Electronic Press Kit

Mr.Blackwell

Chuga-chug-chug-chug….Chuga-chug-chug-chug…. CHUGA CHUGA CHUGA CHUGA Hear that sound?….. Head to the bottom for RealAudio—Listen while you read… Formed in 1994 in Dunn, a small town a few miles outside of Raleigh, N.C., the members of Mr. Blackwell have been making a name for themselves through energetic live showings and self-production of two extremely promising CDs. They stand as one of North Carolina’s finest uncovered gems, and move ever closer to the edge of breakthrough and worldwide acknowledgment—despite working on their own for everything they’ve achieved so far, with little to no commercial support.

Consisting of Warren Gary on lead vocals, Marc Anthony on drums, Bill Jackson on bass, and Micheal Moore and Bill Barbour forging a caustic twin guitar attack, I had the pleasure to see the band play at a recent show. However, that’s just not enough. What about fleshing out what drives a band, what keeps them ever moving forward? That, my friends, takes a closer look…

Having gone to school together, the band members feel very lucky to have known each other for an extended period of time, and other than a couple of brief—and excused—leaves of absences by bassist Jackson, there have been no lineup changes. Taking care of personal business, Jackson is not currently with the band. Filling in for him is ex-Hellhound Trail thumper Brian Herring, whose moves and attitude fits in well. No matter who the fifth man may be, there’s a definite feeling of unity when watching the group on stage. The songs flow, and the timing and precision is flawless. And through it all, a trademark sound is beginning to form.

I was able to catch up with Warren, Bill, Michael, and Brian before the show, to find out what makes the Blackwell machine move

Taste of the big time…

It was sort of a surprise, to tell you the truth," Michael says. “A radio station up here was running a contest to determine the opening band for Queensryche, and somehow got ahold of one of our tapes.” 106.1," chimes in Bill. “And they’re mostly classic rock!” That’s the wild part," Michael exclaims. “I’m surprised they picked us—but real glad they did!” So just how does it feel, going from sweaty clubs packed with bodies, beer, and smoke, with five guys sharing a stage meant for two or three—-to one of the South’s biggest and most prestigious venues—Hardee’s Walnut Creek Amphitheater?

I was in awe," Michael says. “But we were ready. We felt confident.” Bill (Jackson) wasn’t there," Warren says, which would have made it perfect. Still, it felt like we were kings for a day. The guys from Queensryche were total class acts, and it was also a chance for us to see what a real professional setup was like."

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