The Blasters

The Blasters are a rock and roll band formed in 1978 in Downey, California, by brothers Phil Alvin (vocals and guitar) and Dave Alvin (guitar), with bass guitarist John Bazz and drummer Bill Bateman. Their self-described "American Music" was a blend of rockabilly, early rock and roll, punk rock, mountain music, and rhythm and blues. They have a devoted fan base and have received largely positive critical reviews, but have earned only limited mainstream success. The Alvin brothers had an early interest in Rockabilly, and attended concerts by Chet Atkins, Leo Kotke, and others. Phil Alvin remembers that his mother would take him backstage to get harmonica lessons from some of these artists when Phil was still a boy. Gene Taylor joined the band on later records until 1994, performing boogie woogie-style piano. Later on the band were joined by Steve Berlin (later of Los Lobos), who played baritone sax.