Rebel Pride: Reviews

REBEL PRIDE
Michelle LaRose speaks with Tom Spittle for Road To Jacksonville




Rebel Pride is aptly named. These rebellious rockers from Tampa Bay Florida beam
with southern pride. We caught up with Rebel Pride at one of their favorite hometown
watering holes and were able to chat with Tom Spittle about their new album, Bike Week
and Southern Rock.

RTJ: How did Rebel Pride come to be?

Tom: By immaculate conception from the gods of rock and roll!

[Both laughing].

RTJ: Can you tell us a bit about your new album Backin It Up.

Tom: We're really happy about that album. It's selling really well, especially in Europe.
It's just a continuation from the last album. Where the first one left off, that one picks up and we've thrown in a couple of ballads this time to show a little more diversity and a little more of what we're about but there's plenty of rockers too. It was made in the studio over about four or five days and we're real proud of it.

RTJ: Who writes the songs?

Tom: Pat writes most of the songs although Sonny has a few songs that he writes all the words and music to. Brian usually comes up with the riffs on guitar. Although Shine-Ola was one that I came up with the idea for and then the band came together and Pat wrote some lyrics. So that's how that one came together. Texas Mud was one that Brian wrote a long time ago when his tribute band was touring through Texas. Flatlands is one that Pat just walked into the studio with, just a three chord song. We all picked up on it instantly in the rehearsal studio one night. On The Road was something that Brian wrote with a couple guys he was with in a Skynyrd tribute band, so that one's been around for about twenty years. That song was in the archives and we pulled it out, put a new edge to it, some guitar harmonies on the end of it and that's how that one came to be.



RTJ: My next question was going to be how is the song writing process accomplished.
But it sounds like everyone brings something to the table.

Tom: Especially in the recording process. Nobody comes in with all the parts.
So we rehearse them, we play them out on the road, we see what the response
is before we ever go into the recording studio.

RTJ: Backin It Up & It Is What It Is, is available on web sites such as CDbaby.
You have two albums before that don't you?

Tom: Those albums came out before the current lineup we have right now. The lineup we have right now has only been together for three years. The first of the two came out in I think '97.
It was more country; it has pedal steel and fiddle on it, a different drummer, and a different singer. The one that came out after that, Rock Stars and Cowboys, we recorded in Nashville with all Nashville session musicians on it. We had an old singer, Brian and I put a couple of leads in it, but they're not a good representation of what Rebel Pride is today and what Rebel Pride has been for the past three years.

RTJ: Sonny Harlan left the band for a while. Can you tell us why?

Tom: He just had this wonder lust. He had a band called The Murder Junkies offer him to tour Europe with them. The Murder Junkies is a punk band that used to have a lead singer by the name of GG Allin who is no longer with us, he was one of the craziest lead singers there ever was.
He wasn't really lacking on stage. Sonny was filling his shoes and they were quite hard to fill because that guy was pretty wild. Sonny went and did a tour of Europe with them and the northeast U.S. and Canada. He was gone for a little while but he missed us and we were
really grateful to get him back.



RTJ: You have played Bike Week in Daytona a few times. For those of us who have
never been to Daytona Bike Week, can you tell us what it's like?

Tom: It's a blast! It's a lot of noise! Good noise! Because a Harley sounds as good as
Alex Van Halen on the beginning of Hot for Teacher… really! It sounds like that 24/7.
It's a blast! It's really fun! We played right downtown Main Street. Hundred's and thousand's
of people, everybody's really cool. People have a really bad vision of what bike week is like
and I don't understand why. It's nothing but a lot of fun and good people.
Every year we play for Biketoberfest and Bike Week.

RTJ: You guys have backed up Charlie Daniels. How did you get that gig?

Tom: That was through a friend of ours who's an agent, who gets bands booked on that every year. There are usually different bands each year. That was the biggest thrill for me.
The best musical weekend I've ever had in my life.

RTJ: Stomp Yer Foots is the first cut on the Gritz CD compilation Homegrown And Hand Picked. How were you able to get the song on the CD?

Tom: I worked very hard to get Rebel Pride to open up that CD. I had been reading Gritz magazine for a while; in fact I found out about Michael Buffalo Smith and met him at that Charlie Daniels 'Angeles' concert that you spoke of. He's there every year and I subscribed to the magazine and
I submitted a CD to him and he liked it a lot. We started talking on the phone and we advertised in his magazine. We were really honored when he chose that song to open up the compilation.



RTJ: Music videos are all the rage now days. Do you have any plans to do a music video?

Tom: Yeah we do need to get a music video. I mean with the ads and YouTube and Myspace and stuff. That is something that we are defiantly lacking. I have a friend that makes movies and television shows out in California that's offered to do that for us. So it should be happening soon.

RTJ: You have a web page, a myspace page and an electronic press kit (EPK).
Does having an internet presence help the band and how so?

Tom: If it weren't for our internet presence we wouldn't be selling CDs in Europe, thanks to internet radio stations like allsouthernrock.com. The congress and the copyright people are about to pass a law that's going to make it even harder for small internet radio stations to exist by charging them really stupid fees of a minimum $500 or something. But because of stations like that there's still a big diverse amount of music available to people. If it wasn't for internet radio all we would get is the same cookie cutter stuff from big corporations shoved down our throats and that's all we would get to listen to. But the people need a bigger choice than that. I hope people will write their congressmen and… wait this is for a French magazine isn't it? Okay tell the French to tell the Americans to tell their congressmen to keep internet radio alive because I'm sure the French would like to hear a lot of our internet radio stations.

RTJ: What happened to southern rock? Why isn't it as prevalent as it was in the 70's and 80's?

