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DEADMAN can best be summed up by the mythological story of the Phoenix; a great bird that burns fiercely to ashes from
which a new, stronger life emerges. But let's start at the beginning....
At the turn of the century, acclaimed producer Mark Howard (U2, Bob Dylan, Daniel Lanois, Lucinda Williams), signed on to
produce the first two of DEADMAN’s records, "Paramour" (2001) and "Our Eternal Ghosts" (2004). The Dallas based band,
included lead singer, Steven Collins' then wife, on harmony vocals. Steven recalls, “Mark focused on expanding the sound into a
soundscape. Traditional production was replaced by sonic exploration in the realm of the traditional song structure. We never
thought about “singles” or “radio songs” we just concentrated on making a unique piece of art. On Eternal Ghosts, Mark
gravitated toward the softer, hymn-like songs that gave the record its unique identity. We might have missed that without him
being there.”
The band has garnered critical acclaim and industry attention, including such honors as Billboard’s Independent Music World
Series Award as well as radio tastemaker support from stations including KCRW: Morning Becomes Eclectic and KEXP in
Seattle. The band has also performed at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Having received outstanding reviews and having
toured the UK, the US and Continental Europe in support of the album "Our Eternal Ghosts", Steven Collins returned home to
face what would seem to be the destruction of the band and what would ultimately be the end of his marriage to his wife and
band-mate. DEADMAN went quiet, in the beginning of it’s rise.
But much like the Phoenix, Steven Collins, with the support of his current band mates, arose from the ashes of the former
DEADMAN and with a blazing fire in his songwriting, he never lost sight of faith, and he slowly rebuilt his vision of the perfect
band.
Enlisting powerful Austin veterans, Jacob Hildebrand (Miranda Lambert, Tommy Shane Steiner) on electric guitar, Kevin McCollough
on acoustic guitar and backing vocals (George Devore, Matt Powell), Lonnie Trevino Jr. (Monte Montgomery, Mike Zito) on
bass, Kyle Schneider (Roky Erickson, Ian Moore) on drums, and Matthew Mollica (Chris Brecht, Rock Bottom Choir) on Hammond
B3 Organ, the band's chemistry accompanied by the songs, personal pain, and faith turned DEADMAN into musical steel.
The Saxon Pub is considered to be much like a musical church by the six-piece band. All band members agree, the historical
venue's strong spiritual nature was a key factor that brought back DEADMAN's lead singer and primary songwriter Steven
Collins’ faith in the music again. “When I started to reform DEADMAN, I did so with very little expectations. The guys that were
joining had more passion than I did at that time. When we secured a small residency at The Saxon Pub, I didn’t think much
would come of it. But people started showing up, and they stayed and each week the audience was getting larger and they
seemed to really be listening and taking in what we were doing. After a while, I realized that what I was doing was not in vain,
but was giving people, including myself, an indefinable hope.”
The club was the anchor of the band's rebuilding period. Where souls were healed, stories of faith were shared, and the belief
of the music was resurrected. It would make sense that this band would find comfort at The Saxon Pub. The reputation that the
venue and its owner, Joe Ables, have for developing and nurturing true talent is preserved in musical history today. These live
recordings caught the magic of DEADMAN at a very special moment in their career. It's honest, it's full, it's inspirational, and it
just makes you feel like you've been reborn.
Look for the Deadman’s new studio album in 2011, Take Up Your Mat And Walk.
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