Quite a few modern day rock bands like to list hip emo bands as prime influences, but judging from their impressive instrumental chops, these guys are no strangers to the proggier side of things. Social Ghost is one of the few bands to proudly proclaim their admiration of such challenging-yet-melodic bands as Rush and The Police. And the Orlando, Florida-based group has something in common with these aforementioned zillion-selling acts – they manage to create a massive sound with only three band members (and like the others, their bassist doubles as lead vocalist).
Comprised of singer/bassist Eric Van Lugo, guitarist Neight, and drummer Jeffrey Alan Wright, Social Ghost is turning heads with their recently released full-length album titled "WAR WITHOUT A GUN," a record that manages to balance the tuneful with the tricky. Social Ghost has already played sold out shows at some of Florida's most celebrated venues, including the House of Blues and The Social, as well as festivals like JRR-B-Q, Warped Tour and Earthday Birthday 13 at Orlando's Citrus Bowl. Additionally, Social Ghost has supported such renowned acts as Shinedown, Staind, Rob Zombie, Mudvayne, Plain White T's, Nonpoint, and Alice in Chains, the latter of which the group has served as direct support for their recent acoustic tour. Jim Mallonee, VP of Booking for Live Nation, witnessed a Social Ghost performance during their stint supporting Shinedown, and raved, "I was frankly flabbergasted when I witnessed their show, and kind of pissed off that I was in the dark about these guys until that point."
Although considered a new band to many, Lugo and Neight have been almost life-long friends – having first crossed paths in the 5th grade. “We immediately formed a bond through mischief,” explains Neight. “We started to watch MTV - emulating and singing Rage Against the Machine, Green Day, [and] Pearl Jam in class. Growing up in that time period was a really big part in us picking up instruments – Van picked up a bass around age thirteen, and a year later, I followed. We jammed almost everyday, and at age 15, I moved to West Virginia with my parents. We stayed in contact and Eric continued with a band of his own. When I was 20, Eric called me one day and asked me if I wanted to move back and join his band. Without hesitation, I sold all my stuff and moved back down. We went on for a few months with that band, but Van and I started moving in a different direction musically. We disbanded that project to begin work on what is now Social Ghost.”
The move has certainly paid off for all parties involved, as several songs from the EP have become local rock radio favorites. ORock 105.9 put the anthemic “Tomorrow” in Mel’s Nightly Battle for listener votes. The song won 10 consecutive nights beating the likes of The Killers, Sick Puppies, Angels & Airwaves (twice), Stone Sour, Seether, Blue October, Pucifer, and Biffy Clyro. This success has placed “Tomorrow” in regular rotation. WJRR has also featured “Tomorrow” on their Native Noise series.
And the group has already built up some impressive ‘road miles.’ “Touring is an amazing and inspiring experience,” says Neight. “It's everyone's dream just to meet their idols - Alice in Chains. But to perform on the same stage every night, drink beers with the guys, playing to sold-out auditoriums, have the guys play pranks on us - there are no words that I can express how great that feels. Something I think we are learning from touring is how important the band-fan connection is.” And what can fans expect from a Social Ghost performance? “Tight, precise performances. Better than the record. And, you can meet us at the merch booth!” With a goal of “World Domination – [to] put rock n’ roll back on top,” the lads certainly have the right attitude, but also have the tunes and chops to back it all up.
Soo, I know you guys probably have a shit load of fans commenting you, BUT, Just wanted to say I absolutely loved your performance at Back Booth last night! And I have to admit, Eric I think you're super talented and SEXY :) Especially as a Pumpkin lol.
Social Ghost!!! Don't miss the House of Blues & WJRR pre-concert event for "Sick Puppies" & "Shinedown" at 6pm Thursday, Oct. 22nd at Best Buy! See you there! Bax
Hey Eric, guess what............ Jose Falero has a baby on the way :) Now you will have another little fan :) You guys Rock, I can't wait until I am not pregnant anymore so I can come see you guys again :) I had to pass on Jack Daniel's birthday! That SUCKED!
hey whats up guys. ya'll need to make your way back to knoxville and hangout! it was a blast last time tryin' to find a place to party lol. email us ahead of time and let everyone know your coming to town and we will definitely have a spot to party AND listen to you guys play. keep rockin'! -dirty b
Can you hear the Social Ghost influences on the new Alice in Chains CD? It's nuts! They shoulda let Van play cello on the record... the part is almost identical!
dudes, how goes it? we're ready to rock out again...if we can make some of those november dates work out, it'd be awesome...but so far, strikes. we'll see what happens.
hey guys. hows it going? i was at the early show this past saturday at backbooth and you guys were amazing. it's to bad i couldn't really "see" you guys at house of blues cuz i was upstairs merching for clayton senne but from what i could hear you guys were great then too but even better the 2nd time around when i did get to "see" you guys at backbooth. can't wait for the next show. :)
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