The Blasters

Although the Blasters were a fixture on the Los Angeles punk scene in the early 1980s, frequently sharing bills with the likes of X and Black Flag, their sound was pure American roots. Formed by brothers and guitarists Phil and Dave Alvin (with drummer Bill Bateman and bassist John Bazz), the Blasters were steeped in blues and rockabilly, mixing it together with the high-energy rock & roll that was the staple of their live shows. AMERICAN MUSIC, their first album, appeared in 1980, followed by a self-titled 1981 album that featured veteran R&B saxophonist Lee Allen. A steady tour schedule, a live EP, and two more studio efforts followed before Dave Alvin left the band to pursue a solo career. The Blasters continued under Phil Alvin’s direction thereafter, although Dave rejoined the band for a series of shows and live recordings in the early 2000s