Biography
Down home rockin’ Canadian outlaw country music. This is how one might describe The Turnpike Bandits. Inspired by the roots of outlaw country, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and even new artists like The Road Hammers, Corb Lund and Shooter Jennings... you will hear a sound that is just different enough to capture your attention, and drive a crowd to dance. Founded 2006 in Victoria BC, from what started as a 3 piece acoustic show has now expanded to a 6 piece band bringing many different textures and flavours to an already diverse sound.
A Little about the Boys:
The Turnpike Bandits have released a highly anticipated 8 song EP “The Good of the bad, Bad of the Good” in January 2009, recorded and engineered by Matthew James of Audio Garage. Bringing country back to country music while offering a twist on the traditional sound, this album is hoping to make an impact on not just the Canadian music scene but entertain international markets as well. With songs like “You Can’t Slow Me Down”, “Truck Go Bang”, “Wranglin’ Ramblin’ Outlaw Man” you will hear just a glimpse at what this band has to offer.
The band is comprised of 6 musicians whose talents are as diverse as the Canadian countryside. Singer/ songwriter Eric Peterson has a long list of songs that tell stories of the hard workin’, lovin’, leavin, livin’, good time, giddy up to get down, home grown country music while adding the driving force as a rhythm guitarist. Laying out the foundation of the band is the rhythm section consisting of Shane Hunt and Matt Stockman. Shane is a multi-instrumentalist whose ability to switch from a hammer down bass line guaranteed to make you get down, to tasty and melodic full bodied grooves. Matt is the backbone of the band providing clean and solid drums that push the Turnpike Bandits to keep keepin’ on. Not too far behind filling in the electric rhythm is Luke Phillips, a guitar player who is a true performer and gives his all to make the audience a part of the show. Ray brings that true sweet sound of the pedal steel slide to the band and our good friend and super musician Karl Oystensen joins us periodically for show providing amazing keyboard skills to spice the whole sound up.
The Turnpike Bandits are a live feel band and have had the opportunity to perform at several events and venues ranging from local bars to larger festivals. Hosting and playing events such as the three year running Bandit Benefit Concert for Victoria’s homeless and less fortunate, “Hawg N’ Rod” show and shine for the car and motorcycle enthusiasts, playing for our Canadian Forces aboard HMCS Calgary and at the pacific Fleet Club, opening for Fred Eaglsmith at Element Bar in Victoria, performed at the Vancouver island music business conference at the Whistle stop pub, Eric Peterson and Shane Hunt performed 2 nights at Merrit Mountain Music Fest. On the Walk of stars Stage, Eric Peterson performed at a few of the 2009 CCMA’s networking events, retirement and special needs homes... they live for playing for the people. The band has also performed on TV for such shows as “the Daily, on SHAW TV” and has had coverage in The Times Colonist 2 years running. This up coming summer the Turnpike Bandits are happy to say there are some big things on the rise with being one of the opening acts for Johnny Reid, performing again on HMCS Calgary. at the great Calgary Stampede on the Western showcase and much more!
As a band that honors the past, lives in the present and works towards the future...The Turnpike Bandits are working hard on becoming Canada’s next country band to bring something new to the table while staying true to the roots of country music. Keep an eye and ear out for these boys rolling through your city, town, field or back yard as The Turnpike Bandits are bound to get and keep your toes tappin’, knees slappin’ and hands clappin' to good ol’ down home country music with a twist....
For bookings or info drop us a line at theturnpikebandits.tpb@gmail.com
View The Turnpike Bandits's EPK