This gang began when Orlando (a.k.a. Orlandissey) placed an ad on Craigslist for the creation of a Smiths tribute band. "The idea came to me when I was at Kimo's (SF) and, in between band set-ups, I heard 'Queen Is Dead' over the PA. Hearing The Smiths that night was like a 'crack on the head,' and I craved to hear more. So here we are."
Benjamin Hudson was the first to answer, and I am very glad he did since he had really studied the music of The Smiths, front and back. Two things interesting about Ben is that 1) he looks like a giant Moz and 2) this is his very first band. If you saw him play, you would never know.
Wally Cook was the second to come on board. Having a trained Jazz background on bass, his style and knowledge could not be more perfect for playing the melodic lines created by Andy Rourke.
For a few months, the three of us practiced. Then on one special weekend we had the pleasure of playing with Nick LaQuintano on drums and Peter Weldon on additional guitar. Having the addition of these fine lads finally made our sound complete. Nick knows the music of the Smiths/Morrissey and really knows how to play with the right dynamics and Peter knows just the right parts to play on his guitar.
UPDATE: Two years later we find that life has taken Wally Cook and Peter Weldon down a different path from TCB, and we wish them all the best! They are great guys and were a big part of making TCB happen.
Since then, TCB has played to hundreds of dedicated Smiths and Morrissey fans in San Francisco, Moz Angeles, Anaheim, Las Vegas, Arizona, San Diego, Fresno, Marin, Oakland, Sacramento, and San Jose -- including venues such as House of Blues (Anaheim & Hollywood), Bimbo's, Slim's, Cafe Dunord, Crash Mansion, and the Troubadour. And each show turning out to be a true celebration of unity in the appreciation and love of the music and community established long ago by The Smiths, and still currently by the man himself, Morrissey!
TCB would like to thank Morrissey, Johnny, Andy, Mike, Boz, and Alain for
the music and spirit that we can all still enjoy. "Thank you gentlemen!"
- This Charming Band
We are all fans of The Smiths and Morrissey solo and hope to give fans the chance to see and maybe feel what The Smiths might have been like live. TCB will do our best to keep the flame alive...
Hello You little charmers... Does it look like you'll make the long drive to portland oregon this summer? The Real Moz has forsaken us since '03... We need a dose!
The Smiths were (are!) one of my all time fave bands! You do them much justice, well done. Very best wishes from all in Roxyrama & keep up the good work :-)
Sadly I had to leave early, BART and it's evil midnight curfew. =( However the first half of the set was amazing! Can't wait for Santa Cruz! Hope to see some of you Thursday!
