Patriot

Patriot first formed in october of 1990 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. A town known far more for it’s post granola hippie and elitist alternative/indie music scene. Not the most fertile soil to grow Oi! and streetpunk in but as they say, "spread enough shit around and something’s gotta grow". Originally it was myself, Eddie Bastard as the vocalist, Gordon "Sharkey" on guitars, John Macneal on bass and Joey Osment on drums. At around the one and a half year point both John and Joey left the band at approximately the same time. Brian Lawton jumped on board as the new bassist and Chip Harris took over on the drums. This line up remained our longest standing to date and it was these members that were responsible for almost everything of significance written and recorded. Chip took a year off citing personal reasons and Jeff Morin filled in for him on drums. Chip later returned after an 8 or 10 month hiatus. In 1996, Jack Freeland joined us on rhythm guitar, filling out that wall of sound and opening the doors to push the envelope of our music. Eventually we were plagued by "creative differences" and Brian Lawton ended up leaving in late ’99, early 2000. Brian "Duece" (so called as he was the second bassist in Patriot named Brian) of Empire Falls fame took over and remained with us til earlier mentioned "creative differences" eventually shut us down in october of 2000. A reunion show at 2004’s Beer Olympics met with much enthusiasm and signaled plans for a return of Patriot. Things move slowly for us right now as members of the new line up are spread out amongst three different states but plans are in place for a new full length and touring to support the new record as soon as we can make it happen. GMM has agreed to pick that up too.