Our Great Escape

Infobox Musical artist
Name = Our Great Escape

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Img_capt = Our Great Escape live at Pop's in Sauget IL 2007
Background = group_or_band
Alias = OGE
Origin = St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Genre = Alternative rock, melodic rock, power pop
Years_active = 2004–present
Label = Bullet 339 Records
Associated_acts = The Brews
URL = [http://www.myspace.com/ourgreatescape Official Site]
Current_members = Jeff Astasauskas
Steve Gendron
Scott Mertz
Greg Haupt
Past_members = Matt Zobrist, Ryan Buckley

Our Great Escape (also known as OGE) is a rock band based in America. The band was formed in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2004.

History of Our Great Escape

"The Beginning" (2004)

Our Great Escape came together in the fall of 2004. The original line up consisted of vocalist and guitarist-Jeff Astasauskas, drummer-Scott Mertz, and bassist-Ryan Buckley who were all part of the STL based band The Brews. After some time writing and practicing they knew they wanted a fourth member. The three wanted another guitarist to help thicken the live sound. After searching around a bit they were contacted by Matt Zobrist on their STL punk page. When they met up they all had instant chemistry, musically and personally. That remained the OGE line up for almost two years. During that time the band recorded their first EP "This Is Why I'm Leaving". They promoted themselves by passing out flyers at local STL shows along with 2 song CD samplers. They burnt hundreds of the sampler which included songs, "Lonely in Space", and "Can You Hear Me Now". They went on to sell thousands of their self packaged 5 song EP.

"New Member and New EP" (2006)

After playing as a foursome for two years, the band met Steve Gendron. Steve was in a local STL band called 5th Degree back in high school. Jeff remembered his big stage presence and amazing solos and they all hit it off at a T.G.I. Friday's in South County. Gendron began coming to OGE shows and hanging out with their group of friends. T.G.I. Friday's offered Our Great Escape to play an acoustic show outside on the resturants patio. They were asked to play their originals along with some cover songs to fill the gig. Jeff knew Steve could play by ear and asked him to play a few songs with them. He agreed and soon after became a full time member of OGE as their third guitarist. After playing shows around the mid-west and monthly shows in STL, bassist Ryan Buckley parted ways with the band. Reasons for leaving were due to out of town gigs conflicting with his day job. It wasn't a surprise to the other members, and they all still remain good friends to this day. OGE was back down to four members and now needed a new bassist. After searching for a couple months, Matt volunteered to take over the bass duties and the band prepared to go back into the studio as a foursome again. They recorded 3 new songs at Trailer Studios and continued to play the mid-west until mid 2007.

"New Bassist" (2007–present)

After playing tons of dates, the band took a break. They played once every couple months in St. Louis and continued to write new music. Matt Zobrist was offered to fill in on bass for the STL band Building Rome. They had a good following and played many more shows at the time. Since other members of OGE were busy with day and night jobs, Matt left on good terms to play for Building Rome. So once again OGE needed a new bass player. Jeff had been friends with fellow STL musician Greg Haupt for many years. Greg had played in many STL bands including The O.F.R., Disturbing the Peace, and Story of the Year. He heard about the open spot and began learning all the songs. He was always a guitarist in previous bands but he purchased bass equipment and adapted very nicely. Our Great Escape is currently working on new material and playing shows in St. Louis.

Our Great Escape

Current members

* Jeff Astasauskas – Guitar and Vocals
* Steve Gendron – Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals
* Scott Mertz – Drums
* Greg Haupt – Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals

Former members

* Matt Zobrist
* Ryan Buckley

Discography

EPs

*2004: "This Is Why I'm Leaving EP"
*2005: "Untitled 3 Song EP"
*2006 "Untitled 2 Song EP"

Compilations

* "Midwest Music Explosion Vol. 1"

Websites

* [http://www.myspace.com/ourgreatescape Myspace]
* [http://www.purevolume.com/ourgreatescape Purevolume]

External links

* [http://www.myspace.com/ourgreatescape Official Band Site]