Biography
The Blasters
Effective period / Period of releases: 1980 - 2024
Members: Steve Berlin, Dave Alvin, Smokey Hormel, Mike Mann, Phil Alvin, Lee Allen, James Intveld, Jerry Angel, Bill Bateman, John Bazz, Gene Taylor (2), David Carroll (3), Keith Wyatt (2), Ty Kindell
Formed 1979 in Downey, CA, United States.Phil Alvin (vocals, harmonica, guitar), John Bazz (bass), Bill Bateman (drums, 1979-93, 2008-present), Dave Alvin (guitar, 1979-86), Lee Allen (saxophone, 1981-94), Gene Taylor (keyboards, 1981-85), Steve Berlin (saxophone, 1981-84), Michael Mann (guitar, 1986), Billy Zoom (guitar, 1986), Greg "Smokey" Hormel (guitar, 1987-93), James Intveld (guitar, 1993-95), Dave Carroll (drums, 1993-94), Jerry Angel (drums, 1996-2008), Keith Wyatt (guitar, 1996-present).
The Blasters' self-described "American Music" was a blend of blues music, rockabilly, early rock and roll, punk rock, mountain music, and rhythm and blues. They still 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 diversity were a supremely tight and tasteful band with enough fire, smarts, and passion for two or three groups."