|
|
Rift started in a basement on the outskirts of Wattsburg and formed when Erie raised guitarist, Jesse Weston, began jamming with Wattsburg native drummer, Josh Vallimont. They lived almost 15 miles away from each other, but that did not stop them. They found that they both had a love to play music, which created a 7 year musical friendship that has never stopped. A Fender Squier and a three piece drum kit was molded into Les Pauls, Marshall Stacks, and a Stage Custom Drum Set worthy of Neil Peart. None the less, it did not matter what they played on, the music was the important thing. The 80s were just not old enough, and the 90s were just too new. They needed to get that Led out.
Zeppelin, Beatles, Doors, Stones, Hendrix, Clapton, Young Brothers, Doobie Brothers, Blues Brothers, were just some great influences to the young aspiring musicians. They played what they loved to listen to, and used that to develop a sound of their own, even when they played songs written by someone else. Eventually this duo needed to expand, and the idea of a band was formed. Some phone calls were made and an induction of a singer and bass player happened. Sean Whaling a grade school buddy of Jesse’s took over the vocals and suggested the talents of one Adam Macrino to take over on the bass guitar. After a long process of name choices Rift stuck out and the band was started in 2004. From then on this four piece band was going to look towards Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, AC/DC, The Doors, Cream, The Beatles, Tom Petty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more for material to work with, and the inspiration to write their own music. By learning songs like Born To Be Wild, Highway to Hell, Voodoo Chile, War Pigs, and Who Are You, Rift built up a set list that took people back to the 60s and 70s. Eventually the band could hold up to a 4 hour gig by combining cover songs, as well as their own originals. Rift took that music outside of the basement, and onto the stage. Early gigs formed, and the bar scene got its first taste of Rift.
Rift has played the 10 til 2 weekend at bars including Mound Grove, Iron Horse, Sherlocks, Scooters, and Lakeside. Rift will play anywhere at anytime, in front of 20 people or 2,000 people. Rift will break drum sticks and strings, wear down picks and fingers just to play the music they love. It has been the general appreciation and love of the music that has driven this band since 2004. |