Tom: Because of the advent of the music video. Even though a lot of these southern rock bands are still kickin' they don't really have music videos. Like MTV, they tried to adapt to that but they weren't as driven to do that. They were just good ole' boys playing good ole' music who were influenced from and came from the south. That was their influence, country and a New Orleans sound and blue grass, all that influences southern rock. Then the advent of the music video came along and these weren't image conscious guys, these were just guys who made music. When music took a back seat to the image… even in my iPod I have an example of that. In my iPod I have an Outlaws video that was shot in the 80's for MTV. I love the Outlaws but these videos; they just took away the imagination that we use to get from just hearing the music. When you had this visual interpretation of someone else's interpretation of what music is it lost all its imagination. Half the thrill came from the image you came up with in your mind from hearing that music. Not from forcing you to see it on a TV screen.

RTJ: Thank you for speaking with Road To Jacksonville.

Tom: My pleasure… and hey, get us over there to play some gigs in France.
I hear you make great wine!

http://www.rebelprideband.com/

Music: Local

Backin' It Up

Rebel Pride Band

BY WADE TATANGELO

Published 05.30.07

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The Largo-based Rebel Pride Band consists of five men who have probably been playing Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers and Hank Jr. covers for years. On Backin' It Up, the band's second disc of originals, the guys mostly make good on the timeless classic rock formula of three wailing guitars (think Skynyrd), bass, drums and Hammond organ (think Allmans). The lyrics are clunky at times, and the lead singer should know better than to reach for certain high notes. All and all, though, it's quality bar-band stuff, the kind that might sound just right after a couple shots of Wild Turkey. 3 stars

Great Southern Rock
author: Johnney Whetzel
This CD ROCKS. If you are a true Southern Rocker you have got to buy this album.

rebel pride
author: cool toot aka mikey whitmire sc
rebel pride rocks . some of the best southern rock music ive heard in years.if you like skynyrd,molly hatchet and the outlaws.this is the cd for you.i love it,thank god for rebel pride, it will make youre glad youre from the south.

Rebel Pride Smokes
author: swamproll
Great cd from start to finish. Skynyrd,Hatchet and Doc Holliday influences with a heavy metal and texas blues edge.

author: Rubber
My wonderful girlfriend got me this disc for my birthday and it is excellent!It has been on constantly,I would love to see them live,Rubber,Scotland.Thanks CD Baby!!!

Bad ass Southern Rock
author: Joe Grillo
You don't hear music like this anymore. Some honest bad ass kicking southern Rock. Takes me back to the 70's when Skinnard and Molly Hatchet were all the rage. If you like your Rock on the south side, you'll love this record. I did! No samples, or phony music biz crap... just balzin guitars and some down home vocals. Great record!

First Rate Southern Rock
author: Kenny Buffaloe
Nowadays it's extremely hard to find good quality music. Alot of bands wouldn't know quality if it bit them in the ass. REBEL PRIDE is one of the exceptions to this rule. They have what Ted Nugent refers to as the fire, piss, and vinegar in their music. This cd has alot of passion and intensity and I highly recommend it. Southern Rock is on a comeback(Thank God!), and REBEL PRIDE are definitely on the right track. I can't wait to see them live. Looking forward to the next release also.

author: Kenny Buffaloe
Nowadays it's extremely hard to find good quality music. Alot of bands wouldn't know quality if it bit them in the ass. REBEL PRIDE is one of the exceptions to this rule. They have what Ted Nugent refers to as the "fire, piss, and vinegar" in their music. This cd has alot of passion and intensity and I highly recommend it. Southern Rock is on a comeback(Thank God!), and REBEL PRIDE are definitely on the right track. I can't wait to see them live. Looking forward to the next release also.

author: Kenny Buffaloe
Nowadays it's extremely hard to find good quality music. Alot of bands wouldn't know quality if it bit them in the ass. REBEL PRIDE is one of the exceptions to this rule. They have what Ted Nugent refers to as the "fire, piss, and vinegar" in their music. This cd has alot of passion and intensity and I highly recommend it. Southern Rock is on a comeback(Thank God!), and REBEL PRIDE are definitely on the right track. I can't wait to see them live. Looking forward to the next release also.

True Southern Rock
author: WVFreebyrd
OK, you often hear bands being touted as "Southern Rock" only to find they are some "alternative" sounding sugar pop band. Well, Rebel Pride won't disappoint you in that manner.....this band is a REAL, TRUE to the original genre southern rock band. Hard to find this kind of music anymore.....but it did not die in the late 1970's...buy this CD for proof of that.

Real Southern rock is alive and well!
author: Michael Buffalo Smith/GRITZ Magazine
Real Southern rock is alive and well! This CD kicks off in 5th gear with "Stomp Your Foots," sounding like a high octane blend of the original Molly Hatchet, mixed with a dash of Skynyrd and a cup full of metal. I hear a LOT od Southern Rock CDs at GRITZ, and this is one of the very BEST!

Ass Kissin' Rockin' Tunes - Smooth Southern Style
author: Zarah, UK
I have just found the joy of Southern Rock with the likes of Lynard Skynard, Hayseed Dixie and the like and checked out the internet for more of the same On the Gritz webpage I came across these guys and bought the CD - Now I can't wait for the next barnstormer from Rebel Pride. My fav song on this CD is 'Survive' its about the diminishing habitat of the Florida panther - I love that big burly men love the animals :) Anyway all the songs on the CD are pretty long which means you can get stuck in the music and carried away with the words. Very cool.

Wow....so great southern rock DOES still exist !!!
author: WV Mountaineer
Super CD. Lots of great guitar work and good ol' southern rock. The first time I heard this CD I found myself thinking back to 1979 and the first time I heard Molly Hatchet's "Flirtin' With Disaster". Not a bad song on here at all.

SOUTHERN ATTACK!!!
author: nick kaditis
one of the best southern albums after the gold 70s era. a must buy! keep up the great work!!

kicks ass
author: kevin scully
if you like ls mtb mh srv you will like rebelpride

the best souther rock cd in years
author: fishermansblues
this is simply the best southern rock cd in years.when you listening to the first track there comes to your mind Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, Skynyrd.but don't get me wrong, they got a sound of their own. Boys come on over to europe and people will love you...!

