WILHELM & SONS ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY
We make music, for your escape.
KODIAC
Submerging into inner psychosis, a blackened, endless void, KODIAC is an emotional experience unlike any other.
JARET REDDICK
Our lives are peppered with moments, and our moments are cemented in time by the personal impact those times had. Jaret Reddick has delved deep within his ‘moments’ to bring a sometimes raw, sometimes funny, always entertaining, storytelling tour to fans everywhere. Heartache & Hilarity is a chance to find out the stories behind the songs of Bowling For Soup, hear about Jaret’s other projects and ultimately have a great night out. Creating brand new ‘moments’ for everyone to share, Heartache & Hilarity is coming to a town near you soon.
GREGGO
DJ JUST JAY
DJ SELAH SAY
DJ KIMANISHO
DJ DASH
DREADWOLF
Chris Defibaugh – Vox/Bass
Anthony Fograse – Vox/Guitar
Kevin Clark – Drums
Anthony Fograse – Vox/Guitar
Kevin Clark – Drums
THEE CASUAL HEX
Thee Casual Hex is a psych revival band from Chicago. Pulling from a vast array of psychedelic and mod influences of the 1960s as well as the production value of modern psych bands such as Holy Wave and Mystic Braves, Casual Hex creates a sound that is both nostalgic and modern.
SUBURBAN COWBOYS
Suburban Cowboys is one of the most sought-after country cover acts in the Midwest. Headlining 100+ annual shows including prestigious venues such as Joe’s On Weed Street in Chicago, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar (several locations) , COUNTRY THUNDER, and many fairs and fests! We have performed on the same bill and in some cases the same stage with artists like Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Zac Brown Band, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Jerrod Niemann, Miranda Lambert, Big N Rich, The Band Perry, Thomas Rhett, Thompson Square, Jake Owen, Keith Urban, Keith Anderson, Justin Moore, Dustin Lynch, Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town,The Farm, Neal McCoy, Jason Sturgeon, Aaron Watson,Dan & Shay, Head East, Warrant, Jimmie Van Zandt and many more!
US AS CARAVAN
MURDER CITY SAINTS
Chicago-style #FRUNGE (Folk+Grunge)
DANIEL LAMAR
Age 24, Daniel Lamar is a R&B/Soul singer, song writer, producer, musician, Open Mic/ Live Music Showcase host, Reality TV Personality. Though growing up in church on the west side of Chicago, he created his own signature sultry sound with influences like the Clark Sisters, Whitney Houston, Musiq Soulchild, Luther Vandross and many more. Lamar often sings background for other artists including blues icon-Nellie
Tiger Travis, Jenipher Jones, Frankie Parker and many others..
TAKE THE REINS
TAKE THE REINS is a Chicago area alt punk band who, in 2017 and 2018, recorded and released their debut album “Addiction by Subtraction”.
Called “an explosive mix of Joan Jetta and The Pretenders”,
frontwoman/vocalist Courtney Boyers & crew churn out 12 hard-hitting
tracks exploring varying themes on addiction, despair and defiance.
Don’t miss out on this eclectic mix of songs that doesn’t let up, from
start to end.
In 2018-2019 Take The Reins began touring the midwest on their release
Addiction by Subtraction playing with many local and national tour acts.
Including a trip to FEST in Gainesville FL
Take The Reins signed with Flat Aht records in 2021 and put out their sophomore
record “Im At Your Door” and have been out promoting and touring on it since its
release in the fall of 2022.
BLACKCAT MANOR
Blackcat Manor is a progressive punk rock metal band hailing from the mighty midwest
KOWLOON BAY
Marc – Vocals
Vinny Malave – Guitar/vocals
Bob Beemsterboer – Guitar
Dan Concannon – Bass
Jeremy Feinberg – Drums
VORTEX
SHARYS
We are a 5 piece metal band from Little Village Chicago. Music we play is music we love.
TIERRA SANTA
‘Quinto Elemento’ is the newest recording of Tierra Santa, an anticipated album composited with ten songs signed by Ángel San Juan who certifies the magnificent state of form for this great band. A spectacular piece of work whose graphic art anticipates it’s musical content without deception and whose main value is the search for new horizons without moving away from the road already traveled, reaffirming its firm and deep roots.This record is the eleventh launch of the Rioja combo studio, it has been recorded and mixed in thestudios Sonido XXI by Javier San Martín and later mastered in Crossfade Mastering by Enrique Soriano. The production has been in charge of the one and only Angel San Juan next to Javier San Martin. All under the protection ofMaldito Records and its recruitment office Wilma Productions.A new installment ofTierra Santathat contains everything we’ve been waiting for: From the genuine and powerful epic we find in pieces like’Cain’ and ‘Moby Dick’ to the harsh sincerity of ‘Hombres sin Tierra’, ‘Lodo’, ‘Revolución’ y ‘De la Calle al Cielo’. All this under the personality of its unmistakable sound, solid and temperate, which manifests itself shamelessly in topics such as ‘Entre el Bien y el Mal’, ‘Fuego en el Paraíso’, ‘Donde Moran los Malditos’ y la homónima ‘Quinto Elemento’.A sincere exercise of great taste that will delight it’s followers and catch all those hungry for good music, regardless of their gender. In addition, in the gestation of ‘Quinto Elemento’ have had the special collaboration of the musiciansEduardo Zamora(former member of the Tierra Santa, guitars in ‘Quinto Elemento’, ‘Donde Moran los Malditos’ y ‘Fuego en el Paraíso’),Juan Zagalaz (guitars and arrangements in ‘De la Calle al Cielo’) and Dámaso Escauriaza (percussions in ‘Hombres sin Tierra’). A virtuoso trio that adds a dose of excellence to this new recording, whose result could not have been more satisfactory.’Quinto Elemento’ is the new card of presentation of a band consecrated with more than twenty years of trajectory, that does not give up and that continues evolving faithfully to a philosophy based on hard work, offering to themselves and strangers the best of themselves without losing an ounce of their identity.Tierra Santa, genuine rock.
SOURCE
SOURCE IS A PROGRESSIVE ROCK/METAL BAND OUT OF BOULDER COLORADO. FORMED IN 2013, BENJAMIN GLEASON, JUSTIN MIRARCK AND PASCAL FAURIE CREATE CONSCIOUSNESS BASED MUSIC THROUGH THE EXPLORATION OF FLOTATION TANKS, PHILOSOPHY, MEDITATION, YOGA, AND OTHER EMBODIMENT AND MINDFULNESS PRACTICES. THEIR MUSIC IS AN EXPRESSION OF THE SENSATIONS EXPERIENCED ON THIS PLANET, THE PROFOUNDNESS OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE AND THE BEAUTY OF ALL THAT IS.
THE FREEKS
Led by Ruben Romano (founding member of FuManchu and Nebula) and supported by Bob Lee on drums (Claw Hammer, Backbiter, Mike Watt), Ray Piller on bass (Biblical Proof of U.F.O.’s), Esteban Chavez on keys, and Jonathan Hall on guitar (Backbiter), the Freeks deliver raw, unrefined, screaming fuzzed psychedelic rock’n’roll music that is dream bent with tension and laced with Full On energy.
The Freeks were conceived in 2007 when Romano contacted a handful of talented friends from across the globe including Jack Endino, John McBain (Monster Magnet), Scott Reeder (Kyuss), Isaiah Mitchell (Earthless), Lorenzo Woodrose (Baby Woodrose) and the Purple Wizard of Woo, Bernie Worell (Parliament, Funkadelic, Talking Heads) and collaborated to contribute to Romano’s musical ideas. Together, the freek alliance spawned a self-titled debut release supported by Cargo-Germany records.
The Freeks sophomore effort comes at you “Full On” and proudly proclaims, The Freeks are back for more! The Freeks return to the raw essentials of their punk rock roots and mix it with their stoner rock legacy to create a fresh blend of high-octane psychedelic punk rock’n’roll!
