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In 2005, after the demise of [[The Berlin Project]] (Orange Peal Records)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/things-we-say-mw0000316347|title=The Berlin Project - Things We Say Album Reviews, Songs & More &#124; AllMusic|via=www.allmusic.com}}</ref>, Belan and Revak decided to team up to write new music focusing more on the [[Rock n Roll]] roots in which they were raised.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pghcitypaper.com/arts-entertainment/gene-the-werewolf-returns-with-a-new-plan-of-attack-1459322|title=Gene the Werewolf returns with a new plan of attack|first=Andy|last=Mulkerin|website=Pittsburgh City Paper}}</ref>
In 2005, after the demise of [[The Berlin Project]] (Orange Peal Records)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/things-we-say-mw0000316347|title=The Berlin Project - Things We Say Album Reviews, Songs & More &#124; AllMusic|via=www.allmusic.com}}</ref>, Belan and Revak decided to team up to write new music focusing more on the [[Rock n Roll]] roots in which they were raised.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pghcitypaper.com/arts-entertainment/gene-the-werewolf-returns-with-a-new-plan-of-attack-1459322|title=Gene the Werewolf returns with a new plan of attack|first=Andy|last=Mulkerin|website=Pittsburgh City Paper}}</ref>


The band took the name "Gene The Werewolf" after a friend told Belan he resembled a werewolf due to the length of his hair at the time. At first, Belan thought he mumbled "Gene" rather than "Jon The Werewolf" and it became an ongoing joke between the two. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gracirocks.com/interviews/gene-the-werewolf-october-13-2016/|title=Gene The Werewolf – October 13, 2016|date=October 13, 2016}}</ref>
The band took the name "Gene The Werewolf" after a friend told Belan he resembled a werewolf due to the length of his hair at the time. At first, Belan thought he called him "Gene" rather than "Jon The Werewolf" and it became an ongoing joke between the two. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gracirocks.com/interviews/gene-the-werewolf-october-13-2016/|title=Gene The Werewolf – October 13, 2016|date=October 13, 2016}}</ref>


On October 12, 2007, Gene The Werewolf played their first live show as a full band to a sold out crowd at Club Cafe in the South Side of Pittsburgh.<ref>https://www.clubcafe.com/club-events/</ref>{{failed verification|date=February 2024}}
On October 12, 2007, Gene The Werewolf played their first live show as a full band to a sold out crowd at Club Cafe in the South Side of Pittsburgh.<ref>https://www.clubcafe.com/club-events/</ref>{{failed verification|date=February 2024}}

Revision as of 14:23, 8 February 2024

Gene The Werewolf
Gene The Werewolf performing in 2023
Gene The Werewolf performing in 2023
Background information
OriginPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
GenresRock
Hard Rock
Years active2007–present
LabelsFrontiers Music
MembersJon Belan
Drew Donegan
Nick Revak
Andrew Marks
Aaron Mediate
Chris Serafini
Past membersTim Schultz
Michael Ofca
Britton Sloan

Gene The Werewolf is an American rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, that was formed in 2007. The band has released three full-length albums, including the European release "Rock n' Roll Animal" on Frontiers Music,[1] an EP, and multiple one-off singles.

History

Early years and Light Me Up: 2007-2009

Gene The Werewolf was formed in 2007 as a so-called "Supergroup" of Pittsburgh musicians originally consisting of Jon Belan (lead vocals/guitar), Drew Donegan (guitar), Nick Revak (drums), Aaron Mediate (keys) and Tim Schultz (bass).[2]

In 2005, after the demise of The Berlin Project (Orange Peal Records)[3], Belan and Revak decided to team up to write new music focusing more on the Rock n Roll roots in which they were raised.[4]

The band took the name "Gene The Werewolf" after a friend told Belan he resembled a werewolf due to the length of his hair at the time. At first, Belan thought he called him "Gene" rather than "Jon The Werewolf" and it became an ongoing joke between the two. [5]

On October 12, 2007, Gene The Werewolf played their first live show as a full band to a sold out crowd at Club Cafe in the South Side of Pittsburgh.[6][failed verification]

In January 2009, Gene The Werewolf hired Lucas Keller as their manager and signed with Uppercut Management. [7]

On October 20, 2009, Gene The Werewolf released their debut EP "Light Me Up" in the US,[8] with producer Jamie Woolford.

On October 24, 2009, Gene The Werewolf had their "Light Me Up" album release party at Club Diesel in Pittsburgh. It was at this time that the band added Mike Ofca as a lead guitarist and new member. Shortly after, the band parted ways with Uppercut Management. [9]

Wicked Love, Frontiers Records and making a name: 2011-2014

On November 23, 2011, Gene The Werewolf released their first full length album "Wicked Love" in the United States, again with producer Jamie Woolford. The album contained the single "I Only Wanna Rock N' Roll". [10]

On December 2, 2011, Gene The Werewolf had their "Wicked Love" album release party at The Altar Bar in the Strip District of Pittsburgh.[11]

In 2012, the band signed an international one album record deal with Frontiers Music. Later that year, they released their international debut "Rock n' Roll Animal" on the label featuring the single and video for "I Only Wanna Rock n' Roll".[12]

In 2014, the band started writing new music with producer and engineer Sean McDonald (The Clarks, Soul Asylum) for a new upcoming LP.

