The Deluxtone Rockets

The Deluxtone Rockets is an American band from Muskegon, Michigan.^[4] It began as a punk band, but by the time of signing to Tooth & Nail Records it had evolved into a swing revival outfit.^[3]

The Deluxtone Rockets
Origin	Muskegon, Michigan, United States
Genres	Rockabilly[1][2] swing[2][3] punk rock[3]
Years active	1996–2001 2008–present
Labels	Tooth & Nail

Their first album, which was self-titled, was produced by Gene Eugene and Dennis Danell of Social Distortion. They wrote their own songs, and their musical style and lyrics were often compared to The W's,^[5] but John Brown's lead vocals were likened to The Mighty Mighty Bosstones' Dicky Barrett or The Reverend Horton Heat.^[4]

In their second album, Green Room Blues, the group dropped the horn section entirely and shifted to a rockabilly sound. The album's title reflects the fact that both Eugene and Danell died in early 2000, during production of the album.^[4] Though Danell had not been involved in the production, Eugene had been, and was replaced by Chris Colbert. The album has a darker mood than their debut effort, though its lyrics still reflect the faith of John Brown.^[6] The album also contained a cover of The Cure's "Lovesong".

2000 was generally reported as a bad year for the band; they were unable to play shows regularly because in addition to recording difficulties, their drummer left, after wanting to move to a different style musically. They were able to get Rodney from the Calicoes to fill in occasionally, and thus played at Cornerstone and other festivals.^[7] Also, one night their van caught fire and was totaled, though they still managed to play that night.^[7]

Discography

• 1999 The Deluxtone Rockets
• 1999 Happy Christmas Volume 2 (Compilation, BEC)
• 2001 Green Room Blues
• 2009 New Material Demo

Band members

1999

• John Brown - Lead Vocals, Guitar
• Jimmy Van Boxel - Upright Bass, BGV's
• Jacob Dykema - Tenor Sax, Vocals
• Richard Mittwede - Trombone, BGV's
• Jason Sorn - Drums
• Tim Harvell - Trumpet, BGV's

2001

• John Brown
• Jimmy Van Boxel
• Lonnie Pease - guitar
• Jason Feltman

2008

• John Brown - Lead Vocals, Guitar
• Jason Sorn - Drums
• Harley Obzut - Bass
• Dusty Bottoms - Guitar