Manchester Road

romised to buy a Cajon and tap on it all night, but instead ended up arriving to his first rehearsal with a full sized, rack-mounted, double-bass Tama-from-hell kit (somebody loves Lars Ulrich). With the addition of a full drum kit, they needed a bass player as it became apparent they weren't an acoustic band anymore. He literally walked through the door at the top-of-his lungs. Rob isn't the type of musician bands try out then sit around talking and deciding upon, Rob is the type of musician you beg to play in your band and then praise the baby Jesus when he says Yes. Their sound quickly morphed into an acoustic rock crossover hybrid when they replaced one of the acoustics with an electric guitar and added The Black Crowes and Fleetwood Mac to the set list. A short while later Todd also stopped bringing his acoustic guitar to rehearsal and started showing up with an electric guitar only. Just like that, they were a full rock band, all electric guitars, Marshall stacks and Les Paul's included. They replaced the cover songs with more originals. Gigs, studio's, photo-shoots, and plenty of debauchery soon followed, but like any rock & roll band.... big highs are followed by extreme lows. Chris had an opportunity in another state and he had to take it. They laughed. They cried. They raged and threw accusations of who's fault was what and how and why... all bands do, it's just the truth. When somebody leaves a band, you can bet one or more members will go out swinging the sword. Lamb Of God got into a fist fight. I think somebody in Manchester Road threw a can of Diet Red Bull at a wall. Now they had to replace someone. Already? Was it our fault? Did we Jason Newsted poor Chris right out of the band? Who will we get? Rob knew someone and made a call. One phone call. No ads, no tryouts, no Facebook posts to search the local music scene for the Ultimo Hombre, just one call. Justin was there on time and ready to go. He wasn't a shredder and he played a Les Paul through a Marshall stack. He was quiet and showed up with a 6-pack of beer. Perfect. Flash forward Twelve months and their finishing up their 9 song "Demo".