The Devitos

The Devitos are an Alternative Country / Americana musical group from Newcastle in the North-east of England in the UK. The band play on the regional live music circuit [http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=1UcbMIUBMoc] and have recorded and released a number of EPs independently [http://www.amazingtunes.com/users/the-devitos] [http://memusic.metro.co.uk/users/the-devitos/tunes/5779]

Band Members

Ross Forster - Lead vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Harmonica
Gav Bolton - Dobro, Harmonica, Guitar, Fiddle
Lee Fraser - Organ, Accordian, Guitar, Mandolin, Banjitar, Vocals
Steve Broatch - Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Pedal steel, Vocals
Eric Werndly - Upright Bass, Bass guitar
Bob Webster - Drums, Percussion

Pre-Devitos

Fraser, Forster and Broatch met at senior school and found a common interest in creating and playing music in a variety of styles. The three friends formed a number of gigging bands seperately (Shark Club, Varnaye, The Picnic, Marvellous, Speeded Summer Band, Polar Bear), but kept in touch and occasionally jammed together when the opportunity arose. Bolton was introduced to the three friends by a mutual acquaintance and they quickly found common ground in their musical tastes. Forster also performed solo accoustic sets at local folk / roots venues.

Early Years

Following the break-up of their previous bands, Fraser, Bolton and Forster continued to play music together at a local rehearsal room. This allowed them to write music and songs without the constraints of performing on stage. The band, un-named at that time, continued in this way until summer 2006 when Broatch began rehearsing with the band as a side project from his usual activities as guitarist in rock band The Vostoks. [http://www.myspace.com/thevostoks] . It was around this time that the band assumed the name The Devitos, a reference to a private joke that the band members refuse to reveal.

Following several months of song-writing and practice, the band members realised that they required a stronger rhythmic base to their music. When the band went to the studio to record the Colorado session, local legend Peter "The Rock" Turner (Deacon Jones & the Sinners [http://www.myspace.com/deaconjonesandthesinners ] & The Rusty Bullets) was invited to play a guest spot and added bass to the tracks. Forster doubled as the band's percussionist for the set.

Band Development

Following the Colorado session, the band knew that they needed a permanent rhythm section and advertised for a permanent upright bass player and a drummer / percussionist. Several musicians approached the band, but it was not until Werndly and Webster played with the band in 2007 that the group achieved the definitive sound that they sought. Both quickly joined the band to complete the current line-up.

Festivals

Studio Sessions / EPs

Related Bands

Deacon Jones & The Sinners [http://www.myspace.com/deaconjonesandthesinners ] ,Free Diamonds [http://www.deepelm.com/452/] [http://www.myspace.com/freediamonds] ,Shark Club,Speeded Summer Band,The Vostocks [http://www.myspace.com/thevostoks] .

Reflist