dash rip rock

Biography

Dash Rip Rock is a pioneering American rock band formed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1984 by guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist Bill Davis. The band quickly relocated to New Orleans and became known for their energetic blend of punk rock, rockabilly, hard rock, country, and boogie—a sound often described as 'cowpunk.' Drawing inspiration from the American roots rock revival of the early 1980s, Davis and the original lineup—bassist Ned 'Hoaky' Hickel and drummer F. Clarke Martty—brought a raw, irreverent edge to traditional Southern music, performing in cowboy shirts and bolo ties while delivering high-octane live shows.[1][4][5]

Throughout their career, Dash Rip Rock has remained a fixture of the Southern music scene, releasing over 15 albums and building a reputation as a legendary live act. Their 1990s radio hit 'Let’s Go Smoke Some Pot' became a counterculture anthem, and their albums have been hailed as underground classics. The band's lineup has evolved over the years, with Davis as the constant creative force, and notable members like Fred LeBlanc (later of Cowboy Mouth) contributing to their signature sound. In 2012, Dash Rip Rock was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy as innovators who bridged genres and generations with their irreverent, roots-driven rock.[1][4][5]

Dash Rip Rock’s influence extends beyond their recordings; they have toured extensively, sharing stages with icons such as The Ramones, Jerry Lee Lewis, No Doubt, and Los Lobos. Their music, praised for its musicianship and humor, continues to attract a diverse fanbase spanning rock, Americana, punk, and country audiences. Bill Davis’s songwriting—marked by wit, storytelling, and blistering guitar work—remains at the heart of the band’s enduring appeal.[2][3][4]

Fun Facts

• The band's name comes from a character on 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' Elly May’s movie-star boyfriend Dash Riprock.[5]
• Their tongue-in-cheek song 'Let’s Go Smoke Some Pot' became a cult hit and is still played on radio during counterculture holidays.[4]
• Bill Davis, the founder, was once a graduate student in journalism at Louisiana State University before forming the band.[5]
• Dash Rip Rock was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2012.[1][4]

Members

• F. Clarke Marty - drums (drum set), original (from 1984 until 1985)
• Ned “Hoaky” Hickel - electric bass guitar (from 1984 until 1999)
• Fred LeBlanc (from 1985 until 1989)
• Brian Broussard
• Chance Casteel - electric bass guitar
• Bill Davis - guitar, original, principal
• Wade Hymel - drums (drum set)

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Rank and File - Influence on early cowpunk and roots rock style (General stylistic influence) [early 1980s]
• The LeRoi Brothers - Influence on roots rock revival approach (General stylistic influence) [early 1980s]
• The Stray Cats - Influence on rockabilly and punkabilly sound (General stylistic influence) [early 1980s]
• Jason & the Scorchers - Influence on blending country and punk elements (General stylistic influence) [early 1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Ned 'Hoaky' Hickel - Original bassist and co-founder (Dash Rip Rock (1986), Ace of Clubs (1989)) [1984–early 1990s]
• F. Clarke Martty - Original drummer (Dash Rip Rock (1986)) [1984–late 1980s]
• Fred LeBlanc - Drummer and singer, later formed Cowboy Mouth (Ace of Clubs (1989)) [late 1980s]
• Cheryl Wagner - Lyricist and collaborator (Bill Davis's partner) (Black Liquor (2012)) [2010s]
• Jello Biafra - Label head for Alternative Tentacles, released recent albums (Hee Haw Hell, Black Liquor, Wrongheaded) [2010s]

Artists Influenced

• Cowboy Mouth - Fred LeBlanc, former Dash Rip Rock drummer, founded Cowboy Mouth, carrying forward the high-energy Southern rock style (Cowboy Mouth discography) [1990s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. (Let's Go) Smoke Some Pot (Hits and Giggles)
2. I Saw The Light (Dash Rip Rock)
3. Rawhide (Hits and Giggles)
4. Jambalaya (Hits and Giggles)
5. Pussywhipped (Hits and Giggles)
6. Man Of Constant Sorrow (Hee Haw Hell)
7. Liquor Store (Dash Rip Rock's Gold Record)
8. Johnny Ace (Dash Rip Rock's Gold Record)
9. (Let's Go) Smoke Some Pot (Dash Rip Rock's Gold Record)
10. I Saw The Light (Hits and Giggles)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz