Biography
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Years Active
2001 – 2009 (8 years)
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Founded In
Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
DRIVEBLIND BIO The North-east of Scotland may seem an unlikely place to begin the story of the most exciting band to break out of Los Angeles this year…but for Driveblind, fact is truly stranger than fiction. Welcome to what will be the most talked about success story of the year..
Like all great tales we start with humble beginnings: in this case a grey, run-down lane in the backstreets of Aberdeen nicknamed 'Murder Alley', thanks to a notorious history. It was here that Driveblind had found a small basement rehearsal space which they could barely afford. Despite it's less than desirable location, it was prime real estate for a band that had previously been restricted to jamming in lead singer Terry's cramped apartment. Now they had a space where they could set up the drums, guitars and organ and still have enough room for a vocal PA, a small bar and a number of ashtrays… The resulting sessions often went on all night as, under the gaze of their musical heroes (The Who, The Beatles, The Band to name a few) who adorned the rehearsal room walls, Driveblind evolved. They worked hard on pushing the songs into a new place which combined the soulful melodies and harmonies of their acoustic origins with the rocking, unrestrained sound of a band that likes to play loud. The empty beer cans piled up, the ashtrays overflowed, the neighbours complained.. Initially, Driveblind emerged only occasionally from their self imposed songwriting exile to play live. However, their “less is more” approach on the hometown circuit created a buzz among the local scenesters and Driveblind quickly rose to become the city’s biggest draw. Never ones to be content with local notoriety, Driveblind headed south and were soon packing out venues in cities such as Glasgow and London.
The fall of 2002 saw a memorable performance at Glasgow's “Gig on the Green” with 30,000 people in attendance. The idea of performing in the USA was unheard of for an unsigned Aberdonian band and Driveblind were determined to prove it could be done. And so it was that in March 2003, a five day, four gig whirlwind trip saw Driveblind descend upon a wintry New York City before hitting a new live peak at the Viper Room in Los Angeles. In fact, it was a live recording of that show which not only woke up the industry to Driveblind, but changed the lives of all concerned. Returning to the basement in Aberdeen with memories of igniting a snowy Greenwich Village and a sweaty Saturday night on the Sunset Strip, Driveblind were unaware of a growing industry buzz stateside. The 'Viper Room tape' was doing the rounds…
This led to Driveblind taking a call from A&M Records president Ron Fair in May of 2003. Hearing the potential of the band, Ron acted immediately, offering a deal sight unseen! The band had a month in which to give up their day jobs, say goodbye to friends and family, and move to the US to become a full time rock and roll band. After playing an historic farewell show in their home town, the six lads left to set up camp in Hollywood.
The following year and a half saw Driveblind writing and gigging (and partying..) extensively around California. With a catalogue of over forty songs, Driveblind began work with producer Mike Hedges (The Cure, Travis, Dido, and U2.) in London. These sessions set the tone for the record and the band returned to the now familiar sunshine, bars and women of LA to complete their debut release. When not locked away in the studio, Driveblind were busy making a dent on the US live circuit, as word of their ferocious and passionate live show spread. By the end of 2005, they had sold out several residencies at the Viper Room and numerous other LA clubs, as well as wowing a diverse range of audiences with bands such as Wolfmother, Collective Soul, Johnny Marr and the Healers, Hot Hot Heat, The Bravery, The Like, Sam Roberts Band, Matisyahu, The Thrills, The Zutons and The Charlatans. The band also completed their first coast-to-coast US tour (with Nikka Costa) playing before sell-out crowds in New York, Washington D.C, Detroit, Chicago and San Francisco. Driveblind's eponymously titled debut album is due to be released in summer 2006 on Interscope/A&M/Geffen Records..
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