CALID B
AfroBang is Calid B’s first big album release. It blends contemporary hip hop flavors with not only his West African roots, but also Caribbean and tribal elements from across the African diaspora. This album is the kickoff to series of AfroBang content that Calid plans on building through collaborations with other artists of similar cloth.
CHERI SOUL
A versatile Singer/Songwriter/Actress/Model/Dancer/Stylist and all around visual and performance artist originally from Louisiana, but raised in The Chi!
ILLVILLE VANGUARD
ILLVille Vanguard is a Chicago-land based music group bringing forth new ideas using components of Jazz, gospel fusion, neo-soul, hip-hop,and prog rock.
SCARLXRD
Marius Listhrop, better known by his stage name Scarlxrd (pronounced “scarlord”), is a British rapper. He is known for his unusual musical style combining elements of trap music and heavy metal. Formerly a YouTube personality, Scarlxrd began a career in music as the lead vocalist for nu metal band Myth City, before debuting as a rapper under his Scarlxrd moniker.
He rose to prominence after the music video for his single “Heart Attack” gained significant attention, holding over 35 million video views as of July 2018.
CHOUT
Chout is an original Hard Rock band from the south side of Chicago. Guitar/Vox: Matt Morgan, Vox: Brendan Maier, Bass: Rocco Gilsdorf, Drums: Joel Martinez
DRUIDS
Formed in 2008, Druids set out to be heavy and loud. Influenced by classic metal and psychedelic rock, Druids found their groove in songwriting, becoming more focused and progressive.
DJ WILLIE WONKA
One of well known College Disc Jockey’s in the Tristate Area now residing in Los Angeles, Dj Willy Wonka. Follow his page for updates on his events
DWYNELL ROLAND
Whether contemplating like Kendrick Lamar or channeling the intensity of Mystikal, Dwynell Roland’s approach to music has always been rooted in humility and a sense of humor. In 2016, “Minnesota’s most relatable rapper” (City Pages) found himself on the biggest stages of his career: an opening slot on Prof Outdoors 3. After word of his turnt up live show and album “The Popular Nobody” got out, Dwynell went on tour with P.O.S.,as well as performed at 89.3 The Current’s Rock the Garden, Go 95.3’s Big Fancy Go Show, Zombie Pub Crawl, and the Snowta NYE festival. When not headlining shows and playing festivals, Roland can be found opening up for the likes of MGK, Sean Kingston, and Har Mar Superstar.
MAC IRV
Some stories birthed and illustrated in the hood never leave city limits. And for some, music is more than just an outlet. It’s an escape. Born and raised in North Minneapolis, Mac Irv’s gift for rhyming began at an early age, most of which he learned from his grandfather along with living across the street from Cornbread Harris, father of Grammy award winning producer Jimmy Jam. At 9 years old, Mac Irv started a rap group and was making rhymes in his basement.
His gift for music went undisclosed for many years as his talent for basketball required a full commitment. After receiving a scholarship to the University of Minnesota, Mac Irv exceeded athletic expectations, placing him as an All-Big Ten Player from 2006-2008. Graduating with a degree in Business Marketing, the Gopher player’s athletic ability was unknowingly deteriorating slowly. His professional career overseas was eventually cut short after a serious hip injury. Shortly after at the age of 25, Mac Irv became a father to a baby girl. Despite battling depression while simultaneously taking on new responsibilities of parenthood, Mac Irv’s passion for music was soon reignited.
With support from his Pilot Life Team Tre Adams and producer Willie Wonka, Mac Irv developed smooth, quick rap lines and metaphors reflecting his experience on the Northside, the ups and downs of relationships, and lessons extracted from sports. Things quickly progressed and his career as an artist was solidifying.
