The Von Ehrics

Bio:

The Von Ehrics emerged from the Red River Bottom of Fannin County, Texas in the summer of 2000 on a mission. Their intent was simple: combine the influences of the country and gospel music on which they were raised with the punk and metal records they found as rebellious teenagers. Since then they have gone on to release three critically acclaimed full-length albums and one EP while touring endlessly and building a loyal legion of fans across the United States. Known for their blistering live performances, the Von Ehrics blend straight-forward country songs with high-intensity punk rock and roll and have shared the stage with acts such as the Reverend Horton Heat, Hank III, Billy Joe Shaver, GBH, Supersuckers, Dale Watson, Riverboat Gamblers, Old 97’s, Drive-by-Truckers and many more. After releasing a four-song EP in 2001 the Von Ehrics began honing their skills in the nightclubs of Dallas’ Deep Ellum music scene quickly gaining notoriety as one of Dallas’ most promising bands. They hit the sweet spot with the 2003 release of Damn Fine Drunks (Self-Released). This would send the band on an extensive touring schedule that started with Texas and has since canvassed the United States. But it was the release of The Whiskey Sessions (Rocket 13 Records) in 2006 that put the band on the map as the prototype for the country-punk sound. The Whiskey Sessions was a collection of 13 songs about whiskey, women and life on the road. The Houston Press called it “one of the most important records of the year” and CityBeat Magazine called the band “the best southern-boogie trio from Texas since ZZ Top”. Praise certainly didn’t slow the band down. They continued to tour for two and a half years in support of the record solidifying their reputation as a relentless road band of fast-living troubadours. At the end of 2008 the Von Ehrics took a much needed hiatus. During that time they signed on with the Madison, Wisconsin based-label Crustacean Records and began writing material for what would be their third full-length album. Loaded, released March of 2009, was recorded in the dead of winter in the Madison home of Go-Go’s guitarist Jane Wiedlin and is everything you have come to expect from the Von Ehrics and more. It is raw, powerful and authentic. The drums mix lightning fast train beats with an all out punk rock style. Bass lines walk like country songs in a metal setting. And singer/guitarist Robert Jason Vandygriff’s vocal style is one that reeks of whiskey-drenched gospel. All of this is layered with driving guitars that don’t rest. Lyrically the Von Ehrics are a bit more reflective at times on Loaded without straying too far from the unapologetic tone for which they are known. While the Von Ehrics have seen success, life on the road hasn’t been easy. They saw six drummers come and go before 2005. That is when they found the like-minded San Antonio native and Lubbock legend Gabe Aguilar who was an instant fit. And in August of 2009 the band parted ways with long–time bass player Jeffery Wayne Mosley. After Tim Price of the Daily Beat filled in for a fall tour the band began rehearsing with Paul "Santi" Vaden of Ghoultown on bass which turned out to be a perfect match. At the same time long-time "honorary fourth member "Clayton Mills, former Dixie Witch, signed on full time on lead guitar....and the new line up is solidified. Currently the band is wholed up in Denton, TX preparing material to begin recording in July for a late 2010 release. The Players: Gabe Aguilar – Drums Paul "Santi" Vaden – Bass Robert Jason Vandygriff – Guitars/Vocals Clayton Mills - Lead Guitars

Member Since:

June 07, 2004

Members:

Robert Jason Vandygriff - Guitar/Vox, Gabe Aguilar - Drums, Paul "Santi" Vaden - Bass, Clayton Mills - Lead Guitar------------------------------------------Former Members - - - - Chris Bradley - Drums 2000-2004, Five other random guys for tours - Drums 2004-2005, Jeffery Wayne Mosley - 2000-2009--------------------------------------booking - T.R. Davis at thevonehrics@yahoo.com

Influences:

Anything that doesn't suck and a few things that do.

Sounds Like:

Steve Earle meets Motorhead

Record Label:

Crustacean Records, Rocket 13 Records,

Label Type:

Indie