News

THORNBIRDS TO ROCK THE ROXY

Los Angeles, CA (September 22, 2004) - What do you get when you put the founding members of four of the most popular cover bands in the United States in a studio and tell them to start making original music? You get a beautifully engaging modern rock act that has been climbing the independent music charts and making waves on alternative radio. The Thornbirds, created by members of Metal Skool, the Atomic Punks, Boogie Knights, and the Spazmatics have found that you don’t have to wear spandex to find a loyal fan base.

“Don’t get me wrong,” says Russ Parrish, lead singer/ guitarist and member of Metal Skool and the Atomic Punks, “I love the whole 80’s metal vibe. It’s fun, it’s loud - it’s what rock should be, but all of us have been penning original songs and thought it was time to explore that avenue.”

The release of the Thornbirds’ first LP, “All the Same,” by Warrior Records, has been met with overwhelming praise. Rock City News, which had named the Atomic Punks as “Best Tribute Band” three years in a row, commended the newly formed alternative rock act as, “Incredible live performers.” Also noting, “They possess the skills for success.” A number of songs from the Thornbirds’ repertoire have recently been featured on MTV, Howard Stern, and online radio.

Applauded as “One of the next up and coming bands” by Billboard Magazine, the Thornbirds’ “All the Same” is a patchwork quilt of musical styles: a raw mix of punk, pop, and pure rock. The four members of the group: Jimmy Oleson (rhythm guitar), Dean Cameron (bass), Darren Leader (drums), and Parrish, have managed to sweeten their sound with the genres that they have come to embrace as tribute artists: funk, metal, rock, and new wave. Says Oleson, “We’ve tried to create a sound that is as diverse as our collective musical tastes. Each song has a different vibe: some are funny, some are dark, and some are the get-you-going type that you blast in your car on the way to a hot date.”

In addition to their numerous critical accolades, The Thornbirds’ have been applauded by a number of celebrity admirers. “We were in the middle of a packed show at the Roxy, when we realized that both Blink 182 and Avril Lavigne were in the audience,” says Cameron. “It was pretty intimidating at first, but Avril ended up joining us on stage – which was amazing."

Another familiar face, Eric Stolz, is also a repeat audience member. He recently added the Thornbirds’ song, “Teenage Tramp” to his personal playlist on iTunes saying, "These are my dream tunes that I'd love to use in a film someday. I've seen [the Thornbirds] many times, and they rock."

With all of the attention the Thornbirds are getting, one would imagine that each member would have to forgo his cover band success in support of “All the Same.” Not so. Rush Parrish continues to perform with Metal Skool and the Atomic Punks on a weekly basis, and Jimmy Oleson continues to stay busy with the Spazmatics. Darren Leader acts as the heartbeat of the Boogie Knights, and Dean Cameron is moonlighting as an actor in a number of independent films and television shows, most recently, the critically acclaimed NBC program, “Mr. Sterling.” “It’s exhausting,” says Leader, “but when it comes right down to it, all of us love what we do. The tribute bands allow you to get crazy and become someone else for an evening, and the Thornbirds performances allow you to let all of your emotions just fly – it’s really cathartic. I know the audience feels that.”

The Thornbirds will be performing Tuesday, October 19 at 10pm at the Roxy, 9009 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. Admission is free with a copy of the album, “All the Same, “ and $10 without. For more information, contact the Roxy at 310.276.2222 or email Warrior Records.

About The Thornbirds
The Thornbirds are on the rise! They have been heard on the Howard Stern radio program, featured twice as "Net Unknowns" on Net Music Countdown, showcased in MacAddict Magazine, and been finalists in the CALL-ATT Battle Of The Bands. Lately, their music may be heard on MTV's various reality series, including Real World / Road Rules and Extreme Challenge. The four members of The Thornbirds are consummate songwriters and musicians. Guitarist/Vocalist Russ Parrish and drummer Darren Leader formed the group while playing in some of the most popular cover bands in the U.S. (Atomic Punks, Metal Skool), Rhythm guitarist Jimmy Oleson also fronts an 80's Tribute band (The Spazmatics), while bassist Dean Cameron's "day job" includes acting credits in over 20 movies and regular TV roles.

About Warrior Records
Warrior Records is a music company whose products are distributed worldwide. Its businesses also include publishing divisions that administrate a wide range of copyrights, a music supervision firm specializing in motion picture and television soundtracks, a marketing & promotions company, and a new media and technologies division that develops and implements new formats, e-commerce, and emerging Internet methodology.

Warrior Records is a division of L.A. Entertainment, inc., a California based entertainment corporation.

L.A. Entertainment, Inc.