The Van Orsdels
Encyclopedia
The Van Ordsels are a psychobilly
band based in Miami, Florida
, USA. The band formed in 2003. They have the distinction of being the first psychobilly band in south Florida. They helped introduce and expose the genre to the south Florida music scene. With their unique blend of psychobilly, punk rock
, surf music
and heavy metal
,combined with elements from old B-horror and sci-fi movies, and images of monsters, zombies and creatures from beyond, they have managed to create a sound all their own.
was in the process of organizing a show, a one-off Misfits tribute band, to play a Halloween show in October 2002. He eventually met up with guitarist Todd Von Wankenstein and drummer David Carbonell. Along with a friend, Brian, who was the bassist for a local Miami band named Underpaid, they formed The Braineaters, a Misfits tribute band that played on October 28, 2002. After the show was done, George, Todd and David decided they wanted to continue playing together, but they wanted to do something original. George had already been hoping to start a psychobilly band, so the members decided that would be a good idea. They all had shared interest in the genre, as well as a love for horror movies. George and Todd eventually decided on a name for the band after kicking around a few ideas. They decided to name the band The Van Orsdels, and they also decided to adopt the last name of Van Orsdel, in tribute to The Ramones, and also as a sign of unity within the band. They then began their search for an upright bassist, which would prove to be hard. The genre was non-existent in the south Florida area, and musicians who were willing to play psychobilly were just as non-existent. Eventually they found bassist Bruno Esposito. The band was now complete and they immediately began writing songs and preparing for their first show.
, who created the artwork for the band's second CD release Miami Morgue Riot!
On August 11, 2010, George posted a blog on The Van Orsdels' official MySpace page stating that the band indeed is now officially done. There was an indication that there might possibly be a Van Orsdels reunion show in the future.
Van Orsdel and Van Orsdol family name approval has been granted for use by the Van Orsdels JMV
Psychobilly
Psychobilly is a fusion genre of rock music that mixes elements of punk rock, rockabilly, and other genres. It is one of several subgenres of rockabilly which also include thrashabilly, trashabilly, punkabilly, surfabilly and gothabilly...
band based in Miami, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, USA. The band formed in 2003. They have the distinction of being the first psychobilly band in south Florida. They helped introduce and expose the genre to the south Florida music scene. With their unique blend of psychobilly, punk rock
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
, surf music
Surf music
Surf music is a genre of popular music associated with surf culture, particularly as found in Orange County and other areas of Southern California. It was particularly popular between 1961 and 1965, has subsequently been revived and was highly influential on subsequent rock music...
and heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
,combined with elements from old B-horror and sci-fi movies, and images of monsters, zombies and creatures from beyond, they have managed to create a sound all their own.
Members
- Vocals
- George GraquitenaGeorge GraquitenaGeorge Graquitena , is a vocalist, drummer and bassist, known for his participation in many south Florida punk and alternative rock bands from the 1980s through today. He is also known by the stage name of George Van Orsdel.George was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he lived until the age...
(aka George Van Orsdel) - vocals (2003-present)
- Drums
- David Carbonell (aka Ichabod Van Orsdel) - drums (2003, 2007)
- Alexx Morales (aka Alexx Van Orsdel) - drums (2003-2004)
- George GraquitenaGeorge GraquitenaGeorge Graquitena , is a vocalist, drummer and bassist, known for his participation in many south Florida punk and alternative rock bands from the 1980s through today. He is also known by the stage name of George Van Orsdel.George was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he lived until the age...
(aka George Van Orsdel) - drums (2004) - Richard Robinson (aka Hoggin' Dick Van Orsdel) - drums (2004-present)
- Upright Bass
- Bruno Esposito (aka Bruno "The Butcher" Van Orsdel) - upright bass (2003-2006)
- Eric F.F. (aka Eric "The French Fry" Van Orsdel) - upright bass (2007)
- Steve Sacchetillo (aka Steve "Satch" Van Orsdel) - upright bass (2008-present)
- Guitars
- Todd V.W. (aka Todd Von Wankenstein Van Orsdel) - guitars (2002-2005)
- Tomas Bringas (aka Tomas "The Meatball" Van Orsdel) - guitars (2006)
- Orlando Garcia (aka Orlando Van Orsdel) - guitars (2009-present)
History
In 2002, founding member and vocalist George GraquitenaGeorge Graquitena
George Graquitena , is a vocalist, drummer and bassist, known for his participation in many south Florida punk and alternative rock bands from the 1980s through today. He is also known by the stage name of George Van Orsdel.George was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he lived until the age...
was in the process of organizing a show, a one-off Misfits tribute band, to play a Halloween show in October 2002. He eventually met up with guitarist Todd Von Wankenstein and drummer David Carbonell. Along with a friend, Brian, who was the bassist for a local Miami band named Underpaid, they formed The Braineaters, a Misfits tribute band that played on October 28, 2002. After the show was done, George, Todd and David decided they wanted to continue playing together, but they wanted to do something original. George had already been hoping to start a psychobilly band, so the members decided that would be a good idea. They all had shared interest in the genre, as well as a love for horror movies. George and Todd eventually decided on a name for the band after kicking around a few ideas. They decided to name the band The Van Orsdels, and they also decided to adopt the last name of Van Orsdel, in tribute to The Ramones, and also as a sign of unity within the band. They then began their search for an upright bassist, which would prove to be hard. The genre was non-existent in the south Florida area, and musicians who were willing to play psychobilly were just as non-existent. Eventually they found bassist Bruno Esposito. The band was now complete and they immediately began writing songs and preparing for their first show.
Performing and recording
In Spring of 2003, the band was now ready for their first show. They spent months preparing, promoting, and exposing their name all over south Florida. On June 19, 2003, at a local south Florida venue called The Alley, they played their first show, to a great reception. Immediately following their first show, they began to receive requests for bookings. They then decided to record some songs to release as a CD. They recorded songs that would eventually be their first CD release, a 7-song EP titled "Ain't Life A Drag?".Misfortune
Shortly after recording the songs for their first CD, the band was struck by a dose of bad luck. Their drummer, David, decided to leave the band. Shortly after, guitarist Todd was constrained by a few legal issues. This put a big strain on the band, especially after months of preparation, a great debut show, and their first CD on the verge of being released. The Van Orsdels were forced into a 6 month hiatus, which nearly ended the band. Without a drummer the future of the band was grim. Fortunately George and Bruno saw something in the band that made them tough it out.The "Spinal Tap" syndrome
The search for a new drummer proved to be harder than expected. The Van Orsdels went through a series of auditions and drummers. They tried a few drummers (8 to be exact) but none of them worked out like they had hoped to. With show dates just around the corner, the band found themselves in a situation where it was sink or swim. Fortunately George was a drummer as well as a vocalist, so he decided that the show must go on, and decided to take up the lack of a drummer by playing drums, as well as singing, for several months. The band was determined to make it work, and as much as the strain was on George, both playing drums and singing at the same time, he knew that it had to be done.New drummer
In Fall of 2004, The Van Orsdels finally found their missing link, a drummer named Richard Robinson, who had been an old friend of the band's, and who was actually asked to play for the band several times before, but due to a prior engagement playing in another band, he could not join The Van Orsdels.The new album
In 2005, The Van Orsdels finally got their break. German record label Crazy Love Records agreed to sign the band, and release their second CD. The band immediately began recording tracks for their second CD release, their first full-length titled "Miami Morgue Riot!". This was a turning point for the band. They were finally recognized for their talents, and the release of Miami Morgue Riot helped spread the band's name on a worldwide scale. Record distributors worldwide were now selling their music. The Van Orsdels were getting recognition from fans globally. In Fall of 2005, the band decided to book a short 2-week East Coast U.S. tour to promote Miami Morgue Riot.Screamfest Horror Conventions
In 2003, a company by the name of Spooky Empire, held their first annual Screamfest Horror Convention in south Florida. Every year since then they have had The Van Orsdels appear as a special musical guest. They performed at Screamfest 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. They were booked for Screamfest 2003, but as a result of their guitarist being in rehab, the band unfortunately had to cancel that performance. As a result of their participation in the Screamfest Horror Conventions, they met famed artist/illustrator Gris GrimlyGris Grimly
Gris Grimly is an artist and storyteller who is based in the Los Angeles area best known for his darkly whimsical children's books.-Biography:...
, who created the artwork for the band's second CD release Miami Morgue Riot!
Films
The Van Orsdels were the main featured artist on the soundtrack to the short, independent film titled "It's A Gate To Hell, Cecilstein" which was released in 2006. The Van Orsdels will also be featured on the soundtrack to another independent film, a full-length horror genre motion picture titled "Shadow Grove" which should see a release late 2008.2007 and beyond
In 2007, The Van Orsdels saw a major face-lift in the form of new members. The band also released an EP titled "Leftovers" in October of 2007. The CD contained a collection of previously unreleased tracks and demos, as well as some acoustic songs. Also in 2007, George recorded a song for the Gris Grimly DVD release of his debut film Cannibal Flesh Riot!. The DVD was released featuring a bonus CD which included songs inspired by the movie. George's contribution was a song titled "The Ballad of Stash and Hub". October also saw the return of Richard Robinson on drums. March 2008 saw the inclusion of Steve Satch (aka Steve "The Bruiser" Van Orsdel) on upright bass. The band also recorded a version of "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch" for an "Psychobilly Christmas", a compilation album which was released on Cleopatra Records in October of 2008. Since August of 2009, The Van Orsdels have been taking a forced hiatus, due to some personnel problems. The band has never officially stated that it has broken up, but of 2010, the future of the band is uncertain, as The Van Orsdels still remain on hiatus.On August 11, 2010, George posted a blog on The Van Orsdels' official MySpace page stating that the band indeed is now officially done. There was an indication that there might possibly be a Van Orsdels reunion show in the future.
Van Orsdel and Van Orsdol family name approval has been granted for use by the Van Orsdels JMV
Bands
The Van Orsdels have performed with such notable psychobilly and punk rock acts as:- Mad SinMad SinMad Sin is a German psychobilly group that began in 1987.-Style:Mad Sin, formed in 1987, have been inspired by horror punk and B-movie, with a theatrical style. Without abandoning the psycho-horror lyrical content, their musical arrangements have widened to incorporate other variables...
- NekromantixNekromantixThe Nekromantix are a Danish-American psychobilly band formed in 1989 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Their music is generally structured around monster and horror themes. A central icon of the band's image is founder and frontman Kim Nekroman's "coffinbass", a custom-built double bass with a body in the...
- Th' Legendary Shack ShakersTh' Legendary Shack ShakersThe Legendary Shack Shakers are an American punk blues band. They are inspired by punk, Delta blues, rockabilly, Texas polka, gothic rock, and other traditional Southern music genres, formed in Paducah, Kentucky in the mid-1990s...
- 45 Grave45 Grave45 Grave are an American punk rock band from Los Angeles, California formed in 1979. The original group broke up in 1985 but vocalist Dinah Cancer subsequently revived the band. 45 Grave are noted as one of the first bands to mix punk rock with horror-themed lyrics, thereby positioning them as...
- The QuakesThe QuakesThe Quakes are a psychobilly band from Buffalo, NY. They were formed in 1986. They are considered very influential to the current American psychobilly scene, but in the late 80's, there was no scene to speak of in the United States...
- Koffin Kats
- The Rocketz
- GhoultownGhoultownGhoultown is a popular horrorpunk/gothabilly band from Texas, specializing in a mixture of classic garage punk and psychobilly music and dark, horrifying lyrics...
- Calavera
- Dwarves (band)Dwarves (band)Dwarves is an American punk band formed in Chicago, Illinois, as The Suburban Nightmare, in the mid-1980s. They are currently based in San Francisco, California. Formed as a garage punk band, their career subsequently saw them move in a hardcore direction before settling into an eclectic punk rock...
- The IndependentsThe IndependentsThe Independents may refer to:*The Independents *The Independents *The Independents *The Independents , 1910...
- U.K. Subs
- The VibratorsThe Vibrators- Early career:The Vibrators were founded by Ian 'Knox' Carnochan, bassist Pat Collier, guitarist John Ellis, and drummer John 'Eddie' Edwards. They first came to public notice at the 100 Club when they backed Chris Spedding in 1976. On Spedding's recommendation, Mickie Most signed them to his...
- Green Goblyn Project
- Voltaire (musician)Voltaire (musician)Voltaire , is a popular dark cabaret Cuban-American musician...
- The Chop TopsThe Chop TopsThe Chop Tops are a rockabilly trio from Santa Cruz, California consisting of Sinner , Shelby , and Brett . The band was formed by Sinner in 1995, Shelby joined in 1999, and Brett took over bass duties in 2008...
- Dr. Chud's X-WardDr. Chud's X-WardDr. Chud's X-Ward was formed in 2003 after Dr. Chud folded his other band Graves. Their first CD was released in 2004, it was be released on Dr. Chud's very own Bloodwork Records label, it was named Diagnosis for Death. The first 1000 copies of Diagnosis For Death are limited edition and were...
- 7 Shot Screamers7 Shot Screamers7 Shot Screamers is an American psychobilly band that resides in St. Louis, Missouri.Their music is a mix of classic Chuck Berry-inspired rock and roll, psychobilly, 1970s glam rock, and punk...
- The Cryptkeeper Five
Discography
- Ain't Life A Drag? (CD) 2004
- Miami Morgue Riot! (CD) Crazy Love Records 2005
- So Fla, So Good, So What Vol. 1 (CD) SoFla Records 2004
- Cannibal Flesh Riot! - The Jams (as George Van Orsdel on "The Ballad Of Stash and Hub")(DVD/CD) Mad Creator Productions 2007
- Leftovers (CD) TVO Skeletunes Records 2007
- Psychobilly Christmas Compilation (performing "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" (CD) Cleopatra Records 2008
- Rockabilly & Psychobilly Madness Compilation (performing "Grenade") (2 CD set) Cleopatra Records 2011