bully in the hallway

House of Blues August 2007!
..
First Empty Bottle Show!!!
bully in the hallway was the conception of William Kenefick and John Matthew Simon in December of 06'. After a few months of convincing friends and strangers that they were in a band, it became clear that the lie was catching up to them. Both had previously played in groups, writing their own tunes and covering their influences through varieties of genres. They felt that music of late, especially on the radio, was lacking. Let alone contrived. So they took it upon themselves to get out there and make catchy, heart thumping, bone shaking, liver bursting tunes, taking what they liked best from their idols (Such as The Who, Spoon, The Beatles, Bear Vs. Shark, Fugazi, and The Lawrence Arms… e.t.c.). Blending it all together to get the sound they missed and wanted. Knowing that Simon lacked in the instrument playing department, Bill went out to find an ensemble that would suffice. Previously having played with Matthew Jannotta in a Rage Against The Machine cover band and Aaron Levinsky in a myriad of jam/funk/rock bands it only made sense to ask them to join. Still they were missing a piece to the jigsaw. Simon thought of his longtime neighbor and first Midwestern pal, who he had played with in an acoustic punk group All the Arms We Need, Thomas Matthew Kennedy to take on the roll as the guitar wielding answer to the puzzle.
In January of 07' they started writing and practicing at CPE Sound in the Kinzie Industrial Park on Chicago's Westside. After finding their sound they needed to get a practice space to pound out the kinks and develop a style. That led bully to a warehouse on North Ave. and Rockwell. But after a spring of writing songs, playing shows, and dealing with transients, hookers, squatters, and 115 degree heat with 100% humidity it was time once again to move. Which brought bully to their current headquarters on Leavitt and Grand Ave. It's been a kick ass 07' and a great start to '08, playing venues like;
House Of Blues
Martyr's
Lily's
Elbo Room
Reggie's Rock Club
Joe's on Weed St. (Be for warned throwing mics will provoke the sound man!)
Wise Fools (pre-reconstruction)
Silvie's Lounge
Tonic Room
Martyr's
Underground Lounge
Bird's Nest
Museum of Contemporary Art
Double Door
Betty's Blue Star Lounge
bully is on the way to recording their debut album @ Phantom Manor. 2008 is going to be the year of the bully. Watch out because here comes the thunderous gut rot rock you have all been itching to get into your veins. Chicago's Very Own -bully in the hallway-
For booking or if you have any questions email us...
bullyinthehallway (at) gmail.com
PRESS
From Chicago Innerview
Though part of me wishes they would keep their foot more firmly planted on the distortion pedal, there’s no doubt that Bully In The Hallway belt out a solid slice of rock with some serious potential. With driving guitars reminiscent of that classic Chicago punk rock sound and sweetly tortured vocals a la Murder City Devils, it’s quite clear that this is a band hellbent on creating a name for itself in the competitive rock world of the Windy City. They’ve already made the rounds playing everywhere from the Museum Of Contemporary Art and House of Blues to Elbo Room and Silvie’s Lounge — and seem poised and ready for more audience Bullyin’ in ‘08. Word has it that the band hit the studio in late February, so plan on a new batch of smart, at times melodic and in-your-face rock to come. (Appearing with Gypsy Fly at Double Door on March 13) --text: Mike Scales
FEARLESS RADIO
"...Bully in the Hallway had a fresh and funky sound that seemed almost addictive. The combination of rock music and eclectic sounds created an energetic feeling that kept the audience dancing..." Read more here!
From Delusions Of Adequacy
"For fans of bands like Fugazi, Fifteen, Avail and The Ghost, Bully in the Hallway is a great new addition the Chicago punk rock scene. With these bands as their influences, Bully in the Hallway combines great lyrics, fierce riffs, and an uncontainable stage presence that rocked the House of Blues in Chicago on August 25th. This surreal show drew a huge, boisterous crowd, and Bully in the Hallway is a band that deserves some recognition.... READ MORE!
From Chicago Acoustic Underground
"Bully in the Hallway describes themselves as a Rock/Punk/Psychedelic band. They are all that and a whole bunch more. This creative and exciting group spent the better part of two hours with us and we all were exhausted when it was over. They are a most satisfying experience!" Link to podcast here!