Opus Grey

Opus Grey is an artistic rock band from Asheville, North Carolina.  Visit them on Facebook and Reverbnation. 

Dennis Heatherly – Bass
Russell Wagner – Guitar
April Adams – Drums
Adam Loeke – Guitar
Dani – Vocals
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In the fall of 2005, before the band had a name, three life-long friends would get together every Wednesday to create interesting rock music. These three guys were John Gott (drums), Dennis Heatherly (bass), and Jason Butler (vocals/guitar). In early December of 2005, Dennis had been reacquainted Adam Loeke at a mutual friend’s party. Dennis told him about the project that he was involved in. Right then, Adam aimed to become part of the group. Years earlier, Jason, Dennis, and Adam had been in a short-lived band project called “F no.8.” So, they were very familiar with each others’ playing styles.
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Once these four members began playing, things started happening. The name Opus Grey was created by current band image collaborator Carla Heatherly (Dennis’s wife). The band recorded a low-budget demo on a digital 8-track recorder. Photos, web presence, and a promo pack was quickly thrown together. By the spring of 2006, Opus Grey began performing in the Asheville music scene.
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One early gig that proved to be key to Opus Grey’s future, was a party in Haw Creek (Asheville, NC); hosted by the members of Blitch and 105 Howitzer. Opus Grey was invited to play at this party along with five other bands in 2007. Since that night, these bands would often share gigs as well as help each other any way they could. In the years to follow, Adam would record many demos for the “Haw Creek bands” including, Temptation’s Wings, 105 Howitzer, and Blitch.
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In 2007, Opus Grey parted ways with Jason Butler. Until this point, Butler had been a major co-writer of the music. Hoping to fill the void Opus Grey brought on veteran Asheville rocker Patrick Rothe. Patrick, who’s past band include Vic Crown, Dead Girl, and Delicious, brought very exciting songs accented with his brilliant vocal/lyrical ability. One of Patrick’s songs “Wicker Park,” significantly helped raise the status of the band by drawing the attention of Bad Ash (DJ for 105.9 The Mountain). This new relationship with Bad Ash gave the band many unique public performance opportunities. Regretfully, a power struggle ensued as to the direction of the band and OG quickly became unraveled, once again.
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Dennis and Adam have always held on tightly to the band and truly wanted to continue, but they were about out of ideas. In the early spring of 2008, Opus Grey rose from the ashes with an interesting new lineup. Former OG frontman Jason Butler rejoined the band; but, this time as drummer. To complete the new four-piece, Dani joined the group as lead vocalist. OG’s past accomplishments and new sound paved the way for the most productive years. With this new lineup of band members, OG played area clubs that include Stella Blue, The Boiler Room, The Orange Peel, Club Nashwa, The New French Bar, The Garage at Biltmore, The Downtown (TN), The Rocket Club,and Broadways. Special events include a live performance on URTV’s Mount Dungeon, a perfomance at VH1’s Save the Music benefit, as well as a performance at the Asheville Rock Festival. Opus Grey’s song “A New Face” was featured on 105.9 The Mountain’s “Rock the Cause” CD. Several tracks were featured on Upstate Unsigned (93.3 FM) and Local Licks (105.9 The Mountain).
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In November of 2010, as winter approached, a cold chill fell over the band as well. For months there was little communication between members. Butler had been having to work two jobs. Adam was also consumed by being a full-time student at UNCA. However, adam did find the time to occasionally write and practice music with Crystal Akers and April Adams from “Blitch” that winter. The three had an idea to create a new project called “New 22.” There just wasn’t enough wind in the sails.
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After six months of down time, the three surviving members Dennis, Danielle, Adam rallied once more. In June of 2011, April Adams, from the band Blitch joined as drummer. Also, seasoned guitarist and proud Canadian, Russell Wagner joined the group. The new lineup of Opus Grey suggests that new recordings and performances are slated for September 2011.