Redline Rockets

Hard realities of the music "biz" may be inescapable, but the Redline Rockets goal is to thrive on the Love:  Of the primal artistry and passion of traditional roots music we honor and create; of the pure joy when we get it right, stir audiences out of their seats and their mindsets, and tap into deep, timeless energies that cannot be explained except as an experience.

For those who need labels, we call it "Honk-a-billy," a high-test cocktail of honky-tonk and rockabilly, added shots of surf and blues, and chased with your favorite Ice Cold Beer.  From the first show in 2008, through changing line-ups, two studio CDs, and hundreds of performances, our guiding principles stay true:  Bring it.  Mean it.  Please the crowd of ten thousand or ten, but never pander.  Build a foundation rather than a façade.  That means no gimmicks.  Be, in a word, Authentic.

Thus far, it's working. The Redline Rockets have shared the bill or opened for the likes of Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Wanda Jackson, Los Lobos, Graham Nash, The Blasters, Peter & Gordon, Joe Ely, Big Sandy, Dale Watson, the Cherry Poppin' Daddies, and many others.

We played the main stage at the 50th Anniversary Winter Dance Party Tribute in Clear Lake, Iowa's historic Surf Ballroom, sponsored by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  During our successful Spring 2011 Route 66 Tour, we performed in Las Vegas, Nevada at the renowned Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender, our 3rd consecutive year to be invited.

Our current line-up features Nebraska natives and founding members Mike Baird on Doghouse Bass and Rick "Ricky Dean" Haffey on Vocals and Guitar; add Missourian Jake Jacoby on Lead Guitar and Denver's Lightning Slim Phillippe on Drums and you have the core of the Redline Rockets.  Other past and current musicians who've add much to our story include Tim Wallace and Chris "Kid" Sikora on lead guitar, Jesse Carraway and Steve Kleege on drums, and Cowboy Bob Wells and Chuck Lettes on pedal steel.

The name "Redline Rockets" was coined by Mike Baird, after the legendary express locomotive of myth that raced the rails across America, transporting all worthy disciples, spirits, and other troublemakers to Memphis and beyond.

Our mission is to share these elements that birthed Rock & Roll and forever nurtures Classic Country and Popular Music.  The ultimate destination is the journey itself, in search of some Down Home Effin' Honk-a-billy.  The spirit of the Redline Rockets is to power that train with the love of the music.  If we do that, History, and the "Biz" will take care of itself.

Sincerely,

Ricky Dean, Mike, Jake and Lightning Slim.

Redline Rockets