The best independent southern rock band/cd of 2005
author: Rick Raines
A little of Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, Allman Brothers and Stevie Ray Vaughn influence, mixed with some great original material and talent, gives this cd, my vote, as best independent southern rock band/cd of 2005.This cd and band kicks major butt.

I think all those southern rock nostalgia acts could gain a little something by listening to Rebel Pride's new record. Mainly: guts

Rebel Pride Band - Backin' It Up (2007) 8/10
Neue Studio-CD der Southern/Boogie-Rock Band aus Tampa Bay, FL um Pat Buffo und Tom Spittle. Und was für eine: Hier kommt Stoff für Southern-Rock & Boogie Fans, die den goldenen Zeiten und Bands wie Molly Hatchet, Lynyrd Skynyrd und den Outlaws in der Originalbesetzung nachtrauern. Die volle "Boogie-Kante" auf "Domino Boogie" und "On The Road" das ist early-Molly Hatchet pur, "Flatlands" wäre der perfekte Song fürs neue Outlaws Album, auf "Respect" lassen Laidlaw grüssen, "Take It Slow" zitiert Lynyrd Skynyrd und "Shine-Ola"würde man zunächst für einen Marshall Tucker Band- später erneut für einen Skynyrd oder Molly Hatchet Klassiker halten. Glanzstück neben "Shine-Ola" - 8:22 Minuten lang!! - und mit ausgiebige aber dieses Mal nicht ausufernden fetten Gitarrensoli versehen, ist "Texas Mud", das gar mit J.J. Muggler Band Assoziationen daherkommt. Die Produktion der CD ist noch besser als auf dem wahrlich nicht schlechten Vorgänger und auch songschreiberisch hat die 5-Mann Band aus Florida - ohne jemals einfach nur die Vorbilder zu kopieren - einen weiteren Riesenschritt nach vorne gemacht! Sänger Pat Buffo gibt immer noch den frühen Danny Joe Brown, was den Songs neben der tollen Produktion und der erstklassig aufeinander eingespielten Band zusätzlichen Biss verleiht, kann aber auch anders, wie auf der einzigen Ballade "Long Distance Love Affair". Da kann man nur sagen: "Turn It Up".

Translation:
New Studio CD of Southern Boogie Rock band from Tampa Bay, Fl with Pat Buffo and Tom Spittle, and what an album. Here comes stuff for Southern Rock and Boogie fans of the golden times and bands like Molly Hatchet, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Outlaws in their original memories. The full boogie edge on “Domino Boogie” and “On the Road” from the pure and early times of Molly Hatchet. Flatlands would make a perfect new song for a new Outlaws album, and “Shine-ola” could be a great new Marshall Tucker Band renewed into a Skynyrd or Molly Hatchet classic. A shining piece next to “Shine-ola”- 8:22 minutes long!! – and with many, but this time not too many Guitar solos, “Texas Mud” takes after J.J. Muggler Band. The production of the CD is better than the really not too bad previous song writing 5 man band from Florida- without even a simple model to copy – a huge step forward was made! Singer Pat Buffo gives even more that the earlier Danny Joe Brown what the songs next to a great production and first class band that works well together that offers an extra bite, but can also offer up something different, like the single ballad “Long Distance Love Affair”. There you can only say, “Turn it up”.

*It is with some surprise that I [Marco Margin - author of article] see new and excellent Southern Rock CDs arriving in Germany directly from the US for almost 2-3 years now. Not bad for a genre that has been pronounced "dead" more than once over the last decade(s). While some of the new Southern Rock bands follow in the footsteps of the big names of the genre, there's others also that have their very own sound. On their CD "It Is What It Is" the Rebel Pride Band from Tampa Bay, Florida delivers some classic Southern Rock in the tradition of Molly Hatchet with hints to the sound of the just emerged Jackson Stone Band as well. Singer Pat Buffo does sound like early Molly Hatchet frontman Danny Joe Brown more than once and rises to the occasion, but there's some subtle diversity you wouldn't usually expect from a Southern Rock band. Listen to the swinging groove of "Drop The Ball" or the fine Santana-like soloing on "Slippin' Away". In the very best Southern Rock tradition the band delivers their very own signature track with "Survive", the last song on this excellent CD - a 10 minute masterpiece that starts as gentle ballad to ends in a long and furious guitar battle!* [Marco Margin
- Breakout magazine 04/2006]

Hi Tom,

I found your email on "Backin' it Up" and just wanted to let you guys know that you have one more fan in Germany.

I bought your new CD at the suggestion of Michael Knippschild of www.southern-rock.de and I must say that I can't remember being blown away by an album like that since first listening to 38 Special's Wild-Eyed Southern Boys.

Great stuff! Favourites are Domino Boogie, Flatlands and Long Distance Love Affair. I immediately recommended the CD to my Dad, also a 38 Special and Molly Hatchet fan. To my surprise, he already owned It Is What It Is, so I got to listen to your two latest albums.

With the new album in the tradition of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet and the Outlaws you really don't have to take a backseat to anyone in the business today.

