THE TOMBSTONES A BRIEF HISTORY and timeline........ Founded in 1985 by frontman and guitarist Stevie Tombstone, the band performed its unique brand of swampabilly rock. While cutting their teeth in the punk rock scene, the TOMBSTONES played with the likes of CIRCLE JERKS, STRAY CATS, DIVINE HORSEMEN, D.R.I , LORDS OF THE NEW CHURCH, BAD BRAINS and many more. The original lineup {PAT PARKER, CURT ROULETTE& JACK ROSS} first appeared on their self released cassette "Grave Matter" and then on the comp "Make the City Grovel in its Dust " with the song "Nobody" a mournful tune reminiscent of early GUN CLUB. This tune was later covered by STIV BATORS of DEAD BOYS fame on his last release in France in 1996. Johnny Thunders and Dee Dee Ramone also performed on this track. In 1988 the TOMBSTONES released "Preachin, Prayin, Guitar Playin"with the departure of Ross & Roullette .With the addition of WILL PLATT on bass, the Twilight Records release fared well in the U.S. and Europe. Over the years the line up changed from time to time as the TOMBSTONES struggled with the usual trials of self abuse and shifting labels and management. Two more albums would be recorded in the following years. Some of Stevie's bandmates include JASON & The SCORCHERS bassist Jeff Johnson and Mark Michaels of FASTER PUSSYCAT. Shortly after being signed to Relativity Records, Stevie buys a tombstone for father of the blues, ROBERT JOHNSON, and delivers it himself{along with Johnny Shines and Rick Richards} to Greenwood, Mississippi and is slammed in the press for "disrespectful behavior". Faced with the onset of grunge rock ,rap and the passing of Will Platt, the TOMBSTONES disbanded as Stevie pursued his solo career, releasing 3 solo albums. His latest "7:30 A.M." reached number one on the XM Satellite Radio"CROSS-COUNTRY" channel . In 2004 Stevie appeared on the Cash Tribute "Dear Johhny" and is exposed to the resurgent psychobilly and punk audience. Soon thereafter the Pennsylvania band the LONESOME KINGS cover the Tombstone's psychobilly number "Jailhouse Tattoo." 20 years later and after many requests Stevie decides to release many unheard TOMBSTONES tracks as well as material from the Twilight EP, this collection is "TWANG FROM THE GRAVE' . After the release of "TWANG"the band began touring in support with bassist Bobby Daniel and Concombre Zombie drummer Destin Pledger. After both went back to work with their mainstay acts, the TOMBSTONES resumed touring with new recruits KILLENE {ex Sinpusher} on bass guitar and KENNY WAGNER on drums{ex Honky, Halfway to Gone}.The trio completed three west coast tours,two southeast tours and one east coast.Several new studio tracks have been recorded and are scheduled for release on upcoming compilations. No plans have been made for tours in the near future with the exception of special events .
Stevie and Killene are currently working on the new Stevie Tombstone solo release.
In the meantime keep a look out for Stevie and Killene on the new BLACK EYED VERMILLION tracks(2007) on which Stevie produced three cuts and penned one.Stevie also makes a brief appearance with THE HICKIODS (2007) as well.
for more on the early tombstones visit.www.labrynth13.com
for more info on Stevie Tombstone check out www.stevietombstone.com