The Loner and member changes: 2016-2018

On June 17, 2016, the bands second full length LP "The Loner" was released. The album featured the title track as the single, with the album release show at Altar Bar, Pittsburgh that same month. [13] The album was produced and engineered by Sean McDonald at Red Medicine Studios.[14] The album also featured a lead guitar solo by Reb Beach of Winger (band) and Whitesnake on the song "The Walking Dead".

In late 2016, the band parted ways with lead guitarist Mike Ofca and named Britton Sloan as his replacement.

In 2017, the band hired Andrew Marks as their new lead guitarist and started to writing a new single with Sean McDonald to commemorate the bands 10 year anniversary. The song "Keep It Together" was released on January 30, 2018, and was followed up with a music video shot at Red Medicine Studios.[15] The song is an ode to the ups, downs and struggles of keeping a band together after a period of time.

In December of 2018, the band parted ways with original bassist Tim Schultz and he was replaced by Chris Serafini, formerly of the Gin Blossoms and Pollen.[16] Serafini's first show with the band was for 105.9 WXDX-FM's "Kick Ass Christmas Show" with The Struts [17]

One off singles/videos: 2019 - present

On June 20, 2019, the single "Love and Touch" was released and followed up with a music video. The song was written by Belan, Marks and producer Sean McDonald.[18] The video was shot in Pittsburgh by Chris Cichra.

On November 20, 2020 the single "I Should've Known Better" was released and followed up with a music video. The song was written by Belan, Marks and producer Sean McDonald remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The video for the song was filmed at the Belle Vernon Athletic Association.

On September 2, 2022 Gene The Werewolf celebrated their 15th anniversary as a band at the South Park Amphitheater (South Park, Pennsylvania),[19] to over 5000 people.

On September 20, 2022 the single "Dying Breed" was released and followed up with a music video. [20] The song was written by Belan, Marks and producer Sean McDonald. The video for the song was filmed in the Spring Garden area of Pittsburgh by Chris Cichra.

Members

Current members

  • Jon Belan – vocals, guitar (2007–present)
  • Nick Revak – drums, (2007–present)
  • Drew Donegan – guitar, (2007–present)
  • Aaron Mediate – keyboards, (2007–present)
  • Andrew Marks - lead guitar, vocals (2017-present)
  • Chris Serafini - bass guitar, vocals (2018-present)

Former members

  • Tim Schultz – bass guitar, vocals (2007–2018)
  • Mike Ofca - lead guitar (2009-2016)
  • Britton Sloan – lead guitar (2016–2017)

Discography

Albums

Release date Title Label
November 23, 2011 Wicked Love Self-released
November 23, 2012 Rock n' Roll Animal Frontiers Music
June 17, 2016 The Loner Self-released

EPs

Release date Title Label
October 20, 2009 Light Me Up self-released

One Off Singles

Release date Title Label
January 30, 2018 Keep It Together (single) Self-released
June 20, 2019 Love And Touch (single) Self-released
November 13, 2020 I Should've Known Better (single) Self-released
September 20, 2022 Dying Breed (single) Self-released


References

  1. ^ Srl, Frontiers Music. "Gene The Werewolf - Rock 'n' Roll Animal". Frontiers Music Srl.
  2. ^ Theiner, Manny. "Local supergroup Gene the Werewolf has both classic-rockers and MySpace kids howlin'". Pittsburgh City Paper.
  3. ^ "The Berlin Project - Things We Say Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
  4. ^ Mulkerin, Andy. "Gene the Werewolf returns with a new plan of attack". Pittsburgh City Paper.
  5. ^ "Gene The Werewolf – October 13, 2016". October 13, 2016.
  6. ^ https://www.clubcafe.com/club-events/
  7. ^ https://www.pghcitypaper.com/arts-entertainment/gene-the-werewolf-returns-with-a-new-plan-of-attack-1459322
  8. ^ "Singled Out: Gene the Werewolf - Gene the Werewolf News @ antiMusic.com". www.antimusic.com.
  9. ^ Simkin, Sarah (October 21, 2009). "Gene the Werewolf entertains with beastly sound, stage presence". The Pitt News.
  10. ^ https://genethewerewolf.bandcamp.com/album/wicked-love-lp Bandcamp.com
  11. ^ Tady, Scott. "Get Out! B.E. Taylor, Gene the Werewolf and Chris Cornell in concert". Beaver County Times.
  12. ^ https://www.rockreport.be/albums/gene-the-werewolf-rock-n-roll-animal Rock Report
  13. ^ "Gene the Werewolf Make Fans Howl". Sound Scene Express.
  14. ^ "Gene the Werewolf is a big bad wolf on 'The Loner'". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. June 16, 2016.
  15. ^ "Gene The Werewolf - Keep It Together". Heavy Harmonies Forums. January 31, 2018.
  16. ^ https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/music/2020/11/29/arizona-rockers-pollen-through-years-photo-gallery/6401411002/ AZ Central
  17. ^ "RECAP: Kick Ass Christmas 2018". 105.9 The X.
  18. ^ https://genethewerewolf.bandcamp.com/album/love-and-touch-single Bandcamp.com
  19. ^ Wolford, Stacy (September 1, 2022). "Gene the Werewolf to celebrate 15th anniversary with South Park concert". monvalleyindependent.com.
  20. ^ "Gene The Werewolf Releases New Song and Music Video". 93.7 The Bull.


External Links

Gene The Werewolf Official