Keep it real,

Marc Schepers
Germany
_______________________________________________________________
SMS schreiben mit WEB.DE FreeMail - einfach, schnell und kostenguenstig. Jetzt gleich testen! http://f.web.de/?mc=021192

Tom,
Thought you might enjoy some brief honest feedback on the new cd from a true fan of the band! Where as the first cd impacted me immediately by hittin' me right over the head, this one took a few spins to truely sink in! My initial feeling was that the first one was heavier and with more outstanding total guitar work. I guess this is due to the three ballads with two back to back in the middle of the new cd! But, after a few spins the listener discovers the subtle greatness to the entire disc providing a true meaning to the moniker of "guitar army southern rock"! A real sense of southern music is very evident in "Flatlands" and the crankers are present with tunes like "On The Road". If you look at the catalog history of all the great bands from the past, they never repeated the same album back to back. I believe this second cd offers enough diversity from the first, but still keeps the purposeful direction and vibe of a southern rock band en route to greatness! I appreciate the priviledge of you having offered me in hearing it first and have proceeded to play these cuts on radio, in this order, over the last several weeks: On The Road, Domino Boogie and Shine-Ola. This week's track: Texas Mud and next week to be: Flatlands! Again, I wish you the most success southern rock has to give you and hope that you continue to keep me posted on all new happenings with the band! Please bring a tour back to Rochester this year!! I look way forward to the third cd because I can't get enough!! All the best!!! Write back when you can!
Cheers,
Geno Desi
Axecaliber, WITR-89.7fm

All Quarternotes © by
Michael Buffalo Smith


Rebel Pride
It Is What It Is
(RP 032005)
Every once in awhile, a band comes along that puts the “rock” back in Southern rock. Florida’s Rebel Pride is one of those. From the very opening riffs of “Stomp Your Foots” to the closing refrain of “Survive,” Rebel Pride kicks ass and burns their image into your brain forever. Sounding a lot like the original Molly Hatchet, with a singer that is part Danny Joe Brown and part Phil McCormack, these guys are the real deal. “Stomp Your Foots” is so good, it was chosen as the lead off track on the upcoming Gritz compilation Home Grown and Hand-picked. Red hot, rocking, sonic bombast

ken thomas Rated: 5
"Stomp Yer Foots" yes indeed
Being a fan of up tempo pur rock, this song makes you stomp yer foots.... Id put this song up against any southern rocker out on the market...

Rebel Pride is a staple name in our part of the world and the band continues to progress into a truly great act..

If your in the mood for some home fried rock n roll,. your looking at the right page

It Is What It Is

REBEL PRIDE

This band is most well-known around the area as a cover act, but its first disc of originals showcases an act with Southern-rock songwriting chops to spare. After the slightly punky opener "Stomp Your Foots," Rebel Pride settles into a sound that draws equally from ZZ Top's swagger, early Doobie Brothers/Skynryd boogie, and very early Van Halen's arrogant party blues-rock. And with the exception of the sprawling, 10-minute, Gary Moore-meets-Santana blues-jam "Slippin' Away," and the Stevie Ray Vaughan-influenced "Drop The Ball," the group pretty much stays in that very crowd-pleasing mode. There's nothing really groundbreaking about this disc, but damn it sounds fine, and there are plenty of local references in the lyrics to boot. (www.rebelprideband.com) 3.5 stars SH

Lidan Dan

CD BABY REVIEWS
Real Southern rock is alive and well!
Reviewer: Michael Buffalo Smith/GRITZ Magazine (click for website)
Real Southern rock is alive and well! This CD kicks off in 5th gear with "Stomp Your Foots," sounding like a high octane blend of the original Molly Hatchet, mixed with a dash of Skynyrd and a cup full of metal. I hear a LOT od Southern Rock CDs at GRITZ, and this is one of the very BEST!

Ass Kissin' Rockin' Tunes - Smooth Southern Style
Reviewer: Zarah, UK
I have just found the joy of Southern Rock with the likes of Lynard Skynard, Hayseed Dixie and the like and checked out the internet for more of the same On the Gritz webpage I came across these guys and bought the CD - Now I can't wait for the next barnstormer from Rebel Pride. My fav song on this CD is 'Survive' its about the diminishing habitat of the Florida panther - I love that big burly men love the animals :) Anyway all the songs on the CD are pretty long which means you can get stuck in the music and carried away with the words. Very cool.

Wow....so great southern rock DOES still exist !!!
Reviewer: WV Mountaineer
Super CD. Lots of great guitar work and good ol' southern rock. The first time I heard this CD I found myself thinking back to 1979 and the first time I heard Molly Hatchet's "Flirtin' With Disaster". Not a bad song on here at all.

SOUTHERN ATTACK!!!
Reviewer: nick kaditis
one of the best southern albums after the gold 70s era. a must buy! keep up the great work!!

kicks ass
Reviewer: kevin scully
if you like ls mtb mh srv you will like rebelpride

the best souther rock cd in years
Reviewer: fishermansblues
this is simply the best southern rock cd in years.when you listening to the first track there comes to your mind Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, Skynyrd.but don't get me wrong, they got a sound of their own. Boys come on over to europe and people will love you...!

The best independent southern rock band/cd of 2005
Reviewer: Rick Raines
A little of Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, Allman Brothers and Stevie Ray Vaughn influence, mixed with some great original material and talent, gives this cd, my vote, as best independent southern rock band/cd of 2005.This cd and band kicks major butt.

Author Message
ReconRat
ASR DJ


Joined: Jul 19, 2005
Posts: 3
Location: Florida
Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 7:20 pm Post subject: Rebel Pride

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A short personal observation of this fans opportunity to see Rebel Pride rockin' four days of Bikeweek 2006. Playing a little Skynyrd; Outlaws, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Molly Hatchet, and the Allman Brothers, mixed with some of their new music and songs from their cd " It Is What It Is", Tampa Bay's guitar army turned Main St. Daytona Beach and the Full Moon Saloon into one great big party Warm Florida sunshine, Harleys, pertty lady's, plenty of beer and Brian Jeffries wearing out his Les Paul. Tom Spittle singing, rockin a Fender to songs like The Outlaws, Green Grass And High Tides. "Big Dave" Stevenson playing bass with Sonny Harlan on his Pearls keeping the rhythm while playing Survive. Pat Buffo singing and playing multiple instruments directing the bands energy through all the beer and wild woman keeping the hard rockin' feeling of the band going. Pat has his own unique way of pleasing a crowd. These guys have so much talent their a must see live! Tampa Bay's rock and roll rebels are just pure southern rock and roll fun.

