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Los Straitjackets

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Los Straitjackets
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
PredecessorThe Straitjackets
Founded1988 in Nashville, Tennessee, United States
FounderDanny Amis, Eddie Angel, L. J. "Jimmy" Lester
Headquarters
Nashville
,
United States
ProductsInstrumental rock music, albums, live performances

Los Straitjackets is an American instrumental rock group that originated in Nashville, Tennessee in 1988. Originally called The Straitjackets, the founding members were guitarists Danny Amis (formerly of the Raybeats), Eddie Angel, and drummer L. J. "Jimmy" Lester. The band dissolved shortly after forming but reassembled in 1994 under the name Los Straitjackets with bassist E. Scott Esbeck, who was later succeeded by Pete Curry in 1998.[1] Presently, the lineup features Eddie Angel, Pete Curry, Greg Townson, and Chris Sprague.

Their discography includes fourteen studio albums, four joint projects, and eight live albums.

History

Eddie Angel, recognized for his contributions to rockabilly guitar, moved to Nashville during the early 1980s to collaborate with the Planet Rockers.[2] Danny Amis had experience recording with the Raybeats and worked as a sound technician. In 1988, they established The Straitjackets with session drummer Jimmy Lester; however, the group disbanded soon afterward.

The band reformed in 1994 as Los Straitjackets with bassist Scott Esbeck and released their debut album The Utterly Fantastic and Totally Unbelievable Sound of Los Straitjackets in 1995 through Upstart Records.[1] Their sound gained momentum during the post-Pulp Fiction surf revival era but incorporates elements beyond traditional surf rock.

Los Straitjackets cultivated a devoted fan base through precise instrumentation and unique live performances characterized by black suits, gold Aztec medallions, and custom Mexican wrestling masks—a stage concept conceived by Amis to amplify their visual identity.[3] Amis, known onstage as "Daddy-O Grande," introduced tracks using a pronounced Spanish accent.

During the production of The Velvet Touch of Los Straitjackets in 1998, Esbeck departed and was replaced by Pete Curry from the Halibuts. In 2005, Jason "Teen Beat" Smay took over drumming duties from Lester. The band is noted for collaborations including Sing Along with Los Straitjackets, featuring various artists, and received a Grammy nomination for Rock 'N' Roll City alongside blues vocalist Eddy Clearwater.

Their shows expanded to incorporate choreographed routines and guest singers such as Eddy Clearwater, Kaiser George (the Kaisers), Big Sandy, as well as performances with The World Famous Pontani Sisters burlesque ensemble. They are also known for performing festive Christmas concerts.

In 2010, Danny Amis was diagnosed with multiple myeloma,[4] prompting Greg Townson to join as guitarist during Amis's treatment period. By 2012, Amis resumed limited touring coinciding with the release of Jet Set and debut of new drummer Chris Sprague. Amis currently resides in Mexico City.

In late 2016, while preparing for a tour with NRBQ, Pete Curry underwent shoulder replacement surgery; his replacements included Max Angel (Eddie Angel’s son), Todd Bradley (Hi-Risers), and Juan Ugalde (The Outta Sites).

On May 19, 2017, they issued What's So Funny About Peace, Love And..., an album honoring Nick Lowe, released via Yep Roc Records.[5] In 2019 they supported Lowe on a UK tour.[6] Their collaboration on the single "Love Starvation" received acclaim from Rolling Stone for its classic rock vibe.[7]

On September 13, 2024, Lowe unveiled Indoor Safari on Yep Roc Records; this record was made alongside Los Straitjackets who co-wrote the track "Went to a Party" with him.[8]

On June 9, 2025, Los Straitjackets announced their forthcoming album Somos Los Straitjackets, set for release on September 19, 2025.[9]

Film and television

Los Straitjackets provided the soundtrack for the 2000 indie film Psycho Beach Party and appeared briefly on screen. Additionally, they created two albums designed exclusively for TV and commercial placements, with their songs commonly featured as background music in various radio and television shows.

