Date/Time
Date(s) - 05/01/2022
7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Categories No Categories
Formed in 1991 in Germantown, MD, Clutch features Neil Fallon (vocals), Tim Sult (guitar), Dan Maines (bass), and Jean-Paul Gaster (drums).
The band built a local following through constant gigging. After releasing the classic 7” single “Pitchfork,” the band caught the attention of Earache Records. Earache released the legendary Passive Restraints EP. Shortly after the release of Passive Restraints, EastWest Records signed the band.
Clutch re-joined the Atlantic ranks in 2001 for their 4th studio album, the six-figure selling Pure Rock Fury. The band enjoyed their first Top 40 single, “Careful With That Mic.” A year later, however, the band was tortured with label problems, and it was three years before the sonically brilliant Blast Tyrant was released by indie label DRT Entertainment.
The 36-month period from 2004 to 2007 saw heavy, non-stop touring of North America and England, mainland Europe, the Scandinavian territories, and Australia. The band was now in top playing shape and writing the most challenging material of their career. With a decade of experience behind them, Clutch was now passing or outlasting most of their mid/late 90’s contemporaries.
Clutch’s 7th studio album, 2005’s Robot Hive/Exodus (DRT), produced by J. Robbins, was another breakthrough release, showcasing a diversity most rock bands could never dream of pulling off. 2007’s From Beale Street to Oblivion took off where RH/E’s final track “Gravel Road” left off. A hardened, simple blues approach with power took the former Germantown High School compatriots to the next level. The album’s lead single, “Electric Worry,” wasn’t just another successful Top 40 rock single, with its anthem-like chorus and high energy guitar jam/drum solo climax making it an instant Clutch classic.
In 2008 the four band members and longtime manager Jack began forging plans for the Clutch owned and operated label, Weathermaker Music. Initially self-distributed, Weathermaker Music quickly found a home at Sony/RED Distribution. Since 2013 the label has been distributed via Rough Trade Distribution/Believe and its sub-distributors in Europe. Clutch’s 9th studio album, Strange Cousins From the West, was released in 2009. It debuted at No. 37 on the Billboard charts, initially becoming the best-selling Clutch release of their storied career.
The album charted No. 1 on the Billboard Hard Rock Charts and came in at No. 16 on the Billboard 200. Simultaneously the album entered various European and Australian charts. Rolling Stone described Book of Bad Decisions as “bathed in the grit and liberal fuzz tone that have made their live shows legendary.” Clutch had become recognized as one of the best rock acts of the modern era.
Decades of global touring have been one of the main drivers of Clutch’s success. Whether in club shows around the world, or big festival appearances on several continents, fans love and continue to support this band. The global pandemic may have halted the band’s live appearances over the last 21 months, but Clutch is now back on the road, with a new album expected for 2022.