Interview REBEL PRIDE (by John Molet)



It seems that Rebel Pride maybe one of the Southern Rock music revelations of the year 2005, so we are happy you can answer some questions for the French website 'Road to Jacksonville'!

RTJ: First, for the French fans, can you tell us Rebel Pride story?

Tom: Rebel Pride formed in 1996 as a vehicle to promote a country singer by recording demos.
The band quickly began performing in the Tampa Bay area frequently. In 2002, the band changed with the elimination of the country singer and pursued a more guitar driven southern sound. Pat Buffo and Sonny Harlan are the most recent additions to the lineup and have been a part of the present lineup for two years

RTJ: I have seen you live in Florida, at Tampa Bay, so you must know the Outlaws.

Tom: I have been talking to Hughie Thomasson about producing our next CD on the phone these last
two weeks.

RTJ: Are they a main influence of yours ?

Tom: They are one of many influences, and a personal favorite.

RTJ: Can you introduce to the guys in the band to us and tell us their main characteristics?

Tom : Pat Buffo our lead singer is a great songwriter, southern style vocalist and multi-instrumentalist.

Tom is also multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, and teacher.

Brian is an awesome guitarist, songwriter, who occasionally sings and play keys.

Dave is a solid provider of the low end while his partner in the "one two punch rhythm section"

Sonny, keeps great time to drive the guitar heavy sound. Sonny is also a fine songwriter, guitarist, and singer.

RTJ: Do you all (in the band) have the same musical roots and influences ?

Tom : No. We share many of the same influences, especially southern rock, but our individual tastes range from punk to jazz, to heavy metal, country and folk, bluegrass, jam bands, you name it.

RTJ: I have just made your album review and I have written that Rebel Pride is a kind of melting pot of Southern Rock, Blues and Country. Am I right?

Tom: And then some.

RTJ: When I first listened to 'Stomps Yer Foots'. I have thought that this song is very close, vocally, to Danny Joe Brown's voice (Sweet Dixie!), don't you think ?

Tom: Pat's vocal is reminiscent of Danny Joe to many people. It's not an attempt to imitate. Although Danny Joe is an influence, Pat's style is all his own. You really see it in our live shows. He is quite a character. Last night, at our yearly New Years Eve blow out. He had me laugh' in the middle of our show. Making it difficult to concentrate on my parts

RTJ: I also find I like the guitars choruses. (Stomps Yer Foots, Gitittion, Tampa Bay, etc…) and a great sound. How did you learn and work guitar when you were young, and which are your guitars now?

Tom: I started playin' guitar at the age of seven. Allot of my musical knowledge on the guitar came from imitating southern rock records. I play all Fender stuff ( Strat through a Cyber-twin)
Brian plays a Les Paul through a Marshall. Pat plays Chet Atkins or a Parker through a Line 6.
Dave plays a G&L Bass through a Hartke amp and Sonny plays Pearl drums.


RTJ: My favorite song is 'Getting Closer'. I find it's very close to Molly Hatchet's first album. What are your songs talking about?

Tom: Good times, fun, Southern music, and general debauchery

RTJ: Talking about Molly Hatchet, what do you think about the difference between the original band and today's Bobby Ingram band?

Tom: Both are GREAT!!!

RTJ: What are your best smemories with your new band?

Tom: Big shows, good times, hangin' with the fans, and makin' a few bucks along the way playin' music.

RTJ: Do you earn your living with music ?

Tom: Only on a good week.

RTJ: Do you totally feel a real Southern spirit and soul ?

Tom: If you live in the South, you cannot help but feel it.

RTJ : Is the rebel flag a signification for you ?

Tom: Only if it signifies that there is a little bit of Rebel Pride in all of us.
A rebel is "one who defies authority". We are all guilty of that from time to time.

RTJ : I guess that with 'Survive' you wanted to create a Southern classic album, like many Southern bands did at their beginnings (Skynyrd, Hatchet, Doc Hollyday, etc…and even the German band 'Street Survivors' whom we took the song 'Road to Jacksonville' for our website name). Do you still play 'Survive' in the same way or do you sometimes play it in a different version when you want to improvise ?

Tom: The solos my deviate from the original recording on a nightly basis, but the structure and feel improves with every performance.

RTJ : Is your album available in the music market and where can we find it ?

Tom: CDBaby, Amazon.com, itunes, ebay, Borders Books and Music, bestbuy.com, target.com, our site: www.rebelprideband.com, and Various online record shops in France and Germany. Plus online radio like allsouthernrock.com

RTJ : From the United States, how do you consider the European and French music ?

Tom: The French music influence comes to us by way of our own New Orleans, Louisiana and we have been influenced by British and German bands

RTJ : Traditional question on 'Road to Jacksonville' (fans enjoy it !), if you have to end your life on a desert island, what should be the albums you take with you ?

Tom: Allman Brothers- Fillmore East and Eat a Peach, Johnny Winters -Second, The Band, Marshall Tuckers First, Molly Hatchets First, Skynyrd- Street Survivors, or Pronounced, and since its a desert island a taste of Jimmy Buffet. Ha-ha just kidding.

RTJ : Have you something to say for the French fans ?

Tom: We would love to come to France and play for you live. I hear ya'll make great wine.

RTJ: I thank you Tom for your answers, and I think that the French (and from everywhere) fans will sure be impatient to discover your music!!!
Keep on Southern Rockin'.

