The Freewheelers (rock and roll band)

The Freewheelers were a rock and roll quintet, consisting of Luther Russell on lead vocals and guitar, Jason Hiller on bass, Dave Sobel on Hammond Organ, Chris Joyner on piano and John Hofer on drums. They were formed in 1989 in Los Angeles, California and disbanded in 1996.

They released their debut album, "The Freewheelers", produced by John Fischbach (Stevie Wonder, Carole King, Circle Jerks) on DGC Records in 1991 to much critical acclaim, but poor sales. After signing with new Manager, David "Tex" Reitman, they soon hooked up with Rick Rubin's label, American Recordings via producer George Drakoulias and released "Waitin' For George" in 1996, again to critical acclaim, but equally poor sales. The Freewheelers were ahead of their curve, preceding a roots rock explosion in coming years, but unable to capitalize on their unique sound (which was often compared to The Band, Joe Cocker and Bruce Springsteen) in an industry unsure of where they fitted in.

Luther Russell was chief songwriter for the group and went on to make several solo records and has produced or guested on many records to this day. All members went on to join bands such as Gordon, the Mother Hips and Soul Asylum.

Trivia

The Freewheelers were once kicked off of a support slot on a Joan Jett tour during a Minneapolis show in 1992 because the organist, Dave Sobel took a stage dive and nearly knocked Paul Westerberg, who was sitting in with Jett, off the stage.

The Freewheelers shared the stage with such acts as Johnny Cash, Los Lobos and Tom Petty.

The Freewheelers were initially signed to DGC by Gary Gersh, a mere 8 months after their formation, due to their incendiary live reputation in and around the L.A. in 1990.

The Freewheelers were banned from nearly every club they played in L.A. due to antics by the organist, Dave Sobel which included lighting his hair on fire, burning flags, playing in the nude and even drawing blood on occasion.

The Freewheelers once had to eject Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers from their stage when he attempted to play with them while too intoxicated.

The Freewheelers toured the United States and Canada for five years, sometimes playing to empty houses due to poor publicity.

Fans of the Freewheelers included Etta James, Rick Rubin, Robbie Robertson and Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes.

The Freewheelers were originally named the Loners, then The Albuquerque Freewheelers, which they wisely deemed too long and shortened to, obviously, The Freewheelers.

The Freewheelers used to be managed by David "Tex" Reitman, now a prominent Executive within the Internet industry.

The original drummer for The Freewheelers was Craig Aaronson, who is now Sr. VP of A&R for Warner Bros. and has signed band such as Hot Hot Heat, My Chemical Romance and Avenged Sevenfold. Aaronson performed all the drums on their debut record and was instrumental in getting them signed to DGC where he worked in the mailroom at the time.

The Freewheelers ended every show by exclaiming "We're the Freewheelers and we love you!!"

Discography

*"The Freewheelers" (DGC, 1991)
*"The Freewheelers Play Bob Russell" (Promo only, 1993)
*"Waitin' For George" (American, 1996)