Two Tons of Steel
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Two Tons of Steel
It’s also a sound that’s boosted the group to renown as the face of Texas music: with its live performance at historical Gruene Hall; of Two Tons of Steel in the internationally released IMAX film “Texas: The Big Picture”; its performance of King of a One Horse Town in the roots-country documentary that screens continuously at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame; its swing tune as part of Lone Star beer’s ongoing regional radio campaign; and by becoming Texas music ambassadors to ecstatic fans in Cuba and at sold-out shows throughout Europe. Two Tons of Steel continues as an institution at Texas’ famed Gruene Hall, where its annual Two Ton Tuesdays summer series draws 12,000 fans, and as a popular act at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. For eight years, it’s been voted Best Country Band by the San Antonio Current, its hometown weekly. Called Dead Crickets until 1996, the name change refers to Geil’s restored ’56 hardtop Cadillac. Now, with Vegas, its eighth album and Palo Duro Records debut, it has found itself on a supportive record label that showcases the band’s steel-driven sound. Lead singer Geil handles acoustic guitar, Dennis Fallon plays electric guitar, Ric Ramirez plucks the upright bass, Chris Dodds provides drums and percussion, and Texas Steel Guitar Hall of Famer Denny Mathis adds more steel muscle. Ramirez and Dodds also sing backup. The band’s name may have come from a car, but Geil unabashedly admits his songwriting inspiration comes from his wife, Elena. The title tune for Vegas was written for her, Geil says, “because she loves to drive and loves Vegas.” A cut on the Lloyd Maines-produced disc is the band’s signature tune, Havana Moon, a song Geil describes as “kinda dreamy.” Written during the band’s 1997 trip to Cuba, it’s the only ballad on Vegas, which Geil characterizes as “more rockin’ and a bit more raw, more of what we are live.” Two Tons’ rockabilly-style cover of The Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Sedated,” which it started playing in 1998 and just as quickly became a fan favorite, is also on the new album. “A lot of guys think that they have to write everything. I take my hat off to them when they do,” says Geil. “But I think it’s great to find old songs and play them. People dig it.” In June, Palo Duro Records recorded Two Tons Tuesdays 2 for CD and DVD release to commemorate the band’s 10th annual summer music series at Gruene Hall. You can read the full bio on their site . Songs
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Texas band Two Tons of Steel might be described as equal parts Elvis Presley and Elvis Costello, with a liberal dose of Buddy Holly and a dollop of The Ramones. It’s a one-of-a-kind sound that bandleader and frontman Kevin Geil likes to call “countrybilly.”