Damn Handsome and The Birthday Suits – Live on MeVIO Underground
Born in the spring of 2007, bassist Jack Dunham and drummer John Rogers joined guitarist /vocalist The Reverend Rob Barrett to for Damn Handsome and the Birthday Suits – three men with somewhat traditional punk principles yet strikingly “untraditional” punk backgrounds. Bassist Jack Dunham started plucking a bass in his teens after years of classical training on clarinet and piano, while drummer Jon Rogers started playing the drums with various gospel bands in order to avoid ushering church services in his youth. Before his successful stretch with rock band 7 Karma Fishes, who signed to Meldac Records and enjoyed several years of international success at the height of the 90s grunge scene. Rev Rob was a semi – professional jazz saxophonist. Along with their abilities as multi-instrumentalists, DH’s influences are just as eclectic: the group names alt rock legends Led Zeppelin , Ozzy Osbourne, The Dead Kennedys, Nirvana and Fugazi among its inspirations, with R7B and fusion artists Mint Condition, Slint, Critters Buggin, and the gospel and jazz genres playing lead roles in DH’s creative process. The combination of these musical histories are what make Damn Handsome and the Birthday Suits resonate with all the fans who have been waiting for a band that offers a thirst quenching, yet familiar rock to the core sound.
