The Bottle Rockets

The Bottle Rockets
The Bottle Rockets performing at The Hideout in Chicago in 2015
The Bottle Rockets performing at The Hideout in Chicago in 2015
Background information
OriginFestus, Missouri, U.S.
GenresAlternative country, roots rock, outlaw country, cowpunk, Heartland rock, Southern rock
Years active1992–2021
LabelsBloodshot, Blue Rose, ESD, TAG, Atlantic Records
Past membersBrian Henneman
Mark Ortmann
John Horton
Keith Voegele
Robert Kearns
Tom Parr
Tom V. Ray
Websitewww.bottlerocketsmusic.com

The Bottle Rockets were an American rock band formed in Festus, Missouri in 1992, and was based in St. Louis. Its founding members were Brian Henneman (guitar, vocals), Mark Ortmann (drums), Tom Parr (1992–2002, guitar, vocals) and Tom Ray (1992–1997, bass guitar); the most recent lineup consisted of Henneman, Ortmann, John Horton (joined 2003, guitar)[1] and Keith Voegele[2][3] (joined 2005, bass, vocals). Most members of the band have contributed to their catalog of original songs, as have Robert Parr (Tom's brother) and schoolteacher Scott Taylor (who writes lyrics for some of Henneman's tunes).

As noted in the New York Times by William Hogeland, the Bottle Rockets' songwriting has been likened to Woody Guthrie's folk style in spirit, smarts, and satire. The band's lyrics encapsulate the common experiences of the everyman, and are set to rousing and searing rock 'n' roll.[4][5] The band has been named as one of the leaders of the '90s alt-country/roots rock revival, alongside Uncle Tupelo.[6][7][8][9][10] The strong social commentary of their songs reflects the influences of Woody Guthrie, Neil Young and The Replacements.[4][11][12]

  1. ^ "The Bottle Rockets On Mountain Stage". NPR. 2011-02-09. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
  2. ^ "Undertow Music • View topic – Keith Voegele Appreciation". Undertowmusic.com. Retrieved 2009-02-18. [dead link‍]
  3. ^ "Bottle Rockets get fired up". Illinoistimes.com. 2010-01-28. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
  4. ^ a b Hogeland, William (2004-03-14). "MUSIC; Emulating the Real and Vital Guthrie, Not St. Woody". New York Times. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  5. ^ "The Brooklyn Side : The Bottle Rockets : Review". Rolling Stone. 1995-10-19. Archived from the original on November 27, 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  6. ^ Smyers, Darryl (2006-07-20). "dallasobserver.com | Music | The Bottle Rockets". Dallas Observer. Archived from the original on 2006-08-21. Retrieved 2020-04-19.
  7. ^ "River of Song: The Artists". Pbs.org. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
  8. ^ Ankeny, Jason. "The Bottle Rockets | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 2015-11-08.
  9. ^ [1] Archived January 14, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ [2] Archived January 15, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  11. ^ "Audio + Video". Bottlerocketsmusic.com. Archived from the original on January 20, 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  12. ^ Hurwitt, Sam. "Music | The Bottle Rockets". East Bay Express. Archived from the original on 2009-09-26. Retrieved 2009-09-30.