The Blasters

The Profile

The Blasters are an American rock and roll band formed in 1979 in the Los Angeles area by brothers Phil and Dave Alvin. Known for a hard-charging blend of rockabilly, rhythm and blues, and roots rock, their key releases on Slash Records include The Blasters (1981), Non Fiction (1983), and Hard Line (1985).

Founders: Phil Alvin (vocals, guitar) and Dave Alvin (guitar, songwriter). Classic lineup included John Bazz (bass) and Bill Bateman (drums). Closely tied to LA’s roots/punk scene, often collaborating with members of X and Los Lobos; contributors included John Doe, Gene Taylor, Steve Berlin, and Lee Allen. Their Slash-era discography is collected in Testament; Hard Line involved John Mellencamp and Don Gehman.

Three reviews celebrate The Blasters’ high-octane blend of rock’n’roll, rockabilly, and American roots, zeroing in on the Slash Records era. Hard Line is praised as a pinnacle, with shout-outs to Just Another Sunday, Dark Night, and Little Honey. The pieces trace LA connections (X, Los Lobos), lineup highlights (Phil and Dave Alvin with Bazz and Bateman), and key contributors (John Doe, Steve Berlin). Overall vibe: reverent, sweaty, and fast.