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Friday, February 10, 2006
Rebel Pride Band - Tamar Alexia Fleishman


Music link: http://www.rebelprideband.com/audio/REBEL_PRIDE-GITITON-clip-5-35.m3u

Florida has been the heart of Southern Rock for over three decades, with bands such as The Outlaws, Molly Hatchet and of course, the daddy band that started it all -- Lynyrd Skynyrd. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill, but Tampa Bay's Rebel Pride has been a crowd pleaser all over the South for several years. Rebel Pride is made up of five members who each bring a strong background to the table:

Pat Buffo - Lead vocals, guitar, drums. Growing up in St. Petersburg, Florida, Pat learned drums, bass and guitar. He started "paying his dues" playing in metal bands and working in record stores. Pat had his own solo acoustic act when he was asked to audition for Rebel Pride.

Brian Jeffries - Guitar, vocals, songwriter. Brian attended Berklee College of Music, and considers "Live at the Fillmore East" to be his Bible. Over the years, he has been a member of several bands, including Southern Snow, Second Helping (a Skynyrd tribute band that toured North America) and The Traveling Freak Show.

"Sonny" Harlan - "Sonny" was playing drums early -- banging on furniture while listening to his dad's Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Seger and AC/DC records. Shortly after high school, he was touring clubs throughout the US. After seven full US tours, several Canadian tours, a six-week European tour and four albums with a punk rock band, Sonny has returned to his roots. He joined Rebel Pride in 2003. Sonny's simple, solid style is the perfect foundation for Pride's guitar driven solos.

"Big Dave" Stevenson - bass. "Big Dave" taught himself bass in the 9th grade. Living in Tampa Bay since 1978, "Big Dave" founded the Southern Rock/Blues band, "Treez" as well as the popular local band, "Fair Warning." He then toured with a Skynyrd cover band until 1997, when he joined Rebel Pride.

Tom Spittle - Guitar, vocals, flute keys. Whistling tunes since the age of nine months, Tom's from a family of musicians. In grade school, he studied everything from strings to brass to percussion. His teachers were John Beck at the Eastman School of Music and jazz great Vinnie Ruggerio. He now teaches guitar, bass and drums for the Anonas Arts Academy. Tom has played with many bands having many styles. He's been with Rebel Pride for over 9 years.

Q. WHAT ARE YOUR LATEST PROJECTS?

RP: We are currently working on our second Rebel Pride CD of all original music. We are in pre-production with material written by the individual band members and other song-writing friends of ours. Rebel Pride is going to collaborate on a separate CD with a fiddle/guitar playing/songwriting, friend of ours named Paul Carr (a lawyer from Ruskin, Florida). Paul played fiddle with Rebel Pride at The Annual Charlie Daniels Angelus House Benefit Concert in Clearwater, Florida in 2000. The collaboration CD is a little more country sounding but still maintains the Rebel Pride edge. Also, we are playing Daytona Bike Week this year! Y'all can see us March 3 -6 on Main Street at the Full Moon Saloon, from 1-5 p.m. So, sleep in and catch our show across the street from the beach.

Q. YOU'VE MADE A SWITCH FROM COUNTRY TO SOUTHERN ROCK. HAS THAT CHANGED THE SIZE OF YOUR AUDIENCE?

RP: Yes. The Country audience fans we have like our approach to Southern Rock and our Southern Rock fans like our approach to Country music. Our Rock fans like our edge on Southern Rock.

Q. HOW DO YOU PICK THE MP3 SAMPLE SONGS TO GIVE AWAY ON YOUR WEB SITE?

RP: We only have one track available on the site in hopes to wet the audible appetite for the rest of the CD. Which by the ways smokes...

Q. YOU HAVE A LOT OF EUROPEANS BUYING YOUR CD'S. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?

RP: Online radio is and has been immensely instrumental in presenting the fans worldwide new independent Southern Rock releases. There is a large fan base for Southern Rock in Europe.

Q. YOU ARE PLAYED ON A LOT OF INTERNET STATIONS. HAS THIS GIVEN YOU OPPORTUNITIES THAT CLEAR CHANNEL HASN'T?

RP: Yes. A lot of listeners have grown tired of force fed commercial radio play and hearing the same play list over and over. It has been an invaluable tool in getting our music heard in markets we never dreamed were even listening.

Q. WHAT ABOUT LIVE WEB CAST CONCERTS? HAVE YOU DONE ANY AND DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANNED FOR THE FUTURE?

RP: We haven't done an online concert yet but we will soon.

Q. BRIAN, YOU'VE BEEN A SOUND ENGINEER. TELL ME ABOUT THAT.

RP: I have been mixing bands with my P.A. systems for years. I know how to make it sound very good at a reasonable budget for club owners to keep the band busy working as much as we do. I am also very proficient in the technical side of it as well and can fix it if it breaks down.

Q. A LOT OF BANDS HAVE BEEN TAKING THE FORUMS SECTION OFF THEIR WEB SITES. YOU DONE THAT, TELL ME ABOUT THAT.

RP: Forums are impossible to police on a minute-by-minute basis and some folks will say anything. We would prefer our forum to be limited to Rebel Pride Band related topics only. We may try it again.

Q. WHAT MUSIC DO YOU GUYS LISTEN TO IN YOUR OFF HOURS?

RP: We listen to all kinds of music ranging from the Southern Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz, Classic Rock but mostly just good ol' southern stuff.

Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE REBEL PRIDE SOUND?

RP: Hard edge guitar-driven Southern Rock.

