Although they never placed a single or album on the national charts, The Sonics, the tough Pacific Northwest rock ’n’ roll band of the mid-’60s, have since attained legendary status, worshipped by fans of the era’s garage-rock sound, which later inspired punk-rock.
The Sonics are currently in the midst of a resurgence that’s seen them return to action after a 40-year hiatus. Since reforming in 2007, the Tacoma, Washington-bred outfit has reestablished itself as a recording unit and as an in-demand live act. In the process, they’ve earned a fanatically devoted audience of new fans too young to have heard the band during its original ’60s heyday.
The Sonics recently entered a new chapter in their history, unveiling a retooled band lineup that teams original member Rob Lind (saxophone and harmonica) and longtime Sonics Freddie Dennis (bass and vocals) and Dusty Watson (drums) with a pair of new additions, guitarist Evan Foster (of Tacoma’s own Boss Martians) and keyboardist Jake Cavaliere (a member of L.A. garage-psych upstarts the Lords of Altamont). Founding members Gerry Roslie and Larry Parypa have chosen to step back from the rigors of touring, but remain a part of the Sonics family, and plan on continuing to contribute to the Sonics’ future recordings.
The Sonics plan to continue their ongoing roadwork in 2017, with performances in Chicago, Cleveland, Toronto, Detroit, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Atlanta, Charlotte and Nashville. See below for the full itinerary.
Reflecting upon the Sonics’ recent evolution, Lind comments, “As anyone in a touring band will tell you, touring is an arduous undertaking. When you get to be our age it’s a constant battle to get enough rest and learning how to perform when completely exhausted and then getting up the next day and doing it all over again. About 18 months ago, Gerry decided he just couldn’t do it anymore, and he reluctantly stepped away. It was basically the same story with Larry; he just didn’t want to leave home and travel any longer. But they’re working on material for our next album and will join us in the studio.
“Dusty and Freddie have now been in the Sonics longer than the originals, and I’ve come to think of them as originals,” Lind continues, adding, “We were so incredibly lucky to find Jake Cavaliere and Evan Foster. They both were brought up on Sonics music and have been playing it since they were young boys, so they didn’t have to be taught anything. They already knew the sound that was required to be in this band. Jake and Evan were Sonics long before they ever played with us, and their transition has been easy and totally seamless.”
Related: BCB‘s review of the Sonics reunion album
In their original 1963-1967 run, the Sonics—who were recently named the best garage band of all time by Time Out New York—won a reputation for their primal, propulsive sound, exemplified by such howling anthems as “Psycho,” “The Witch,” “Strychnine,” “Boss Hoss” and “Have Love, Will Travel.” Their now-classic albums Here Are the Sonics and Boom have remained a key influence on younger combos.
After turning down countless reunion-show offers over the years, the Sonics finally agreed to reform for a pair of shows in New York in 2007. Since then, the band has toured throughout the United States, headlining their own shows as well as a pair of tours with high-profile Sonics fan Robert Plant. They’ve also performed in the U.K., Europe, Australia, Scandinavia and Central America. They also reactivated their recording career, recruiting noted producer Jim Diamond (White Stripes, Dirtbombs) to record This Is the Sonics, their first album of new material in nearly half a century.
The Sonics Tour Dates
March 23 Chicago, Ill. Reggies
March 24 Cleveland, Ohio Beachland
March 25 Toronto, Ont. Danforth Music Hall
March 26 Detroit, Mich. El Club
April 6 Houston, Tex. The Continental
April 7 Dallas, Tex. Gas Monkey
April 8 Austin, Tex. Rod and Custom Round Up
April 9 Austin, Tex. The Continental
May 18 Atlanta, Ga. Masquerade
May 19 Charlotte, N.C. Neighborhood Theater
May 20 Nashville, Tenn. Muddy Roots Fest
Watch the reunited Sonics perform their garage classic “Cinderella”
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