Josefus
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Dave Mitchell, Ray Turner |
| Defunct | 2024 |
| Headquarters | Houston , United States |
| Products | Rock music, hard rock, heavy metal |
Josefus was a rock group originating from Houston, Texas, recognized as trailblazers in shaping the Texas hard rock and heavy metal genres. They earned the title "The Lost Pioneers of Heavy Metal" in Classic Rock.
The band’s roots trace back to founders Dave Mitchell and Ray Turner, who played together in Rip West during their high school years. Alongside Doug Tull, they produced a demo called "I Love You." The ensemble adopted the name Josefus following the addition of singer Pete Bailey. Phillip White, who served as the second lead guitarist, departed in 1969.
In December 1969, Josefus recorded an album in Phoenix, Arizona under the guidance of producer Jim Musil and briefly performed under the name Come. Their subsequent album, Dead Man, was laid down in March 1970. Their initial disbandment came after a final performance at a Houston auto show, but they reunited towards the end of the 1970s.
During the 1978 reunion, drummer Jerry Ontiberez joined, and the band released four singles through Hookah Records: "Slave Of Fear," "Let Me Move You," "Hard Luck," and "Wheels." Following the passing of Doug Tull in 1990, Josefus regrouped with Leesa Harrington-Squyres on drums and issued Son Of Deadman via Paradise Lost Records. This formation performed sporadically over twenty years, including issuing the live album Halloween 2004.
In 2011, after bassist Ray Turner experienced a stroke, Mark Weathers stepped in as his replacement. Josefus continued regional performances when drummer Harrington-Squyres was available. Vocalist Pete Bailey died on April 27, 2024, in Pasadena, Texas.
Studio and live albums
- Get Off My Case (1969)
- Dead Man (1970)
- Josefus (1970)
- Son of Dead Man (1990)
- Dead Man Alive (2002)
- Halloween 2004 Live (2005)
Compilation albums
- Dead Man/Get Off My Case (1999)
- Dead Box (2003)
See also
- Josephus Jewish Roman historian