As a founding member of LA punk rock legends X , in the late ‘70s, John Doe holds a rightful place as one of the most influential musicians in American alternative music in the 1980's. In fact, Greg Prato writes in AllMusic.com that “X were undeniably not just one of the greatest punk bands, but one of the greatest live rock acts of all time.”
In addition, by the mid-80’s, Doe further solidified his groundbreaking reputation with the formation of The Knitters’ - pioneers of cowpunk or folk punk, the genre which gradually evolved into alternative country. (The Knitters' name is a play on the name of the legendary folk group The Weavers.) . . . I'm not even going to talk about his acting career in films and television. Let's just leave it at this - he's a true artist.
John Doe just released his sixth solo album on June 12th – A Year in the Wilderness (YepRoc Records) and its been garnering fine reviews. He describes the record like this, “. . . Sometimes it sounded like a Replacements', then a Velvet Underground record, then Blonde On Blonde...twelve-strings, six-strings, electrics, upright bass, big kick drums, pianos, organs, slides, floating & screaming voices. These may be the darkest moments recounted but you have to look inside to hear that, and in there is some of what happens during a year in the wilderness.”
Sounds right up my alley. . . Hope to see you Monday at the High Noon!
Dead Rock West has been described as “X meets Wilco” and they will be backing up John, as well as opening the night in support of their new album, Honey and Salt.
PHOTO by Autumn DeWilde
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