For anyone interested in downloading some MP3's or purchasing a CD, be sure to check out the website at www.rebelprideband.com. Enjoy!!!!
posted by Courtney Pulitzer at 12:25 PM

OUR TOP TEN D.I.Y. RELEASES OF 2005

1. Pedro Arevalo and Friends
2. One Monkey Don’t Spoil The Show - Silver Travis Band
3. It Is What It Is - Rebel Pride
4. Year of the Cock - Fiddleworms
5. Stevie Hawkins & Georgia Jam
6. Back to the Swamp - Russell Gulley
7. Waterfront View - Tom Coerver
8. Can You Feel It - Hurry Sundown
9. Rising High - Jackson Stone Band
10. Hung Out To Dry - Laney Strickland Band

1/7/2006
REFERENDUM 2005 OF THE READERS OF BANDS OF DIXIE

GROUP/ARTIST OF The YEAR:
1. ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND 46,4%
2. Van Zant 26,4%
3. Rebel Pride 19,2%
3. Molly Hatchet 19,2%
5. Gov' T Mule 18,4%

DISC OF The YEAR
1. GET RIGHT WITH THE MAN (Van Zant) 32,8%
2. Is It What It Is (Rebel Pride) 21,6%
2. Warriors Of The Rainbow Bridge (Molly Hatchet) 21,6%
4. Wear N Tear (Tishamingo) 19,2%
5. Cradle To The Engraves (Liquid Groove Mojo) 17,6%

Vocalist of the YEAR
1. GREGG ALLMAN (ABB) 48,0%
2. Johnny Van Zant (Lynyrd Skynyrd) 36,0%
3. Phil McCormack (Molly Hatchet) 21,6%
4. Pat Buffo (Rebel Pride) 16,8%
5. Warren Haynes (Gov' T Mule/ABB) 16,0%

GUITARIST OF The YEAR
1. WARREN HAYNES (ABB/Gov' T Mule) 53,6%
2. Derek Trucks (ABB/Derek Band Trucks) 20,0%
3. Tom Spittle (Rebel Pride) 18,4%
4. Gary Rossington (Lynyrd Skynyrd) 16,0%
5. Bobby Ingram (Molly Hatchet) 15,2%

BASS PLAYER OF The YEAR
1. OTEIL BURBRIDGE (ABB) 41,6%
2. Tim Lindsey (Molly Hatchet) 12,8%
3. Fabio Drusin (W.I.N.D.) 8,8%
3. Dave Schools (Widespread Panic grass) 8,8%
5. Al Hagood (Liquid Groove Mojo) 8,0%
5. Steven Spivey (Tishamingo) 8,0%

KEYBOARDS OF The YEAR
1. CHUCK LEAVELL 35,2%
2. Gregg Allman (Allman Bros.) 33,6%
3. John Galvin (Molly Hatchet) 20,0%
4. Bill Payne (Little Feat) 13,6%
5. Johnny Neel 12,8%

BEATER OF The YEAR
1. MATT ABTS (Gov' T Mule) 36,0%
2. Butch Trucks (Allman Brothers Band) 22,4%
3. Shaun Beamer (Molly Hatchet) 17,6%
4. Jaimoe (Allman Brothers Band) 13,6%
5. Sandro Benech (W.I.N.D.) 10,4%

EVENT OF the YEAR
1. THE RETURN OF THE OUTLAWS 24,0%
2. The death of Danny Joe Brown 16,0%
3. Gov' T Mule in France 12,0%
4. The death of Jakson Whorls 8,0%
4. The return of Blank Point 8,0 %
4. The hecatomb in the rock'n'roll Southerner 8,0 %

I==> number 47 (November-December) of Bands Of Dixie was dispatched with the subscribers Friday December 9. At the interior, an interview of Henry Paul of Outlaws , another of the new feeling of the hardware southern rock'n'roll, Rebel Pride , the first part of a disc with disc devoted to Charlie Daniels , photographs of the reformation of Blank Point and the second part of the article on the guitars.

Heavy Guitar Army Southern Rockin'Music - A little of Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, Allman Brothers and Stevie Ray Vaughn influence, mixed with some great original material and talent, gives this cd, my vote, as best independent southern rock band/cd of 2005.This cd and band kicks major butt.

Just for Kicks CD review traslated by Goggle translation software from German to English
REBEL PRIDE:
IT IS WHAT IT IS

In the Southern Rock range it was suspiciously calm lately. For example Molly Hatchet were not any more able to tie to their best form but a really good newcomer did, have to welcome to the scene Rebel Pride . Therefore the joy is great over the new album of Rebel Pride , which rocks still dirtier than the cool Songs of ZZ Top, versatile Blues quotations also inside takes instrumental improvisations, which in the case of good company (three guitars) in addition, seems compellingly necessary. The string parliamentary group again and again uses the opportunity for packing guitar duels, which straight with the long and bedaechtigen "Slippin ' Away" and with the blues "Tampa Bay Worksong" for a wonderful relaxed atmosphere provide. With the likewise excessive Abschlusssong "Survive" finally drives the Quintett from Florida it even on the point and delivers some the coolest guitar parts, which the scene hasn't heard in the last years. Alone for this the investment is worthwhile itself already. Nothing the defiance goes it with "It Is What It Is" primarily around the Songs, and not exclusive around the many instrumental trips, which committed itself from Tampa carries out. Thus the Opener "Stomp Yer Fools" rocked for example in best Lynyrd Skynyrd manners, with "Gettin ' Closer" feels one sometimes of the glorious times of 38 Special reminded (those as clear and large influence to by the way hear again and again are) during "drop The ball" and "GITITON" then Molly Hatchet as inspiration recognizes itself leaves. The Rebel Pride did not bind makes make no secret from it, who confessed for her sound godfather, however earthtraveled itself the fuenfer not to klauen here or there. One takes only the Feeling for a marvelously relaxten sound also into the own music and unloads on this basis the devotion to the momentumful Southern State Rock Is What It Is", and that is in this case a very strong Southern Rock album of a still relatively unknown, but surely soon already celebrated fresh Rock albumn. Molly Hatchet, Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Rebel Pride albumn... The name makes itself already now good in this listing ingenious category disc.wallsoffire.de)
Format: CD|BestellNr.:4871|Price

Fierce ball busting metal blues in the vein of ZZ Top. The opener "Stomp Yer Foots" will have your feet swelling from moshing your heart away. "Slipping Away" features sly guitar riffs in the vein of Stevie Ray Vaughan as does "Drop the Ball" with wicked blues hooks that would make John Lee Hooker proud.

thanks!
-June


June Caldwell c/o
Bryan Farrish Radio Promotion

Here,s a link to another European review,

Click the link to see how Rebel Pride new CD It Is What It Is has charted in Europe.

