Artist description This greaser-rock/psychobilly three-piece based out of Lansing, Ml has the energy of a new comer, but the combined experience to make them one of the mid-west's biggest fireball powerhouses. Resembling a couple of highly tattooed Brooklyn thugs with a super greased up front man in leather pants, Eight Ball Grifter presents a charismatic and entertaining show of pure rock n roll with retro flavor seldom seen these days. Their songs of casinos, bars, hot rods, and women will bring you back to the days of the 50's with the added style of today's greasers. Eight Ball Grifter was formed in August of 1998 with the splitting of their former bands. The trio consists of Wade Royale (formerly with The Deans, on Kingpin Records, having played showcases across the US, as well as in London, England) on vocals and bass; Johnny Diablo (former Dumpster Cowboy featured on Yikes! Records) on hard hitting drums; and Knuckles Naylor on guitar, who finds that fine mixture of clean twang and rockin' riffs. Combining the genres of surf, rockabilly, psychobilly, and melodic punk, Eight Ball Grifter creates a sound uniquely their own. Their influences range from The Cramps, Rev. Horton Heat, and Mike Ness to Carl Perkins, Elvis, and Eddie Cochrane; all evident in their song writing and energetic stage presence. The band released their debut album, "DRUNKABILLY" in October of 1999 and are currently touring areas reaching as far east as New York City, back to Milwuakee, and everywhere in between, including stops in major cities such as: Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and Detroit. Eight Ball Grifter is featured on Skully Records' "Gothabilly: Wakin' The Dead" compilation (1999) as well as having two songs on "Gothabilly: Rockin’ Necropolis" (2000). They have appeared at the Skully Records Gothabilly CD release show at the world famous CBGB's in New York City, and continue to play Skully Records showcases from state to state among their regularly scheduled shows. Their full length self titled CD has just been released by Skully Records (NYC).

Music Style Combining the genres of surf, rockabilly, psychobilly, and melodic punk.

Musical Influences The Cramps, Rev. Horton Heat, and Mike Ness to Carl Perkins, Elvis, and Eddie Cochrane.

Group Members WADE ROYALE: Vocals, Bass KNUCKLES NAYLOR: Guitar, Backing Vocals JOHNNY DIABLO: Drums, Backing Vocals

Albums Eight Ball Grifter

Press Reviews ETCH Magazine  - "Eight Ball Grifter is rapidly becoming one of the hottest bands in the rockabilly / psychobilly / punk scene in the Midwest. They've played some of the best-known clubs on the circuit, including NYC and Chicago... This hard working trio plays blistering live sets that blow away their ever-expanding fan base and newcomers alike." In Music We Trust - Mixing fierce, guitar-driven rockabilly with swift, drunken punk rock, Eight Ball Grifter are true rockers, capable of dipping into whatever bastard child of rock they want, from the early days of the sound, to its many fierce, wicked, and uncontrollable offsprings. They're what should be the prototype for a reliable rock band. I'll give this an A. Rock N Roll Purgatory - There is no mistaking the sound of this three-piece that blends punk, rockabilly, rock-n-roll, and at times a hint of southern fried rock. There is a lot of kick ass stuff on here. A great buy!! Music Review Magazine - 8-Ball Grifter's style falls somewhere between the rockabilly of Reverand Horton Heat, the gothic crunch of Type-O Negative and the three-chord punk of The Ramones. All Music Guide - Eight Ball Grifter are a trio of Lansing, MI boys presenting the listener with a hepped & hopped-up psychobilly sound. Their self-titled record is full of punky rock & roll energy, with sound that occasionally gets spooky. Mixing in with the rockabilly sound is a punk sensibility that resembles no one so much as the Queers (see "Tiny Bit"), as well as bits of the Misfits thrown in. Eight Ball Grifter offers a dirtier, rougher sound that gives a nod to the Reverend Horton Heat. While their record doesn't come close to capturing the overloading live energy that the band exhibits on stage, it gives just enough of a hint to make it a fine, jumpin' collection to the greaser daddies and rock & roll kittens out in the music-consuming public. Lively as hell.

Location East Lancing, MI - USA

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