The BoDeans

The BoDeans are a rock and roll and roots rock band formed in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

The original duo of Kurt Neumann (vocals & electric guitar) and Sam Llanas (vocals & acoustic guitar) added Guy Hoffman (drums) in 1984. After the trio became a popular band on Milwaukee's East Side music scene, they decided to add Bob Griffin (bass). In 1985 the quartet signed a contract with Slash/Warner Records and shortened their name to simply BoDeans. Under the guidance of producer T-Bone Burnett, they entered Hollywood's Sunset Sound Factory in October to record their first album. The critically acclaimed debut Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams was released in 1986.

In January 1987, a Rolling Stone reader poll voted them Best New American Band. Their second album, "Outside Looking In," was released that year. Followed by that were "Home," (1989) "Black and White," (1991) and "Go Slow Down," (1993.)

Their 1993 song "Closer to Free" was selected as the theme song to the TV series Party of Five. It is also the opening song used in the movie, Heavyweights, In 1995, Joe Dirt Car, a 2 CD live set was released followed by the 1996 album, "Blend." The band took some time off in the late 1990s so Neumann and Llanas could record solo albums. Sammy created the band Absinthe and their album A Good Day To Die. Kurt released his solo album called Shy Dog on which he plays all the instruments.

In 2001 the 17-song compilation The Best Of BoDeans - Slash and Burn was released on London/Slash/Rhino. In 2004 they returned with new songs on Resolution released on Rounder/Zoe. Their most recent CD, in 2005, is Homebrewed: Live from the Pabst. The group released the DVD for Homebrewed: Live from the Pabst at the end of 2005. In January 2006, Bob Griffin left the band for unknown reasons.

It has been announced that a new CD would be released in March of 2008. It will consist of 12 tracks, and will be entitled, "Still." The song "Pretty Ghost" from the new album "Still," became a single as of February 12, 2008. It has been confirmed the new album will be out on March 4, 2008. It has also been announced that the band is lining up tour dates, along with a radio tour, and will be posted on their official website, as well as the band's MySpace page when they are all confirmed. The band has recently appeared on Cities 97, and was featured on the Studio C and Artist Interviews podcast. They confirmed some tour dates in the podcast, and played three songs, "Good Things," and two new songs, "Round Here Somewhere," and "Hearing." They were also interviewed, and had a Q&A about the new album.

Albums

‘The BoDeans’ playing LIVE Saturday April 19th in the Great Hall at the Washington Pavilion. Tickets are onsale now at http://www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 605.367.6000

TICKETS GO ON SALE: March 8, 2008

The BoDeans Live presented by Pepper and Secret Service Entertainment