DESCRIPTION:
Performing during a benefit for their drummer, Roy Max Hill at the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday July 26, 2014.

From North Carolina, Jesse Bolt formed in 1974. The band was a popular hard rock attraction touring the competitive eastern seaboard club circuit from 1975 through 1981. They took a step out of the scene for six years and reunited again in 1987.

They were going to name the band BOLT, but at the time, two word names were popular; such as Alice Cooper, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Lynyrd Skynyrd etc. Therefore they searched for a tough sounding name and liked the sound of Jesse, similar to Jesse James who was known as an American gunslinger. So they put the two names together and came up with Jesse Bolt.

Their current lineup features three original members: Keith Stacy, rhythm guitar; Don Stacy, lead guitar and Craig Hatley, bass guitar. Long time veteran Scott Board, lead vocals. Newer members include Randy Bumgarner-Guyeska, lead guitar and Neal Dennis, drums.

Jesse Bolt's straight forward 70s sound drew on classic British hard rock and emerging metal, but an upstart American edge set them apart. High voltage rock and roll blasted Jesse Bolt into the spotlight boosted further by equally high profile gigs with the headlining recording acts including AC/DC, 38 Special, Molly Hatchet, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, KISS on their legendary Destroyer tour and supporting U2's debut U.S. performance at The Ritz in New York City.

Keith Stacy cited his original influences as Jethro Tull, Wishbone Ash, and Deep Purple. Keith Stacy calls Jesse Bolt's sound as "old school 70s rock", pointing to their infamous "three guitar attack" as "one of the earliest bands in North Carolina to utilize extensive guitar harmonies. That's what the critics always mentioned" he said, "We were also the only band with a big light show. We were known back then for our extravagant light show and stage production". That flashy light set up includes their trade mark — lightening bolt — which still travels with the band today.

In 2000 they recorded their first CD with eleven of their original songs. During this period, few bands released albums with the 70'S and 80's style of hard rock and Jesse Bolt saw a huge potential to bring that style back again. The music on their CD "The Revelation" was recorded in 3 hours and on the second take. So you are hearing pretty much what the band sounds like live, according to Keith Stacy.

Scott Board - vocals
Don Stacy - lead guitar, backing vocals
Randy Bumgarner-Guyeska - lead guitar
Keith Stacy - rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Craig Hatley - bass, backing vocals
Neal Dennis - drums

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jessebolt