Lost Gonzo Band
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Country rock, progressive country music |
The Lost Gonzo Band is a United States-based group known for its contributions to country rock and progressive country, formed in 1972. They worked alongside notable Texas artists including Jerry Jeff Walker, Michael Martin Murphey, and Ray Wylie Hubbard, participating in projects such as Murphey's albums Geronimo's Cadillac and Cosmic Cowboy Souvenir, as well as Walker's Viva Terlingua. The founding lineup consisted of Bob Livingston, Gary P. Nunn, John Inmon, Kelly Dunn, Tomas Ramirez, and Donny Dolan. As the band evolved, additional musicians joined, including Paul Pearcy, Craig D. Hillis, Herbert Steiner, Mike Holleman, Michael McGeary, Bobby Smith, Lloyd Maines, Radoslav Lorković, and Riley Osbourn.
During the 1970s, the band produced three albums: their self-titled debut Lost Gonzo Band (1975) and Thrills (1976), both under MCA Records, followed by Signs of Life (1977) released through Capitol Records. Their performances were featured on the PBS series Austin City Limits in the years 1976, 1978, and 1986. In the 1990s, they recorded two CDs for Vireo Records: Rendezvous (1992) and Hands of Time (1995). A compilation CD named Dead Armadillos, encompassing their initial two MCA albums, was issued in 1998 by Demon Records based in England. Music critic Robert Christgau highlighted their 1975 debut as an exceptional new release that affirmed Austin's reputation as a center for innovative music.
Members from the original roster continue their musical endeavors and occasionally come together for live shows. Under the management of D Foster, The Lost Gonzo Band made a comeback after a nine-year hiatus with a sold-out concert at Gruene Hall on October 22, 2021. This event showcased original members Gary P. Nunn (guitar), Bob Livingston (bass), John Inmon (lead guitar), Steady Freddie Krc (drums), alongside Texas musicians Steve Layne (guitar) and David Webb (keyboards).
Discography
- The Lost Gonzo Band (MCA Records); 1975
- Thrills (MCA Records); 1976
- Signs of Life (Capitol Records); 1977
- Rendezvous (Vireo); 1992
- Hands of Time (Vireo); 1995
- Dead Armadillos (Demon Records); 1998