The Clergy - ProfilesArchive

About Me

Matt Disaster Neilson, Vocals Matt's commanding stage presence is the heart of The Clergy. His intense vocals conjure up the ghosts of a thousand lost souls, consumed in the fire that is the alter of true blues-based Southern rock. He started playing guitar at age 15, and was a member of South Rail. As a song writer, he is responsible for the Clergy's driven lyrics, creating mental images of the human condition through his words. Travis Gunner Butler, GuitarSearing yet soulful, Gunner's mastery of the guitar shines through each performance. Warning: his blistering rifts may scorch those standing too close to the stage. In his 16 years of performing, he has been a member of The Tony Spinner Project, Otis, Killing Zoe, and Focus 22. However, he is most proud of his work with The Clergy and the songs he has created with Matt. Tommy Big Daddy Morton, Bass and 12 String Guitar Tommy is a multi-talented artist, playing both bass and 12-string guitar. His high energy lends another dimension to The Clergy's live performances. Tommy was formerly in Drivin' South, Gravy, The Dealers and Homemade Flavor. He has opened for Blue Oyster Cult, King's X, The Eric Gales Band, Target and many others. Tommy's style of playing has been influenced by Stevie Ray Vaughn, and his inspiration is his two daughters. Bobby Briscoe Tillman, DrumsKey to The Clergys unique sound is Briscoe's channeling of John Bonham through his vintage TAMA RockStars. As the statesman of the group, Briscoe formerly played with Kicks, Tracer, HandOverFist, Dazed and Confused and HammerBoy. He has opened for groups as diverse as Mountain, Savoy Brown, Blue Oyster Cult and The Jeff Healy Band. Briscoe honed his skills with two years of solid road work while touring with Tracer, playing from one coast to the other. He has also logged many studio hours.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 5/19/2006
Band Website: theclergymemphis.com
Band Members: Our Biggest Fan
Influences: Our inspiration, you ask? We are an all original, high energy rock band. We spring from the same well as The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, The Allman Brothers, The Black Crowes, Linda Rondstandt, Curtis Mayfield, Janis Joplin, The Beatles, Humble Pie, and Mississippi John Hurt. The list goes on, but the picture is clear.
Sounds Like: You just thought Rock Was Dead! Dissatisfaction with current trends spawned The Clergy. We do one thing well, ROCK! The Clergy is a gritty, in your face band. Our original music is straight ahead, shake your soul, grab your beer, turn it up LOUD, and do what feels good Rock n' Roll.
Type of Label: None

My Blog

AleFest 2006

We have been advised that AleFest 2006 has been cancelled, due to issues with the venue, The Agricenter. Special thanks to our friends at Ale Promotions for trying to bring such a great show wi...
Posted by The Clergy on Thu, 24 Aug 2006 06:22:00 PST

AleFest with Saliva

We are very proud that we are booked for AleFest on September 9 at the Agricenter Fields. Gates open at 11 a.m. Thanks to our good friend Blake and all his crew at Ale Promotions for making...
Posted by The Clergy on Sat, 29 Jul 2006 06:21:00 PST

CD

Our latest CD will be available soon. We are proud that 3 of the 6 songs are already receiving radioplay. "Suicide King" and "DimeStore Lovin'" on Rock 103 (tks to Dennis & Ric) and "Users and Abu...
Posted by The Clergy on Sun, 09 Jul 2006 12:33:00 PST

Thanks

Special thanks to everyone that came out to Neil's Friday night. If you didn't make it, you missed a night of pure rock. Thanks to Blake with Ale Promotions for setting it up & to Absyn...
Posted by The Clergy on Sun, 09 Jul 2006 12:31:00 PST

This Weekend

Wanted to shout at all of you that came to the Stage Stop & to the Vault this weekend; saw a lot of old friends at Stage Stop (Mysfit you know who you are!) plus the Vault was a very high energy s...
Posted by The Clergy on Mon, 19 Jun 2006 04:36:00 PST

Last night's show

thanks to all that came out to the Bel Air last night, especially Fifi's friend the lovely Guinevere. And of course, Trent from Flat Out & our new friends Jason & JohnConner. We ha...
Posted by The Clergy on Sun, 11 Jun 2006 02:04:00 PST

Change in Opening Bands for Stage Stop & Vault

Looks like we will have new lineups for both the 16th & 17th of June; watch your e mails for updates! And don't forget, we will be looking for you Saturday night at the Bel Air! ...
Posted by The Clergy on Wed, 07 Jun 2006 03:24:00 PST

This Weekend

Look for our ad tomorrow in the Flyer, we hope you will join us at the Bel Air Club on Saturday, June 10, for 2 shows. Fifi has promised to wear the turquoise Clergy shirt, so you don't wa...
Posted by The Clergy on Wed, 07 Jun 2006 04:31:00 PST

Clergy News

Hey, Great news! Anti Griffith will be opening for us at The Vault. Plus we have added a new date on the 16th at the Stage Stop with Thin King. The summer is heating up and so are we, so ...
Posted by The Clergy on Fri, 02 Jun 2006 03:15:00 PST

Upcoming Dates

We confirmed yesterday that we will be in concert at The Bel Air (Macon @ Sycamore View) for 2 shows only on June 10, 2006, at 8:30 p.m. and again at 10 p.m. (There will be no opening band). &nbs...
Posted by The Clergy on Sun, 28 May 2006 09:49:00 PST