The Hellecasters (1998-2002) was an American guitar group composed of prominent session musicians and a core trio of guitarists, Will Ray, John Jorgenson and Jerry Donahue.
History In 1990, Donohue ran into Ray at the Palomino and proposed that they play a set together at an open-mic session at the same club. Ray suggested that they ask Jorgenson to join them so as to have three-part harmonies. The band's name was coined by Jorgenson.
Michael Nesmith attended the April 1991 show and signed them to his record label. Their first two albums, The Return of the Hellecasters and Escape from Hollywood, were released by Nesmith's Pacific Arts Audio label.
In 1998 they appeared on the German music show Ohne Filter. They also performed a concert there and, in 2000, released the album Live... Raw... In Germany.
In 2002, the band released its final album, Essential Listening Volume 1, a 13-track compilation which included two new songs.
In 2012, the three guitarists performed at Dekes Guitar Geek Festival in Anaheim.
Personnel Guitar & Vocals: Jerry Donahue, John Jorgenson, Will Ray Bass: Dennis Belfield, Bob Birch, John Davis, Pat Donaldson, Davey Faragher Drums: Steve Duncan, Donald Lindley, Charlie Morgan, Tom Walsh Percussion: Luis Conte, Steve Duncan
Discography
Albums YearTitleLabel 1993 The Return of the Hellecasters Pharaoh 1994 Escape from Hollywood Pharaoh 1997 Hell 3: New Axes to Grind Pharaoh 2000 Live... Raw... In Germany Pharaoh 2002 Essential Listening 1 Hightone
Multi-artist collection YearTitleLabel 2000 Guitars That Rule the World Vol 2 - Smell the Fuzz - The Superstar Guitar Album Metal Blade Records
References