For well over a decade, the name Dirtfoot has been synonymous with good tunes and good times in the SBC area. The self-defined Gypsy-Punk-Country-Grumble-Boogie band has done everything from packing out the small but intimate local Tiki Bar and Grill to rocking the stage at Wakarusa for a number of years.
Today core members Matt Hazelton and J. Bratlie announced via facebook and the band’s website that Dirtfoot is once again going through a line-up change.
“Throughout its twelve-year history, Dirtfoot has had the pleasure of playing with dozens of extremely talented musicians, both in the band and by inviting guests to the stage,” says the statement released today. “However, when ground down to its essence, either through unexpected lineup changes or through the culmination of a long and complex history, the songwriting core of the band remains steadfast and true to their mission. Dirtfoot is moving forward, providing listeners with the music they’ve come to know and love while composing new tunes that will surprise even the most veteran fans.”
The guys will spend the coming weeks locking down a new group of what will most likely be very talented players to back up the original duo of Hazelton and Bratlie.
This realignment comes following the departure of members Sam Apperson, Derek Russell, and Garrett Brolund to focus on other ventures.
Hazelton and Bratlie ended the statement with a heartfelt thank you to their friends family and supporters saying they “are the reason that this pig STILL flies.”
Read the full statement here, and stay tuned for updates as the new members are announced.
Photo by Casey Habich.
Edit: A previous version of this article implied that Scott Gerardy left the band along with Apperson, Russell, and Brolund. Gerardy and Dirtfoot actually parted ways about 6 months ago.