“Got Me Open” was released on Youtube as his first single, but it was “Hometown” that allowed him to ultimately represent for Minnesota, embodying the nickname, “Hometown Hero”. In 2014, Mac Irv toured with Rhymesters artist Prof and his single “The Cycle” was nationally featured on MTV Jams. During that same year, Irv was selected to perform at Soundset, in company with Nas, Wiz Khalifa, and 2 Chainz.
Continuing to be a voice for his community, his loyalty for Minneapolis is undimmed. After several projects and local shows consistently selling out, Mac Irv’s ambitions brought him to perform at South by Southwest. His mixtape, “Sincerely Mac Irv” was featured on DatPiff and received an immense amount of feedback from his fans – which are known as his “fam base”.
Exposing disparities in his neighborhood through lyrics, Mac Irv has earned a place in the Hip Hop arena of Minneapolis. Heavily affected by death and incarceration of friends throughout the years, he continues to persevere through the oppression that confronts his community by inspiring a little bit of everyone.
CHEAP TRICK “IN COLOR”
In Color is the second studio album by Cheap Trick, released in 1977. It was produced by Tom Werman.
This album is considered a classic of the power pop genre. The album was ranked No. 4 on Shake Some Action: The Ultimate Power Pop Guide. In 2003, the album was also ranked number 443 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
CHERRI ROKKETT
Rokkett Roll!
CO-STANZA
Co-Stanza (Jack Costanza & band) formed in his home town of Naperville, Illinois. Since then, he has experimented with many different genres before finding the alternative/indie rock sound they have. Pulling from folk, pop, and R&B, Co-Stanza has created a unique sound. At 20 years old, Co-Stanza’s music is intensely relatable with lyrics and moods that capture the ups and downs of life.
WILDER SONS
Wilder Sons was created on a humid back porch in South Florida in 2013 by indie scene veterans Brian Blount (Vox/guitar) and Jake Rubington (Vox/Guitar). Both experienced front men of previous touring bands, the two joined forces to construct a beachy alt-rock style that is stimulating the senses of the progressive alternative scene. Transcendent guitar riffs weave effortlessly between catchy melodies, upbeat bass lines, and complex drum progressions; all of which paint a captivating backdrop to Brian’s reminiscent lyricism.
Their 2014 self-titled EP created a strong local following helping the group land opening gigs with bands like The Story So Far, Copeland, Turnover, Further Seems Forever, and Mewithoutyou to name a few. In 2016, Wilder Sons, along with the help of their devoted fans, ran a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund the release of their second EP, “Scatterbrain”. Since it’s release in November, Scatterbrain has been rapidly gaining the attention of Spotify listeners and Pandora playlists alike. It was also around this time that the group rounded out their line up with the addition of Dan Springs (Bass) and Nic Viens (Drums), both seasoned musicians who add a refreshing dynamic to the foursome. Wilder Sons continue to push the boundaries, creating a new sound that is pulsating through the prism of the Southwest Florida scene and beaming out to a national audience.
DJ PAPA G
ASHTRAY
Mitch
Duncan
Justin
Vince
THE BRASS
Guitar/Vox – Clay
Guitar – Joe
Bass – Carlos
Drums – Dave
AETHERE
Aethere is a 4 piece metal band from the Bay Area in California. Throughout their career they have endured changes that would eventually shape them into the band they are today. Founded by their drummer Josh Slater in 2009, they went through various members before solidifying the current lineup consisting of: guitarist Chris Tognetti, vocalist James Patton, and bassist Evan Yoshino. Crushing music accompanied by heavy lyrics dealing with dissociation and depression , the band brings something new and honest to the realm of heavy music they fall into. Elements of blackened deathcore, syncopated breakdowns, technical death metal, and nods to hardcore; Aethere’s sound is fueled by raw emotion while refusing to follow any genre guidelines that may be presented.
BODYSNATCHER
Bodysnatcher is an American deathcore band from Melbourne, Florida. The band currently consists of vocalist Kyle Medina, drummer Chris Whited, bassist Kyle Shope and guitarist Kyle Carter.
