Baroness

Baroness Artistfacts

  • 2003-
    John BaizleyLead vocals, guitar
    Allen BlickleDrums2003–2013
    Summer WelchBass2003–2012
    Brian BlickleGuitar2006–2008
    Pete AdamsGuitar2008-2017
    Matt MaggioniBass2012-2013
    Nick JostBass2013-
    Sebastian ThomsonDrums2013-
    Gina GleasonGuitar2017-
  • The band names their albums after colors:

    Red Album
    Blue Record
    Yellow & Green
    Purple

    This is done for the sake of simplicity and as a way to get started on each album.
  • How does the band define their sound? John Baizley told Songfacts: "The only word that I like is rock and roll. Because at the end of it all, we're not a strict metal band. We're not a strict whatever band. We do a little bit of everything and we have a lot of influences and they all come out, and what happens is what we do."
  • In 2012, their tour bus crashed in England, leaving the group badly injured. Baizley's left arm had to be completely reconstructed, and Maggioni and Blickle suffered back injuries that caused them to leave the group. Baizley was determined to continue, seeing music as part of his therapy. After a long recovery, he was able to play guitar again, and in 2015 Baroness released their album Purple. The accident left Baizley in constant pain.
  • There is no set method to how they write songs, although Baizley handles the lyrics. "Sometimes it starts with the lyrics, but more frequently we'll get the music and I'll just have a melody in mind," he explained. "Then it's a matter of finding the right words for the melody."
  • The band will occasionally reveal some stories behind their songs, but they prefer not to interpret them. Baizley told us why: "We've heard millions of theories as to what our songs are about, and it's just, look, there's nothing left, there's very few things left in the world out there that are like near and dear and precious and mysterious. I'm like, Come on, guys, not every word has to be deciphered out. Pull back the curtain and there's a little man."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald of LonestarSongwriter Interviews

Richie talks about the impact of "Amazed," and how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit.

Protest Songs

Protest SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know your protest songs (including the one that went to #1)?

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.