Long Ryders Reunite For G.A. Show

One of the greatest proto-Americana outfits ever to tread the boards, bubba!

By Fred Mills

It’s been over two decades since the Long Ryders did a U.S. gig. Those of you with long memories no doubt recall the hard-twanging, Byrds/Burritos-loving, proto-Americana L.A. band from its mid ‘80s heyday (at the time, lumped into the “New Sincerity” and “Paisley Underground” movements); a key influence upon everyone from the Black Crowes and the Jayhawks to the entire Uncle Tupelo/Son Volt/Wilco camp, they broke up in 1987 after several outstanding albums. They also reunited briefly in 2004 for their so-called “Last Ever” tour, ultimately yielding the State of Our Reunion Live 2004 album.

Now comes word from the band’s MySpace page that they’ll be getting back together again for a show in Atlanta (at The Earl) in January, with some potential further dates announced for later that year in Europe.

From the band:

The rumors are true: The Long Ryders have agreed to play a show at the Earl in Atlanta, GA on January 10, 2009.  This will be the first Long Ryders show on U.S. soil in 21 years.  This will feature the classic 1984-1987 & 2004 lineup of Sid Griffin, Stephen McCarthy, Greg Sowders and Tom Stevens.

Ticket info and further details will be released as soon as we have it.

So yeah, that’s pretty far in advance, but in a stroke that Celine Dion would no doubt approve, indeed, tickets went on sale today at The Earl’s website. Better act fast – the place holds less than 300 punters.