The Blasters

Formed 1979 in Downey, CA, United States.

Phil Alvin (vocals, harmonica, guitar), John Bazz (bass), Bill Bateman (drums, 1979-93, 2008-present), Dave Alvin (guitar, 1979-86), Lee Allen (saxophone, 1981-94), Gene Taylor (keyboards, 1981-85), Steve Berlin (saxophone, 1981-84), Michael Mann [aka Hollywood Fats] (guitar, 1986), Billy Zoom (guitar, 1986), Greg "Smokey" Hormel (guitar, 1987-93), James Intveld (guitar, 1993-95), Dave Carroll (drums, 1993-94), Jerry Angel (drums, 1996-2008), Keith Wyatt (guitar, 1996-present).

The Blasters' self-described "American Music" was a blend of blues music, rockabilly, early rock and roll, punk rock, mountain music, and rhythm and blues. They still have a devoted fan base and have received largely positive critical reviews, but have earned only limited mainstream success. Critic Mark Deming wrote of them, "the Blasters displayed a wide-ranging musical diversity [and] were a supremely tight and tasteful band with enough fire, smarts, and passion for two or three groups."

Bill Bateman, Dave Alvin, David Carroll (3), Gene Taylor (2), James Intveld, Jerry Angel, John Bazz, Keith Wyatt (2), Lee Allen, Phil Alvin, Smokey Hormel, Steve Berlin, Ty Kindell

Blasters, John Cougar