture, they're "world famous in small circles." The Pygmies, or to abbreviate their name further, the Pygs, are known not only for their music, but also for their character, showmanship, compassion, and fan club, lovingly known as the "PygFam." I'm always waiting for their next concert so I can experience the community and ecstasy associated with their concerts, and I'm always singing their praises; therefore, I felt it was necessary to write about the reasons why everyone should love the Velcro Pygmies!

1. They literally rock!

Founded in Louisville, Kentucky, the Velcro Pygmies have been rocking since 1990. The Pygs are known for having electrifying shows and for being extremely involved with the crowd. From Billy Idol to the Backstreet Boys, they play music from multiple genres and are able to capture the attention of every person in the crowd during at least one point in the concert.

2. They've got the looks that kill.

The late, but absolutely great, Jake "the Sandman" Sanders is seen rocking in interesting but awesome look at a show in the photo above. Each members has their own unique style, and they know just how to strut their stuff while looking absolutely flawless. Cam, the lead singer and one of the founding members of the group, can often be seen donning a bandanna, a Buc-ces belt buckle, and some fuzzy legwarmers while Chase "the Ace" West, guitarist for the band, is known for his Alice Cooper-esque eyeliner, tight pants, and huuuuge hair. Chris, the multi-talented drummer, is famous for his shorts and bandanna behind the drumset while the newest member of the band, Max "Maximus Hawk" War coifs his signature mohawk and goatee with a vest.

3. They're absolutely hilarious!

Whether they're filming a live feed on Facebook where they are talking about their days and showing us their pets or goofing off on stage and drawing the crowd into their crazy antics, the Pygs are always up for making people laugh. Bringing joy to their fans is always their fist priority, and their humor can bring anyone out even the darkest of times. Ask a member of the PygFam about bananas or Virgil, then you'll understand the hilarity of the Pygmies.

4. They're raw, supportive, and they live to love.

In March, the Pygmies unexpectedly lost their bass player, Jacob Sanders, to a boating accident. The band did not hide their emotions during the ordeal, and they reached out to fans and Facebook for support in times of darkness. By going live on Facebook and showing their emotions through a camera lens and on stage at the subsequent concerts after the accident, the Pygmies proved to their fans something most bands try to hide these days; humanity. The Pygs are only human, and while they might be superheroes on stage, they're not afraid to have feelings and admit they need support. While the Pygmies received love from their fans when havoc wreaked their lives, they also show compassion and love to their fans when they're experiencing hardships. One of the best parts about being a Pygmies fan is knowing they've got this weirdly beautiful love for their fans. During the after-show parties and meet-and-greets, fans will be treated like the band's own family, and, trust me, this is a one-of-a-kind Pygmies experience.

5. The PygFam is amazing and inclusive.

Velcro Pygmies fans are the most accepting and selfless people.From the minute I got to the first concert, I felt included and loved by the PygFam. I remember rocking out on the front row beside people I had just met and feeling like I had known them my entire life. After the loss of the Sandman, fans were informed by Cam and the gang that a new bassist would be joining the Pygmies. The band heavily stressed that the new bassist would not be replacing Jake, but he would instead be adding another personality to the party. When the news of Max War's arrival and transformation into "Maximus Hawk" was announced, the fans immediately welcomed him and his awesome wife, Cryssie, to the big 'ol dysfunctional family. The selfless nature of the PygFam can be seen in two fans, Stacey and Link, who helped Chase and the Pygs in a time of pretty dire need. While doing a trick on stage, the neck of Chase's favorite guitar broke. Due to a show coming up pretty soon, Chase needed the guitar to be fixed as soon as possible, but Kevin the Magnificent, the Pygmies' go-to guitar guy, said the possibility of a quick-fix on the guitar was slim to none. Thanks to a live Facebook feed, the fans found out and came to the rescue. Stacey and Link heard about a 1979 Gibson Les Paul custom Chase had on hold at Guitar Center and decided to help out by paying off the guitar so Chase would be able to play it at the next show. If that doesn't show how awesome the PygFam is, I don't know what does!

If it weren't for my friends coaxing me into attending this random cover band concert a year ago, I never would have met the coolest band with the best fans in the world. Thanks to the Pygs and the PygFam, I've learned yet another degree of unconditional love, and I've learned how to heal after an extremely unexpected and tragic event. If you live in the southeast, try to catch them in a bar or at an amphitheater near you. I promise, you'll feel like you're at home from the moment you arrive.

In Loving Memory of Jacob and Jeremiah Sanders