ENTERPRISE EARTH
A punishing technical deathcore outfit based out of Spokane, Washington, Enterprise Earth was founded in 2014 by ex-Infant Annihilator vocalist Dan Watson and ex-Takeover guitarist BJ Sampson. Taking their name from a confluence of Illuminati and other conspiracy theories, the band issued their debut EP, XXIII, shortly after forming. They released their debut album Patient Ø in 2015. Which featured guest appearances from Oceano vocalist Adam Warren — the LP reached number five on Billboard’s Heatseekers/Top New Artist Chart. Their latest album Embodiment was mixed and mastered by Buster Douglas Odeholm and came out in the Spring of 2017. Enterprise Earth has toured with Chelsea Grin, Whitechapel, Within The Ruins, Winds of Plague, Summer Slaughter 2016 and continue to make their mark in the metal/deathcore world.
INGESTED
UK death metal titans Ingested have been churning out bilious anti-anthems for more than a decade and a half, dropping a string of releases that have helped shape the genre. In 2022, they return with Ashes Lie Still, their most dynamic, inventive and daring release to date, holding nothing back, the band describing it as “A modern essential. If you like heavy music, it will be nigh on impossible for you to not find something you like about this record. It still has the core Ingested elements of groovy slamming riffs, quick drumming, and guttural vocals but there’s also atmosphere, ethereal moments and some raw old school aggression.” Over the course of ten tracks they hack, slash and steamroll through everything in their path, and it easily stands as the highpoint of an already impressive career.
As seen on tour in 2023 with Lorna Shore, Aborted, Ov Sulfur, Fit For An Autopsy, Bodysnatcher, Dying Fetus, Enterprise Earth, Signs of the Swarm
MINE COLLAPSE
“This EP is ridiculously awesome. It’s like a combo of hardcore with some post(-) stuff thrown in. The vocals are like classic hardcore style a la Modern Life Is War but the music is very rich with detail and has some great depth to it. This Chicago act has impressed me thoroughly with such a strong release…” – Heavy Blog Is Heavy “Chicago, IL’s Mine Collapse are bound to cause a cave in or two with their raucous blend of punk, sludge and noise rock. Take for instance their song “Zeroed” from the band’s pending July 22nd release via Nefarious Industries, Mine Collapse, it’s as chaotic as it is organized, as jarring as it is soothing. ” – PureGrainAudio “…this four song EP by Mine Collapse is a compelling and interesting listen. Perhaps more angry than dark, it’s worth checking out if you’re into that kind of thing.” – Mosh Pit Nation
IN CONTINUUM
American musician, songwriter, producer, sound designer, co-founder of the band Sound of Contact and lauded progressive-rock artist Dave Kerzner, has announced the birth of a new progressive rock super-group named “In Continuum”. The band consists of Kerzner at the helm as the main songwriter and keyboardist, sharing lead vocal duties with Gabriel Agudo (Steve Rothery Band / Bad Dreams). Joining Kerzner and Agudo on the debut album – set for release later in 2018 – are top multi-instrumentalists Matt Dorsey (Sound of Contact) and Randy McStine (Sound of Contact, The Fringe), former Porcupine Tree and Sound of Contact touring guitarist John Wesley, drummers Marco Minnemann (Steven Wilson, The Aristocrats), Nick D’Virgilio (Big Big Train, Spock’s Beard) and Derek Cintron along with guitarist Fernando Perdomo from the Dave Kerzner Band. Special guests on the album will include singer Jon Davison (Yes) and guitarist Steve Rothery (Marillion).
GINO HAZE
Coming home to an apartment across the street from Morningside High School in Inglewood, CA to a pair of teenage parents, being a rapper was something that was normal in Gino Haze’s household. Growing up, his grandmother held local talent shows with local acts around the city including Tyrese and the artists would come out & give Young Gino the courage to go up there himself. With a divorce that struck his family, Gino & his mother moved to her hometown of Chicago,Il when he was 9. Gino fell in love with Hip-Hop mainly after watching & collecting Smack DVD videos at the age of 12, around the same year he recorded his first record. After middle school, Gino moved back to Inglewood with his father in which he attended Inglewood and El Segundo High Schools.