Tom,
Best Of Axecaliber 2005 Countdown is over and Rebel Pride came in at . . . #1!!! I truely feel that Rebel Pride honestly captures the meaning of "guitar-army style southern rock". A brand of rock that has not been felt since Skynyrd, Hatchet, Outlaws and Blackfoot did it back in the late 70's/early 80's. Please continue the great tradition! I'm on board as an ultimate fan! Please contact me the moment new music is available in 2006 from Rebel Pride! May you guys reach all your southern rock goals and accomplishments in the new year! Peace,
Geno

Hey Tom.
Im a guy from the cold north in Denmark Scandinavia.
Just picked up your cd at a buddys cd store. http://www.cd-smeden.dk/start_eng.html

I really love southern rock, and bands like Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot and Lynyrd Skynyrd are great.
But those bands are a little on the 'rebound' right. Thats why its refreshing to hear Rebel Pride.
The tracks are amazing, the production, raw and refreshing. The guitar playing stunning and the package superb.

I really wish you all the best in the future, and please keep making this kind of music.
Todays music is nothing but crap.....(Rap) and I hate it.
Well thats all for now.
www.hardrock1.webbyen.dk
a review on your cd will appear here in a day or two. Its in danish, but stop by if you please.
www.rocknation.dk
Best wishes
Kim

Rebel Pride - It Is What It Is

Dieses Quintett kann man, ohne zu übertreiben, in der Tat als eine echte "Gitarrenarmee" bezeichnen! Mit 3 großartigen Gitarristen an Bord, dazu einer adäquaten Rhythmus-Fraktion aus Bass und Schlagzeug, transportieren sie den ganzen Glanz und die Glorie solcher Bands wie Molly Hatchet, 38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd, den Outlaws, Doc Holliday und auch den Allman Brothers in die heutige Zeit, rühren ein vor Dynamik, Spielfreude und Würze geradezu überschäumendes, den Fan magisch anziehendes Gebräu an, und lassen es mittels eines fulminanten, mächtigen Gitarren-Gewitters auf die Southern Rock-Welt hineinbrechen. Solch herrlichen Gitarre-Duelle, variabel und kraftvoll, und dennoch so wunderbar locker, haben wir lange vermißt! Zudem besitzt Sänger Pat Buffo ein bestens dem Genre zuzuordnendes Organ, das zuweilen sehr an Molly Hatchet's legendären Danny Joe Brown erinnert. Die Burschen können rocken, was das Zeug hält, geben jede Menge straighte Boogies zum Besten, überzeugen aber auch mit klasse Song-Strukturen, prima Melodien und einer nicht zu unterschätzenden Variabilität. Man denke nur an ihren, vor Jam-Freude geradezu sprühenden Ausflug in die Gefilde des Southern Blues- und Jamrocks mit dem fantastischen, 10 1/2-minütigen "Slippin' away"!
Zu beziehen bei www.baerchenrecords.de

Hello, this the translation you asked for:

You can call this quintet, without exaggeration, a real 'guitar-army' and with three great guitarplayers and a to-the-point rythmsection (bass and drums) they transport the whole Golw and Glory of bands such as Molly Hatchet, 38. Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Outlaws, Doc Holliday and off course The Allman Brothers into present-day. Their music is dynamic and full of joy (music), they offered the (rebel Pride)-fan a full-magic-atractive-drink (brew) and let it all, by a heavy guitar-thunder (sound), break into the Soutern- Rock tradition. We missed for a long time these great guitarduells, variable (variation) and powerfull, and yet loose (open sound, not close of musicstructure). And by all means Pat Buffo (singer) got the best thinkable organ for this kind of music and it reminds of the legendary Danny Joe Brown. Thse guys know how to rock; they give a great deal of (best) straight Boogies and convince with great song-structures, great melodies and a non-deniable variations of songs. You just only have to think about the 10,5 minutes of "Slippin' away" and imagine that this joyfull jam-session slipped (just like that) into the best Southern Blues and Jam-Rocks.
You can buy this at: www.baerchenrecords.de (baerchen means: a little bear (German: bärchen))

This is what have been written, so enjoy the review. I hope you understand what he/she wrote, it's positive. I just heard about Rebel Pride by listning to the Internetradio: Southern Rock. By this time I know five songs: Tampa Bay Worksong, Get it on, Stomp your foot, Survive and off course Slippin' away. And I agree with the translated review. I know most of the (honest) rockmusic from the early sixties until present and must say you're fitting in and doing a great job. It's not neccessary sending a cd. It's my pleasure to help you (I'm an art-painter). (I am just listing to Mike Bloomfield and Al Kooper. As Bob Dylan said: One of the best). To you: Peter Rohs

the best souther rock cd in years
Reviewer: fishermansblues
this is simply the best southern rock cd in years.when you listening to the first track there comes to your mind Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, Skynyrd.but don't get me wrong, they got a sound of their own. Boys come on over to europe and people will love you...!


The best independent southern rock band/cd of 2005
Reviewer: Rick Raines
A little of Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, Allman Brothers and Stevie Ray Vaughn influence, mixed with some great original material and talent, gives this cd, my vote, as best independent southern rock band/cd of 2005.This cd and band kicks major butt.

You guys got the #1 selling CD in Germany right now if I'm reading this link correctly!

http://www.southern-rock.de/contray/html/index.html

Also, both Rebel Pride and The Steepwater Band landed our CDs in their list of the 20 best southern rock CDs of 2005:

http://www.southern-rock.de/contray/html/southern-rock/top-20-cds-2005.html

(Brother to the Snake is our 2001 release that our former record company re-released in Europe after we played that festival in Spain.)


I wish you guys continued success in 2006!