Bad Wizard

Formed in Athens, Georgia, during 1999, the band Bad Wizard originated with singer Curtis Brown and drummer Scott Nutt at its core. The group soon relocated northward to New York City, where guitarist Eddie Lynch and bassist Marc Tanner eventually joined the lineup. Their high-energy hard rock style fused the bombast of AC/DC with the manic hyperactivity of the MC5 while incorporating traces of Southern rock. Independent Tee Pee Records issued the band’s electrifying debut, Free and Easy, in 2001. Slide guitarist Tina Gorin, formerly of Helldorado, came aboard shortly afterward, and a new rhythm section featuring bassist Pat and drummer Ron performed on the 2002 follow-up Sophisticated Mouth. Though that sophomore release proved far less memorable and appeared somewhat rushed, Bad Wizard still established themselves as one of New York’s hardest-working live acts. Two years later the band’s third album, #1 Tonite!, emerged on their new label Howler Records, showing signs of improvement alongside the return of Scott Nutt on drums and the addition of bassist Brett Falcon.