For DJ Lance Rock, hosting one of the most popular children’s shows on TV, Nick Jr.’s “Yo Gabba Gabba!,” afforded him the opportunity to meet President Barack Obama.
Getting close to the leader of the free world was almost as cool as meeting a certain funk bassist. Almost.
“We performed at the White House for the Easter Egg Roll,” said Rock (real name: Lance Robertson), who is now on the show’s first live tour, which plays Saturday and Sunday at the Wang Theatre. “Meeting President Obama was the second best experience I’ve had this year. Meeting Bootsy Collins was the first.”
Watch Rock do “Yo Gabba Gabba!” and hisenthusiasm for the flamboyant Collins makes sense. Decked in an orange spandex jumpsuit and furry orange hat, the St. Louis native looks like an extra from Collins’ former band, George Clinton’s P-Funk. His outlandish fashion sense, along with his on-air energy, has helped make “Yo Gabba Gabba!” a hit that appeals to children and parents alike.
Created by childhood friends Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz, “Yo Gabba Gabba!” is a blend of live-action sketches and colorful animation, campy segments and toddler life lessons (one episode featured the catchy ditty Don’t Bite Your Friends), memorable characters and hip guests. The tour features rapper Biz Markie and, in Boston, several special guests: indie rockers Mates of State on Saturday and the Dresden Dolls’ Amanda Palmer with Jason Webley, her partner in the duo Evelyn Evelyn, on Sunday.
Rock’s background as a DJ is reflected in “Yo Gabba Gabba!’s” musical choices. While still living in St. Louis, he fronted the electronica act My Other Self. He’s a zealous fan of Chicago house and Detroit techno.
Rock eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he became familiar in the indie rock scene through his band, the Ray Makers, as well as DJ gigs at the club Short Stop. He eventually met Schultz, who was fronting his own cw1group, Majestic. One particularly lively performance with the Ray Makers helped land underground music enthusiast Rock the gig of a lifetime.
“We were playing at the Knitting Factory in L.A.,” Rock said. “Scott told me that during our performance, he got the idea to ask me to host the show. Which I didn’t even know anything about.”
Today, “Yo Gabba Gabba!” is hard to escape, its appeal having crossed generations. Rock credits the show’s creators.
“I think it’s because it’s not contrived,” he said. “Christian and Scott just infused the show with their influences and the things they wanted to share with their own kids.”
He sounds almost embarrassed when the talk turns to his own newfound fame. Consider this: For Halloween last year, Brad Pitt dressed up as DJ Lance Rock, wearing his recognizable jumpsuit, hat and glasses.
“I don’t think I’ve achieved a high level of celebrity,” Rock said. “At least I hope I haven’t. I’m just glad people appreciate what we’re doing.”
“Yo Gabba Gabba! Live,” Wang Theatre, Saturday at 2 and 5 p.m., Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets: $35-$55; 866-348-9738.
