If there were some alchemy through which the aching metal of David Lee Roth-era Van Halen and the shrieking, gnashing sounds of The Cramps could be melded, you still wouldn't have an accurate representation of the crush of styles produced by The Mighty 18 Wheeler. Gene Vincent and Nazareth? The New York Dolls and Tammy Wynette? The Living End and Led Zeppelin? Bobby Bare and Iggy Pop?
No. Maybe. The Mighty 18 Wheeler.
With their ever-evolving sound, they drive their thrashing rig' of rock and roll fast and hard. For years Bobby Smith (Guitars)--a veteran of L.A.'s metal and, later, swing scene--and longtime sidekick Jimmy Kolodziej (upright bass)--a Chicago native who stomped his way into the Colorado music world--carved out a metal-billy approach to Rock that wavered somewhere between Eddie Cochran and Motorhead. With the additions of drummer Matt Wiggins--a veteran of the Denver Music Scene--and singer Bret Bertholf--who drowned himself for a decade in country music--the band has finally morphed into one of the angriest, craziest, weirdest Rock bands ever to haunt a Denver club..
Expect anything at a Mighty 18 Wheeler show. The music is loud, the clothes are loud, and the primal energy never stops. The Mighty 18 Wheeler knows how to put on a show and never disappoints the crowds.
Bands they have opened for: Brian Setzer Orchestra, Link Wray, The Living End, Jason Ringenberg of Jason and the Scorchers, Lee Rocker (Stray Cats), Wanda Jackson, Dave Alvin (Blasters), The Blasters, Royal Crown Revue, "X", BR-549, Train, The Paladins, Hells Belles, B-52's, and Nashville Pussy.
Venues: House of Blues LA, The Bluebird Theatre, The Fox Theatre, The Gothic, The Aggie, The Whiskey a Go Go, Skylark Lounge, Lion's Lair, Larimer Lounge,15 Street Tavern, 3 Kings, Benders, Troubadour, The Tractor (WA), Duffys, The Zoo Bar (NE) and many more.
TM18W is; Bobby Smith; Guitars/Vocals
Jimmy Kolodziej; Slap Bass/Vocals
Matt Wiggins; Drums/Vocals
Bret Bertholf Lead Vocals
