The Tombstones

The Tombstones were originally an all acoustic act called Tombstone Tales.Founded in 1985 by frontman and guitarist Stevie T, the band went electric and the Tombstones performed its unique brand of swampabilly rock all over the southeast and east Texas up until the early 90's. While cutting their teeth in the hillbilly/underground and punk scene, the Tombstones played with everybody from likes of Circle Jerks,Fetchin Bones,to Black Oak Arkansas.The original electric lineup {Pat Parker, Curt Roulette & Jack Ross} first appeared on their self released cassette "Grave Matter" and then on the comp "Make the City Grovel in its Dust " with the song "Nobody" a mournful tune reminiscent of early Gun Club. This tune was later covered by Siv Bator of Dead Boys fame on his posthumous release in France in 1996. Johnny Thunders and Dee Dee Ramone also performed on this track. In 88 with the departure of Ross & Roullette and the addition of Will Platt on bass.The Tombstones released "Preachin, Prayin, Guitar Playin"charting on the CMJ the EP got great reviews and airplay worldwide but the band never backed it up with the heavy touring .This would be the peak of notoriety on a national level in the bands short history. Over the years the line up changed from time to time. Some of included Jason and the Scorchers bassist Jeff Johnson and Mark Michaels of Faster Pussycat.Meanwhile the Tombstones struggled with the usual trials of self abuse and shifting labels and management. Two more albums would be recorded in the following years for Relativity Records but never released.This was around the time of the "Robert Johnson incident" Faced with the onset of the usual rock cliches changing times, lifestyles and the passing of Will Platt, the Tombstones disbanded . It had become something totally opposite from what it started out to be and the record industry had had its way with the lineups and song selection.Disenchanted and looking for a new outlet Stevie pursued his solo career as a singer songwriter in Austin and released 3 solo albums. One of which"7:30 A.M." reached number one on the XM Satellite Radio"X Country" channel . In 2004 Stevie appeared on the Cash Tribute "Dear Johhny" . Around the 20th anniversary of the Tombstones inception Saustex Media releases "Twang from the Grave'' unheard Tombstones tracks as well as material from the Twilight EP . Touring began in support with bassist Bobby Daniel and drummer Destin Pledger ,followed by Killene{bass} and Kenny Wagner{drums}.The trios completed three west coast tours,two southeast tours and one east coast performing with acts like the Legendary Shackshakers ,Dr.Know and the Unknown Hinson.More shows in two years than the old lineups played combined.Several new studio tracks were recorded but never released .All that being done it was time to let the past be the past and the Tombstones played their last show in Austin Texas Halloween 2008.No plans have been made for tours in the near future. Stevie returned to his solo endeavors and plays music with his now wife Killene.Other band members have gone on to become actors, authors, filmmakers while others are still involved at various levels of the music entertainment industry.The band still enjoys a small but loyal fanbase.



for more on the early tombstones visit.www.labrynth13.com



for more info on Stevie Tombstone check out www.stevietombstone.com