He finally finished off at Westchester High where he shared hallways with some of the biggest names in sports at that time & even Odd Future leader “Tyler, The Creator” & several other members of the group. After high school, he went back to Chicago to attend school at Columbia College Chicago where he met rising producer C -Sick who helped Gino craft his own sound. Gino’s first album, titled Confident did really well on the streets of Los Angeles and featured Roc Nation artist Casey Veggies, Dom Kennedy, Niko G4, C-Sick & even platinum selling producer Mike Free. However, being a kid trying to rap & go to school doesn’t always work. He later stopped attending school to focus on his music and is now back prepping his second album Reality Replacin’ for release. The project is pretty much Gino & C-Sick coming back around with something fresh and different yet again.
CRIME NITE
Crime Nite is a Synth-Pop duo based in Chicago and Nashville. Judah Dylan and Andy Mars created Crime Nite in 2013 under the name “Pretend” and were later known as Time Machine Death Squad. Motivated by the release their debut album, the duo renamed the project yet again to Crime Nite – a name that truly fits their music and energy. Since 2013 the duo has refined their craft and developed their style into a unique blend of 80’s inspired Synth-Pop and Modern EDM. Drawing from their fucked up life experiences, both good and bad, and diving into their love of sound creation, Crime Nite has sculpted a unique sound and compiled all of this into their debut album “Can’t Kill The Beat”.
BERNDSEN
Red-bearded viking and pop auteur David Berndsen mines the 1980’s for inspiration in his retro-futurist analogue-feeling sound. Conjuring influences from Michael Jackson to Kraftwerk to The Eurythmics, and fellow revivalists like Glass Candy, Dreamtrak and Chromeo. World renowned master beat maker Hermigervill blends driving beats, samples and jagged electronica, woven into occasional hypnotic analog theremin solos that transfix the room. Lead axe man PAPPA Sigurðarson thrashes complex leads while simultaneously backing them up with deliciously dastardly complementing rhythms. Famous for a sound that recreates an era and a distinct moment in time when music, costumes and aesthetics triumphed worldwide.
GOZU
This is Gozu’s world, we’re just living in it. Given that it has been five years since the Boston quartet dropped themonstrous Equilibrium, returning with Remedy is one hell of a way to make sure that everyone — whether previously familiar with them or otherwise — realizes that they are perhaps the most badass of American rock bands, for they have taken everything to the next level.
GREAT AMERICAN GHOST
Boston’s harshest and most furious export, Great American Ghost, will release their self-titled manifesto in March 2013. This initial offering, poignant yet violent, angry yet intelligent, solidifies Great American Ghost as the bastard children of the Boston hardcore scene. Recorded and produced by Jay Mass (Defeater, HH, TF) Great American Ghost unleashes a sadistic explosion of anger and thrash.
WRAITH
Wraith is a blackened speed metal band that hails from Northwest Indiana. Matt Sokol, the founding member, on guitars and vocals. Mike Szymendera on drums, Chris Petkus on bass and Jason Schultz on leads.
BLACK SITES
Progressive metal from Chicago, IL.
ONESTY
Review: reggaereflections.com /Onesty – New York BB King Club 09/2016
“In typical Reggae style the audience swelled as the evening progressed which is unfortunate if they missed the early warm opening act, a young lady by the name of Onesty whose name should be remembered. Currently on tour with Black Uhuru, the Reggae songstress had a captivating flow and did an amazing job as she gently lead an anxious audience eager for the main act, right into the palm of her hands. A true singer with a beautiful voice, Onesty belted out several selections intermittently chatting lightly in-between songs bringing focus to her message. Her set totally complemented what was to come and in appreciation, the audience responded with passionate applause. See more at: www.reggaereflection.com
BLACK UHURU
Derrick “Duckie” Simpson the “Gong Gong Gullie” is the founder and leader for reggae’s BLACK UHURU. Although going through numerous lead singers and musicians they have remained to be one of the most recognized and prolific reggae band for over 50 years.
