Music Style Country Rock

Musical Influences The Eagles, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Ted Nugent, Phil Collins

Similar Artists Travis Tritt, Dwight Yokem, Shania Twain, Trick Pony

Artist History It is rare to find five musicians who can stay together as a band for ten years. However, U.S. Marshal is not only the rare exception, they are also a close-knit country rock band, with a brand new beginning and a fresh perspective as new opportunities unfold for them. Veterans of the rock wars, they came together as members of Friction, their enduring regional success transcended the 80's, extending far into the 1990's. This was a band that toured up and down the East Coast and throughout the Middle Atlantic region. They rocked hard and opened for many name acts, attracting the attention of big name managers and record labels that sought them out in the rural hills of western Pennsylvania. Friction found success on hometown radio too, in Erie, PA, with "Rockin Tonight" (#1 for 6 weeks) and "Baby Talk" (#1 for 8 weeks). However, for as much talent and tenacity as they put into it, the big break, the major signing, somehow eluded them. As music evolved and the face of rock changed, the band looked for new avenues. And although these answers seemed distant, they were really close at hand. In 1998, lead singer Bob Michel and bass player Dave Bennett began taking their penchant for story-oriented songs in a more natural direction. They found that their rural Pennsylvania roots were surfacing new songs with the influences of country music. That sensibility also worked well for the band's other primary writer, Marlon Scott. Together with drummer Ron Lesh and keyboardist Matt Gavula, Friction began playing a few country dates under the name Doc Holiday. The songwriting became inspired, the shows became a lot of fun, and before they knew it, Friction had faded into the past. As the plans began to develop for the band's future, it was discovered that they were'nt the only band named Doc Holiday in America. The band looked for a new name with tradition and strengths. From the long list of ideas, U.S. Marshal emerged. Although the path has been a long one for U.S. Marshal, Dave Bennett summed up the new audiences they are building aat their shows: "Our crowd is just all the people who have the same things as us. We've got country roots and live those kinds of values, but grew up on rock. When we used to write songs, sometimes it was like pulling teeth. We used to have to make it up. Now it's more meaningful and it's about what's happened to us, and our friends, and our families." As they continue to develop and hold an enthusiastic regional following, U.S. Marshal has recently signed a management agreement with veteran music executive Dan Beck. They are also recording a new commercial E.P., due to the great response their latest songs are receiving at country radio in western Pennsylvania. As drummer Ron Lesh expressed, "A love for the music has brought us together. We've all been through a lot together, and we've found the chemistry of people that can push the envelope. I'm getting my country and a good dose of rock and roll too." THrough the badlands of the music business, they have not only survived, but thrived. They are seasoned, experienced, and have the guns to rock and they have their hearts into country.

Group Members Dave Bennett - Bass Bob Michel - Lead Vocals and Guitar Marlon Scott - Lead Guitar Ron Lesh - Drums Matt Gavula - Keyboards

Instruments Two guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards.

Location Erie, PA - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).