In the early ‘70s, three brothers—Dannis, David, and Bobby Hackney—begin playing quick-tempo, high-velocity, hard rock as the revolutionary Detroit band, Death. Heavily influenced by the wild on-stage antics, political-tinged lyrics, and kick-in-the-face raw rock of fellow Detroit bands MC5 and the Stooges, as well as the high energy of more mainstream bands such as The Who in England, Death unknowingly helped create the genre of punk rock that later hit the music world full-force. Ahead of their time, Death, unfortunately, never had their moment in the spotlight. After changing musical directions; the three brothers moved to Burlington, Vermont. The Hackney’s continued to develop their musical interest and eventually settled down and raised families of their own, the days of Death seemed only a memory of the distant past.
30 years after the group disbanded and after the passing of David Hackney, sons Julian, Urian, and Bobby Hackney Jr., unearthed the original Death recordings in their father’s attic. Already well steeped in the hardcore and punk scene since youth and inspired by the power and magnitude of their father’s recordings, the boys along with friends Steven Hazen Williams and Dylan Giambatista created Rough Francis as a way to help spread the word of Death and the newly re-discovered music. The bands name, Rough Francis, was in tribute to David Hackney, who created the moniker for himself years earlier. Shortly after forming, Rough Francis began playing and developing their own style and sound while sharing their own form of punk rock to select audiences. Although the loud howls, high-energy stage presence, and raw, gritty rock of Rough Francis echoes Death, they are exploring a musical style unique to them. Their sound has appealed to a wide range of fans, from the most core punk enthusiasts to backpacker hip hop kids.
Fueled by their wide spread appeal but anchored in their core roots, Rough Francis has had a great year. They’ve performed at the annual Joey Ramone memorial Birthday Bash and opened for hip hop heavyweight Mos Def. The band has been steadily gaining acclaim for their energetic performances from critics all over, which has included a feature in the New York Times in March of 2009 and mentions on Spin.com, to name a few. They are currently in the studio recording for a release set for early 2010 and getting out on the road performing at various clubs in select cities.
The sons of Death are born; Rough Francis is inviting the world to take part and bare witness as a new generation evolves from a family story made for movies.
(okay-okay.com)
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Whats up fellas. I used to play guitar in two Burlington bands by the name of Gorehammer and JC & the Demolition Boys. The Death record is incredible and I'm really looking forward to hearing some recorded material from you guys. Come play in Providence! Cheers!
Great tunes guys. Essence! If you tour ever Europe and decide to go east, make sure to contact me, I'll be more than glad to organize you a gig here. Take care. Stevan J!
Okay, remember those photos I was talkin' about? Apparently, my computer doesn't like MySpace's photo uploading thing right now. So they're on Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollymoody/ -Holly
About last night. Four words: Oh. My. Fucking. GOD. Y'all put on a great show - one of the most energetic sets I'd seen in my life. I was actually just there for Death, I knew nothing of your band or even the connection there. You guys must be proud. :) I'm uploading pictures now and tagging away!
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