The Blasters
| The Blasters | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Downey, California, United States |
| Genres | Roots rock, rock & roll, rockabilly, blues rock, cowpunk, Americana |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Labels | Slash, Shout! Factory, Rip Cat Records |
| Associated acts | Los Lobos |
| Website | www |
| Members |
Phil Alvin John Bazz Bill Bateman Keith Wyatt |
| Past members |
Dave Alvin Lee Allen Gene Taylor Steve Berlin Hollywood Fats Smokey Hormel |
The Blasters are a rock and roll band formed in 1978 in Downey, California, by brothers Phil Alvin (vocals and guitar) and Dave Alvin (guitar), with bass guitarist John Bazz and drummer Bill Bateman. Phil Alvin explained the origin of the band's name: "I bought some Rockabilly band on Atlantic records – I had these 78s – I thought the band was called the Big Blasters. I just took the 'Big' off and Joe finally told me, that’s someone's backup band name, but you tell‘m I gave you permission to steal it."
Their self-described "American Music" was a blend of, rockabilly, early rock and roll, punk rock, mountain music, and rhythm and blues. They have a devoted fan base and have received largely positive critical reviews, but have earned only limited mainstream success. Critic Mark Deming wrote of them, "the Blasters displayed a wide-ranging musical styles [and] were a supremely tight and tactful band with enough fire, smarts, and passion for two or three groups."
The Alvin brothers had an early interest in Rockabilly, and attended concerts by Chet Atkins, Leo Kotke, and others. Phil Alvin remembers that his mother would take him backstage to get harmonica lessons from some of these artists when Phil was still a boy. Gene Taylor joined the band on later records until 1994, performing boogie woogie-style piano. Later on the band were joined by Steve Berlin (later of Los Lobos), who played baritone sax.
The Blasters' energetic live performances gained a local following, and they became fixtures of the early 1980s Los Angeles punk rock scene, performing alongside X, Black Flag, The Gun Club, the Screamers and others. In 1986, members of the Blasters appeared with Screamers front-man Tomata du Plenty in the punk rock musical Population: 1. Former Black Flag singer and current Rollins Band leader Henry Rollins wrote of the Blasters, "In my mind, they were a great band that not enough people found out about. Bill Bateman is one of the best drummers there is, and then of course, there are the Alvin brothers. A lot of talent for one band." (Rollins, 36)
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