blasters

Biography

The Blasters are an American roots rock and rockabilly band formed in 1979 in Downey, California, by brothers Phil Alvin (vocals, guitar) and Dave Alvin (guitar), joined by bassist John Bazz and drummer Bill Bateman. Raised in a musically rich environment in southeast Los Angeles, the Alvin brothers were mentored by blues and R&B legends such as T-Bone Walker and Big Joe Turner, which deeply influenced their musical direction[3]. The band quickly became a fixture in the burgeoning Los Angeles punk and roots scene of the early 1980s, sharing stages with acts like X and Los Lobos, and gaining a reputation for their electrifying live performances that blended blues, rockabilly, country, R&B, and rock & roll[2][3].

Their debut album, 'American Music' (1980), recorded for the Rollin' Rock label, became a cult classic and helped define the American roots rock movement[1][2][3]. The Blasters' subsequent albums, including 'The Blasters,' 'Non-Fiction,' and 'Hard Line,' showcased Dave Alvin's songwriting and expanded the band's lineup to include musicians like pianist Gene Taylor and saxophonist Lee Allen. The band received praise from major artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Eric Clapton, and their songs appeared in films like 'Bull Durham.' Despite lineup changes—most notably Dave Alvin's departure in 1986—the band, led by Phil Alvin, has continued to perform and record, maintaining their reputation as one of Americana's most credible and enduring acts[2][3].

The Blasters' legacy lies in their passionate commitment to 'American Music,' a term they used to describe their synthesis of classic American genres. Their influence extends to both their contemporaries and later generations of roots and rock musicians, and their live shows remain celebrated for their energy and authenticity[3].

Fun Facts

• The Blasters' debut album 'American Music' was recorded in just two days for about $2,000 and originally pressed in only 4,000 copies, making it a prized collector's item[1].
• Legendary saxophonist Lee Allen, who played with Little Richard and Fats Domino, was a key member of the band in the 1980s[3].
• Their music has been featured in major films, including 'Bull Durham' and 'Someone to Watch Over Me'[2].
• Blasters shows have been described as 'a cross between Creedence and the Clash' due to their unique blend of roots and punk energy[3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• T-Bone Walker - Blues legend who mentored the Alvin brothers in their youth (General musical tutelage and influence) [1970s]
• Big Joe Turner - R&B singer who influenced and mentored the band in their formative years (General musical tutelage and influence) [1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Phil Alvin - Co-founder, lead vocalist, and guitarist (All Blasters albums and live performances) [1979–present]
• Dave Alvin - Co-founder, lead guitarist, primary songwriter until 1986 (American Music, The Blasters, Non-Fiction, Hard Line) [1979–1986]
• John Bazz - Founding bassist (All Blasters albums and live performances) [1979–present]
• Bill Bateman - Founding drummer (All Blasters albums and live performances) [1979–present]
• Gene Taylor - Pianist who joined for later albums (The Blasters, Non-Fiction, Hard Line) [1980s]
• Lee Allen - New Orleans saxophonist, expanded the band's sound (The Blasters, Non-Fiction, Hard Line) [1980s]
• Keith Wyatt - Guitarist who joined in 1996 (4-11-44, Fun on Saturday Night) [1996–present]

Artists Influenced

• Los Lobos - Supported and encouraged by The Blasters in the LA scene (Early Los Lobos albums and collaborative shows) [1980s]
• Dwight Yoakam - Supported by The Blasters as an up-and-coming LA musician (Early career performances and collaborations) [1980s]
• X - Shared LA punk/roots scene and cross-pollinated audiences (Collaborative shows and scene influence) [1980s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Dark Night (Hard Line)
2. Dark Night
3. I'm Shakin' (The Blasters)
4. I'm Shakin'
5. One Bad Stud
6. Blue Shadows
7. Marie Marie
8. So Long Baby Goodbye
9. Marie Marie (The Blasters)
10. So Long Baby Goodbye (The Blasters Collection)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia