Dear and the Headlights
| Company type | Indie rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Phoenix, Arizona , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
Dear and the Headlights was an indie rock group originating from Phoenix, Arizona, established in 2005. Before their first full-length album, they produced two demo recordings, engineered by future bassist Chuckie Duff. Five tracks from these demos were later re-recorded for their debut album, showcasing a notable transition from conventional guitar tuning to E-flat standard tuning. Additionally, two acoustic renditions recorded during a local radio broadcast were included on Small Steps, Heavy Hooves, which was released on February 6, 2007 through Equal Vision Records.
The band officially announced their dissolution on July 20, 2011 via their official website.
History
The collaboration between Joel Marquard (guitar and keyboard) and Ian Metzger (lead vocals and acoustic guitar) began around 2005. Despite Metzger’s prior unfavorable experience with the Christian band Justifide, Marquard persuaded him to form a new group. PJ Waxman initially joined as a drummer but soon shifted to guitar due to his musical skills.
After encountering difficulties securing a consistent rhythm section, Chuckie Duff, a former bandmate, offered to handle bass duties and record demos with his new equipment. His participation encouraged Metzger to remain involved, and the band subsequently recruited drummer Mark Kulvinskas through Craigslist.
While Metzger was still based in California, the lineup rehearsed together before performing live shows that eventually led to his relocation. The band opted to record an album with Arizona producer Bob Hoag, known for his work with The Go Reflex and The Ataris.
As the album neared completion, they secured a deal with the independent label Equal Vision Records. Their debut album Small Steps, Heavy Hooves received positive critical reception and the band toured extensively alongside prominent acts such as Jimmy Eat World, Paramore, The Plain White T's, Steel Train, and Motion City Soundtrack. In September 2007, Marquard departed due to touring pressures and was replaced by Robert Cissell. The group continued touring and recorded Drunk Like Bible Times in early 2008.
In September 2009, bassist Chuckie Duff left to pursue graduate studies and manage his recording studio; Patrick Taylor took over bass responsibilities in January 2010. By July 2011, PJ Waxman announced the band's breakup, citing challenges within the music industry and a divergence from their original artistic vision, while expressing appreciation for their journey.
During a 2016 interview, frontman Ian Metzger disclosed that approximately ten songs were prepared for a third album; however, the band disbanded due to Waxman focusing on solo endeavors and Metzger experiencing creative exhaustion from songwriting. Metzger subsequently formed The Gentle Hits, releasing a self-titled album on November 18, 2016.
Touring
In early 2007, coinciding with the release of Small Steps, Heavy Hooves, Dear and the Headlights toured as support for The Plain White T's, Boys Night Out, and Lovedrug. That summer they toured alongside As Tall As Lions and headliners Mae, followed by additional tours with Dredg, As Cities Burn, Fear Before the March of Flames, and Circa Survive.
On August 4, 2007, the band performed at the Chicago, IL music festival Lollapalooza.
In early 2008, they embarked on a U.S. tour with Straylight Run and later headlined tours featuring support from Cassino and The Color Fred. During spring 2008, they opened for co-headliners Jimmy Eat World and Paramore.
Later that year saw them supporting Motion City Soundtrack as well as touring separately with Steel Train. Early in 2009, they led their own tour with support from Miniature Tigers and Reubens Accomplice.
Their festival appearances included performing at the Coachella Festival on April 17, 2009, along with an appearance on the Smartpunk.com Stage during the 2009 Warped Tour.
Members
- Previous
- Ian Metzger – lead vocals, guitar
- P.J. Waxman – guitar, backing vocals
- Patrick Taylor – bass guitar
- Robert Cissell – guitar, keyboards, bass
- Mark Kulvinskas – drums
- Joel Marquard – guitar, keyboards
- Chuckie Duff – bass guitar
- Touring musicians
- Rajiv Patel – bass guitar
- Alex Gerber – bass guitar
- Jordan Crittenden – bass guitar
Discography
- Small Steps, Heavy Hooves (2007)
- Drunk Like Bible Times (2008)