The Sleepers put the roll back in rock!



David Johansen and Sylvian Sylvian
New York Dolls 
July 27, 2011

   In these days of "corporate controlled radio" and lame bands draining the moron music market, it is refreshing to see a vibrant and exciting band like the Sleepers. Hailing from Chicago, these ambassadors of "roadhouse rock" are an original example of a band that was meant to happen. Kevin, Tony, Chris, Tommy, and Johnny are lifetime friends that grew up together. They shared an interest in all that is great about rock 'n' roll. They had the awesome privilage of opening for the legendary New York Dolls at Chicago's Double Door. Lead guitarist Tony Manno later quoted that he really got a kick out of telling folks "we played with the New York Dolls!"

Tommy Richied

  





Tony Manno

   


  Borrowing from AC/DC, Ramones, MC5, Small Faces, Chuck Berry, Rolling Stones, Thin Lizzy, and the Dead Boys, to create a new twist to a timeless sound. Tommy Richied's bluesy and grungy voice, Tony Manno's blazing guitar solos, Johnny Action's "machine gun style" drumming, Chris Cormier's "pistol pulse" bass vibe, and Kevin Bannon's clever songwriting all collide into a sonic blast of "in your face" rock 'n' roll! In 2004, I caught these guys at Double Door and was really moved by what I witnessed. They all were stomping their feet and determined to rock the crowd. They ended up blowing away all three bands that followed.

Chris Cormier and Kevin Bannon

  These guys joined me and Barb Wire at WLUW FM one night, and shared a great story about life on the road. It was an inspirational story about some good guy out in the country, who let them borrow his truck, while fixing their van. He was a complete stranger, who allowed the Sleepers to get to their next gig, make some money, and then return to the stranger with their van fixed. They broke down in the middle of nowhere, only to have a good samaritan come to their rescue. Kevin Bannon wrote the song "E.R.H.," which was the samaritan's initials, and is featured on their debut album "Push It Nationwide."








Johnny "Action" Fields

      "Detroit is gonna save my soul" is a phrase from one their songs that really got me. It made me think about how much I wanted to drive to Detroit to see the Stooges in 2003. DKT/MC5 had just started their reunion tour. That "Detroit ride" vibe was in the air, connecting the universe to rock 'n' roll's eternal flame! Too many bands try too hard to be modern, but what is modern anymore? The Sleepers just get up there and within a few notes, that monster called Rock 'n' roll is resurrected!