During the late 1990s, the band was regularly showcased performing holiday tunes on Conan O'Brien's late-night program each Christmas season.

Band members

Current lineup
  • Eddie Angel – guitar (1988, 1994–present)
  • Pete Curry – bass (1998–present)
  • Chris Sprague – drums (2012–present)
  • Greg Townson – guitar (2010–present)
Past members
  • Danny Amis – guitar (1988, 1994–2017)
  • E. Scott Esbeck – bass (1994–1998)
  • Jimmy "L. J." Lester – drums (1988, 1994–2005)
  • Jason "Teen Beat" Smay – drums (2005–2012)
Timeline

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Colors = 

 id:guitar    value:green    legend:Guitar
 id:bass      value:blue     legend:Bass
 id:drums     value:orange   legend:Drums
 id:Lines     value:black    legend:Albums

Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom

ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1989

BarData = 

 bar:Danny  text:"Danny Amis"
 bar:Eddie  text:"Eddie Angel"
 bar:Greg   text:"Greg Townson"
 bar:Jimmy  text:"Jimmy Lester"
 bar:Jason  text:"Jason Smay"
 bar:Chris  text:"Chris Sprague"
 bar:Scott  text:"Scott Esbeck"
 bar:Pete   text:"Pete Curry"

PlotData= 

 width:10 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
 bar:Danny  from:01/06/1988 till:01/09/1988 color:guitar
 bar:Danny  from:01/05/1994 till:12/01/2017 color:guitar
 bar:Eddie  from:01/06/1988 till:01/09/1988 color:guitar
 bar:Eddie  from:01/05/1994 till:end        color:guitar
 bar:Greg   from:01/01/2010 till:end        color:guitar
 bar:Scott  from:01/05/1994 till:01/10/1998 color:bass
 bar:Pete   from:01/11/1998 till:end        color:bass
 bar:Jimmy  from:01/06/1988 till:01/09/1988 color:drums
 bar:Jimmy  from:01/05/1994 till:01/04/2005 color:drums
 bar:Jason  from:01/04/2005 till:01/01/2012 color:drums   
 bar:Chris  from:01/01/2012 till:end        color:drums

LineData = 

 at:15/03/1995 color:black layer:back
 at:15/06/1996 color:black layer:back
 at:15/06/1999 color:black layer:back
 at:25/09/2001 color:black layer:back
 at:15/12/2001 color:black layer:back
 at:08/10/2002 color:black layer:back
 at:04/09/2003 color:black layer:back
 at:09/09/2003 color:black layer:back
 at:11/11/2004 color:black layer:back
 at:01/06/2005 color:black layer:back
 at:03/04/2007 color:black layer:back
 at:07/04/2007 color:black layer:back
 at:28/04/2009 color:black layer:back
 at:28/12/2009 color:black layer:back
 at:28/04/2012 color:black layer:back
 at:28/04/2014 color:black layer:back
 at:28/11/2014 color:black layer:back
 at:28/11/2015 color:black layer:back
 at:22/04/2017 color:black layer:back

</timeline>

Studio albums

Live albums

  • Pink Dominoes (Live At KFJC) (1995)
  • Winter Swell II (Live At KFJC) (1996)
  • Damas y Caballeros! (2001)
  • Los Vivos y Los Raros (2003)
  • Live On Spanish TV (2003) (Released only in Spain)
  • In Concert (2008) (Also available as DVD)
  • Mas Alla Del Limite (2008)
  • Quality Holiday Revue Live (2015) (Featuring Nick Lowe)

Collaboration albums

Compilation albums

  • Mondo Zombie Boogaloo (2013) (Includes six tracks such as "It's Monster Surfing Time" and "¡Ghostbusters!")
  • Dr Demento Covered In Punk (2018) ("It's A Gas")
  • Complete Christmas Songbook (2018) (Combines Tis the Season, Yuletide Beat, plus four additional songs)
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