The roots of BLACK UHURU were formed in Kingston Jamaica’s Waterhouse district also known as “Firehouse” in the early 60′s. Though considered to be one of Jamaica’s toughest neighborhoods it’s home to several other reggae singers and musicians. It was where Duckie Simpson grew up and learned to sing from boyhood friends Winston “Pipe” Matthews and Lloyd “Bread” McDonald of Wailing Souls and Bob Marley. He recorded four tracks with Wailing Souls before forming his own group.
The original Uhuru’s (Swahili for freedom) were Derrick “Duckie” Simpson, Euvin “Don Carlos” Spencer and Rudolph “Garth” Dennis. They only recorded a few singles “Folk Songs” “Time Is On Our Side” and “Slow Coach” before separating. Don went solo and Garth joined Wailing Souls.
Duckie reformed the group adding Michael Rose & Errol “Tarzan” Nelson, both from Waterhouse. They recorded their debut album “Love Crises” in 1977 at Prince Jammy’s famous studio in Waterhouse on St. Lucia Road. It was later re-released as “Black Sounds Of Freedom”. Errol later left to join The Jayes. He was soon replaced by American female singer & dancer Sandra “Puma” Jones. They teamed up with drummer Sly Dunbar and bass player Robbie Shakespeare. Together they developed a musical style full of deep bass thumps, loud drum slaps, sharp keyboards, long instrumentals with guitar riffs, whirly back round noises, echos and the signature”woh oh oh’s” creating they’re “classic” sound. Producing hits like “I Love King Sellassie, “‘Shine Eye Gals”, “General Penitentary” and “What is Life”.
BLACK UHURU released the albums Red, Chill Out, Sensemila and Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner and began to tour the world bringing them to international audiences. It was during this period they started to gain rapid popularity. They opened live shows for the Rolling Stones and the Police. They began to work with other well accomplished producers and musicians. Keith Richards played guitar for the “Shine Eye Gal” track. Dennis Brown “The Crown Prince of Reggae” produced the tracks “Rent Man” and Wood For My Fire”. The track” Spongi Reggae” appeared on an episode of The Bill Cosby Show and “Party in Session” in the movie 1980′s North Shore. BLACK UHURU made reggae history when they won the first ever Grammy Award for reggae music in 1984 for the album Anthem Shortly after the grammy Michael Rose went solo.
Another Waterhouse resident named Delroy “Junior” Reid became the new lead singer. They released two albums Brutal and Positive. The Brutal album was nominated for a grammy. They filmed three music videos for the tracks “Fire City” “Brutal”, and “Great Train Robbery”, that track also played on a popular video game Grand Theft Auto. Sadly in 1990, due to ill health, Sanda “Puma” Jones passed away of cancer. Junior Reid shortly went solo.
Then the original three re-united. They released four albums Now, Iron Storm, Mystical Truth and Strong. Each album was nominated for grammy. They made an award winning music video for the track “Tip Of The Iceberg” featuring rap star Ice-T in 1992. Eventually splitting up again. Carlos & Dennis left again & Duckie stayed again. This time there was a lawsuit brought amongst the group over the band’s legal rights in Los Angeles county court. Derrick Simpson won.
As the new melenium approached there came a new lead singer yet again from Waterhouse named Andrew “Bee’s” Beckford. They released two albums. Unification was produced by King Jammy & Dynasty was produced by Fitzroy Francis & Duckie. They went on a worldwide tour featuring Sly and Robbie and had the famous producer Scientist as its road engineer. Andrew Bee’s then went solo.
In 2007 Duckie & Michael Rose reunited after twenty years. They performed in Jamaica and did one international tour and released the single “Dollars”. In 2011 Duckie reunited with Andrew Bee’s after ten years. He added female backing vocalist Kaye Star and began touring again performing in South America & America.
