Two Tons of Steel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Two Tons of Steel is an American musical group.
They began in 1991, playing small clubs and private parties in San Antonio, Texas. Known originally as the Dead Crickets, the band changed its name to Two Tons of Steel in 1997. As the story goes, the name change was prompted by a telephone call from Jerry Allison, drummer for Buddy Holly and the Crickets. As Holly's Crickets were still active on the road, Mr. Allison was concerned that the rising popularity and fan base of the Dead Crickets was quickly expanding beyond the San Antonio music market and may create confusion for the fans of the two groups. Out of respect to the legacy of Buddy Holly and his music, a gentleman's agreement was reached and the Dead Crickets would be no more.
Always an important and difficult decision for any band, the group's new name would not be determined by a marketing study, but simply by looking out the window. Sitting in the driveway was a fully restored 1956 two door, hardtop Cadillac owned by lead singer Kevin Geil. This model of luxury automobile was also affectionately known as Two Tons of Steel. No matter what their name, the band continued to be recognized in the San Antonio market with more than fifteen awards including Band of the Year (five awards), Best Male Vocal (Kevin Geil-four awards), Guitar Player of the Year (Dennis Fallon), Album of the Year (Two Tons of Steel), and has been featured on Imus in the Morning, a nationally syndicated radio program also aired on MSNBC.
With the name change complete, Two Tons of Steel never missed a beat. They continued to expand their fan base, taking their music to venues throughout the state of Texas and well beyond. "From the dance halls in Texas to the heart of Havana, Two Tons proves their imagination, creativity and inspiration" writes Jim Beal, Jr. of the San Antonio Express News. A 1997 trip to Havana, Cuba, marked two milestones that have come to define and sustain Two Tons of Steel. Playing at the Teatro Nacionel de Cuba (National Theatre) in Havana, Two Tons of Steel became the first American band to perform there in over thirty years. While on tour in Cuba, the signature song of Two Tons was inspired with the original composition of Havana Moon. Upon release, Havana Moon became one of the most requested songs on Americana Radio stations from KNBT in New Braunfels, Texas, WBOS radio in New York, Humble Time syndicated music network, and in Europe via the Ralf Mauer's Country Music Express Show.
The Two Tons of Steel sound has been influenced by the musical styles of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chris Isaac, and Johnny Cash, but it's their original music that puts them on stage with some of the most successful acts in the business. They have appeared with Dwight Yoakum, Jerry Lee Lewis, Rodney Crowell, Asleep at the Wheel, Toby Keith, Little Jimmy Dickens and many others. These shows have taken them to some of the most storied music venues in Texas...Gruene Hall, Luckenbach, Floore's Country Store and The Broken Spoke...and well beyond! With each performance come new fans and new opportunities making Two Tons of Steel one of the most recognized names in Texas music.
[edit] Albums
- Two Tons of Steel Dead Crickets (self, 1995)
- Crazy For My Baby Dead Crickets(self) 1996
- Ten Dollar Cover (LIVE) (self) 1997
- Oh No! (self, 1999)
- King Of A One Horse Town (Big Bellied Records, 2000)
- LIVE From Gruene Hall (Big Bellied Records 2002)
- Transparent (Palo Duro Records, 2003)
- Vegas (Palo Duro Records, 2005)
- Texas Unplugged, Vol 2 (Palo Duro Records, 2006)
- Two Ton Tuesday (LIVE from Gruene Hall) (DVD/CD Combo, Palo Duro Records, 2006)
[edit] See also
Alternative Country Rockabilly
