The Goddamn Gallows formed in 2004 by founding members and Lansing/Detroit natives Mikey Classic on guitar and vocals, Fishgutzzz on upright bass, and Amanda Kill on drums -replaced by current drummer Uriah Baker (aka; “Baby Genius”) in 2006. The trio started out migrating around the West for a time, holing up in Hollywood squats and squalid apartments, before releasing several albums: The Gallows EP (2004), Life of Sin (2005), and Gutterbilly Blues (2007), and finally hitting the road nearly full-time to establish their presence in the psychobilly-country scene while honing their self-described “twanged-out punk rock gutterbilly”. In 2009 the addition of Avery, a fire-breathing, accordion and washboard player, as well as Jayke Orvis (formerly of the .357 String Band) on mandolin and banjo, prompted The Goddamn Gallows to explore many new directions with their songwriting and in their live performances. As evidenced on their most recent 2009 album, Ghost of The Rails, and as witnessed by their spectacular and tireless live shows, The Goddamn Gallows began to forge a path founded on their very own brand of contagious primeval abandon: an unpretentious and from-the-gut carnivalesque smorgasbord of parts old time revival, circus sideshow, and good old-fashioned rock and roll. The result falls dead center into a head on collision between something like a Western honky-tonk impromptu parking lot rodeo, and Suburbia (the 1983 Penelope Spheeris cult classic film, not the location).
Hailing from rural Wisconsin, Farmageddon Records artist Owen Mays adds his own touch to American music, while working hard to preserve it’s traditions. Playing classic, honest, simple songs about heartache, hard luck, and hard living, inspired by the likes of Hank Williams, and Molly O’Day, Owen delivers with a sincerity that can’t be faked. Whether appearing solo, or with his backing band, The 80 Proof Boys, Owen can almost always be found on a stage somewhere, doing what he does
It was June of 2010 when Filthy Still was born in the drunken depths of Providence, Rhode Island in the neighborhood of historic “Federal Hill”. Jesse Roderick, Dylan “Sleazy D” Wolk, Jeremy Garland, and Matt Olson began jamming out to old Country songs in a small office space of Jeremy’s 3rd floor apartment. After playing their first show July 13th, 2010 with The Goddamn Gallows in Providence, Filthy Still quickly started to gain recognition in the New England region for their unique “bluegrass/punk” sound, with influences ranging from Hank Williams and Townes Van Zandt, and the other end of the spectrum, from The Circle Jerks to GG Allin. On December 12th 2010, washboard player and brother, Dylan “Sleazy D” Wolk unexpectedly passed away in his sleep after a fully packed show at their neighborhood bar. His untimely death shocked everyone and nearly put the band to rest. Several weeks later, it was decided that Filthy Still would continue to play in memory of Dylan. In February of 2011, Filthy Still returned to the stage in New Haven, CT opening for Hick’ry Hawkins, playing for a full capacity crowd.
Having trouble keeping a steady bassist, and going through some minor lineup changes, Filthy Still soon aquired friend Artie Elmer on washtub bass, while touring with “Hick’ry Hawkin’s and the Panty Sniffers” in the Winter of 2011. As of Fall 2011, they have played hundreds of shows all around the country, and have no plans of taking much time off. They use traditional bluegrass instruments and play with a punk rock intensity. They currently have one album under their belt titled “All Bottled Up” which was recorded and released DIY style and consists of 13 original songs. Filthy Still will be releasing there sophomore album on Farmageddon Records in 2012.
From the fires of hell they rise with powerful guitar riffs, pounding bass lines, and intense drummming to make a permanent scar on the Chicago music scene. With influences such as The Koffin Kats, Mad Sin, Eddie Cochran, and Johnny Cash they’re not here to tell you how to dress, who to be, or what to believe in. They sing of your nightmares and quiet possibly some of your dreams. Lifes to short to worry about money, politics, and religion so fuck all of that and lets have a good time!!
Special Rockabilly weekend package! Purchase a ticket good for Saturday July 28, Sunday July 29, and Monday July 30 for only $25! Single day admission available at the door.