How long has the band been together:
2 years
What is the story behind the band name?:
It’s kind of a sarcastic thing in a way. A lot of people tend to mistake us for a Christian rock band because of the name, but we are anything but well-behaved. It’s kinda like when you nickname a really big guy “Tiny”.
Band Website:
http://www.TheBlessingsWeb.com
Band MySpace Profile:
http://www.myspace.com/theblessings
The Blessings - Anything but well-behaved!
Band Bio:
Everyone for the last five years has been talking about how rock n roll is back, but it seems to have failed to truly show its face until now. The next wave has arrived in the form of The Blessings. They rock like theres no tomorrow and roll like their heroes of yesterdays greats. This Hollywood 4 piece have their feet firmly planted in the roots of rock n roll. Like all the heavy hitters, their influences can be traced all the way to the source. When I was a kid, of course it all started with the Stones and the Faces, explains Jeremy. That was the stuff my parents were into, but I wanted to go farther so, as I got older, I started listening to previous generations of music like Elmore James or Chuck Berry. That’s where it all came from anyway. Thats why when we play live well bust out a really raucous version of Little Richards Keep a Knockin. We pull in influences from all over the map. Im originally from Southern Virginia, so naturally, I developed a taste for country greats like George Jones and Hank Sr.
The Blessings have just completed their 10 song album entitled “Bare Bones (co produced by Bam and Share Ross from Bubble and Dogs Damour, and Mike Hansen). The songs are packed with hooks, and interesting and colorful story lines. A song like Chained to Your Memory to the listener would, at first, sound like its a heartbreaking song about a lost love, but its actually about White losing his father to cancer. They also have attitude laden pure rock n roll songs like Chop you Down with verse lines like “send you back to Baltimore your tail between your legs I’m goin to the liquor store Before I get back pack your bags.” Its all about attitude, thats the way we live, explains guitarist Mike Gavigan. The songs cant help but reflect that. Included is a blazing cover of “Gone Movin’ On,” originally written and recorded by 60s group Paul Revere and the Raiders.
The album also features the honky-tonk keyboards and Hammond B3 organ of former Guns n Roses keyboardists, Teddy Zig Zag Andreadis and Dizzy Reed; both of whom accompany The Blessings for their live shows. Now halfway through recovering from a decade of shoe gazers theres finally a band that dares to perform a great rock n roll live show. White brings back the concept of the front man. If you could combine James Brown with David Johansen, then toss a firecracker down their trousers, you might have a close comparison.
Get ready for The Blessings because this time rock IS back and its equipped with its long lost friend the roll… so park your broom in the corner/were gonna have a real good time/were going on a hypnotic joyride.
Sound best described as:
Rootsy, soulful, rock n roll!
Influences:
Rolling Stones, Faces, Taj Mahal, Wilson Pickett, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, New York Dolls, George Jones, Merle Haggard
Ultimate goal as a band:
To be able to continue doing this as long as we are physically able, and for as many people as we can.
Best Gig:
Any gig where Frank doesn’t fall off the stage.
Worst Gig:
There are no bad gigs. If we’re on stage we’re happy.
Dream tour:
We wouldn’t mind touring with Tom Pettty or the Stones.
What do you think about the current state of the music industry?:
Well, the record industry has never been set up for the performers to reap the primary rewards. That’ll never change. At least now with the internet it is easier to get your music out there with out the help of the corporate labels. Unfortunately it seems the days of the super groups with their own private jet with the band logo on the side are no more.
Upcoming shows:
May 10th @The Dragonfly 6510 Santa Monica Blvd. Hollywood, Ca.
Message to your fans:
Don’t be forced to settle for the music that’s forced down your throat by MTV and Clear Channel. There’s so much great music out there that will never reach the surface. Dig for it.