BLACK UHURU recently performed in a Broadway Musical. The red carpeted event “Loving the Silent Tears: A New Msuical” premiered October 27th 2012 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Ca. They were invited to represent reggae music and performed a new track “Make A Deal”. And in Las Vegas Nevada BLACK UHURU was recently honored for its contribution to the entertainment industry. August 31st if now officially “Black Uhuru Day” in the city of Las Vegas.
BLACK UHURU’s long success has allowed them to become ambassadors of reggae while earning several achievements in the music industry. With 14 full length albums, 7 instrumental dub albums, and 4 live albums they have the highest record sales in reggae music behind Bob Marley. The album Red was voted #23 for Rolling Stone’s list of “100 Greatest Albums of the 1980′s. Aside from winning the first reggae grammy they have been nominated 5 more times. They are the only reggae group to have won the Diamond Awards of Excellence in 1994.
Despite all of BLACK UHURU’s change of different singers and musicians the one thing that has always remained is Derrick “Duckie” Simpson. Much respect to a legendary figure for Reggae Music. The group is presently working on releasing a new album soon to come. It features Duckie on lead.
RICHIE RAMONE
Richie Ramone is the fastest, most powerful drummer who ever played with the legendary punk rock band the Ramones. He joined the Ramones in 1983 and first appeared with the band on their Subterranean Jungle tour.
Richie performed in over 500 shows around the world with the Ramones and wrote several critically-acclaimed and fan-favorite songs for the albums Animal Boy, Too Tough to Die and Halfway to Sanity. Punk rock icon, Joey Ramone, remarked that “[Richie] saved the band as far as I’m concerned. He’s the greatest thing to happen to the Ramones. He put the spirit back in the band.”
Richie is notable as the only Ramones drummer to sing lead vocals on Ramones songs, “(You) Can’t Say Anything Nice” as well as the unreleased “Elevator Operator.” Richie was also the only drummer to be the sole composer of Ramones songs including their hit “Somebody Put Something in My Drink” which remained a staple in the Ramones set list until their last show in 1996 and continues to be covered by new generations of bands worldwide. “Somebody Put Something in My Drink” was included on “Ramones Mania,” the only Ramones album to go gold as well as “Loud, Fast Ramones: Their Toughest Hits,” an album comprised of songs hand picked by Johnny Ramone as the Ramones’ best works. Richie also wrote “I’m Not Jesus,” “Can’t Say Anything Nice,” “I Know Better Now,” “Humankind” and “Smash You” which became the title track for one of the Ramones’ most successful re-releases, Smash You: Live ’85. Richie’s “I’m Not Jesus” took the Ramones in a heavier direction and has become a frequent cover tune for innumerable heavy metal bands. Richie’s songwriting contributions were supported by Joey Ramone: “I encouraged Richie to write songs . . . we never let anybody else write our songs.”
In 2007, Richie Ramone introduced his virtuosic drumming to the symphonic world with his “Suite for Drums and Orchestra” based on Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story. He debuted his arrangement with the Pasadena Pops Orchestra as the featured drum soloist and was an immediate hit with critics and patrons there and in other cities. He is currently working on another innovative “Suite for Drums and Orchestra” comprised of classic James Bond movie songs.
In 2011, the Recording Academy gave the Ramones a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in Los Angeles, where all three of the band’s drummers (Tommy, Marky and Richie Ramone) stood beneath the same roof for the first time ever. In 2012, Richie was the only surviving Ramone featured on the second Joey Ramone solo album, “Ya Know?” On October 8, 2013, Richie released his first solo album, “Entitled,” which features new songs written by Richie as well as new recordings of songs he wrote for the Ramones. Billboard notes, “Richie’s 12 freshest cuts aim to please fans of both rock and metal with its blend of power chord-chugging simplicity and guitar hero virtuosity.”
MIDNIGHT RIDER
Capturing the Spirit of the Allman Brothers Band
LORD ALMIGHTY
Back to the Woods Metal
