Rhythm Devils

The Rhythm Devils

Company type	Music group
Industry	Music
Founded	1979
Founder	Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart
Headquarters	Marin County , United States
Area served	United States
Key people	Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart
Products	Live performances, albums
Website	www.rhythmdevils.net

The Rhythm Devils is a percussion-driven rock ensemble spearheaded by former Grateful Dead drummers Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart.

Grateful Dead

Originating as a recurring feature during Grateful Dead concerts from the mid-1970s through the band's final performance in 1995, the Rhythm Devils consisted of extended percussion improvisations by Hart and Kreutzmann. Fans often referred to these segments as "Rhythm Devils" or simply "Drums," which were usually succeeded by a freeform improvisational section known as "Space." These interludes served as transitions between full-band songs, highlighting the dynamic interaction between the drummers and enriching the live concert atmosphere. An exemplary recording of this segment appears on the 1980 album Dead Set.

1979-1981: Apocalypse Now sessions and initial live shows

Between 1979 and 1980, director Francis Ford Coppola enlisted Hart and Kreutzmann to create percussion tracks for the film Apocalypse Now. The recording sessions took place at both the Grateful Dead’s Marin County studio and Hart’s Novato facility, featuring improvisational rhythms inspired by the movie’s themes. The project included contributions from percussionists Airto Moreira, Mike Hinton, Jim Loveless, Greg Errico, Jordan Amarantha, alongside Phil Lesh and Flora Purim. These recordings were integrated into the film’s sound design. The sessions were later issued as The Apocalypse Now Sessions: The Rhythm Devils Play River Music (Passport Records PB 9844) and re-released by Rykodisc in 1990.

Following these recordings, the Rhythm Devils presented two live concerts in February 1981 with much of the same ensemble: Mike Hinton on marimbas and percussion, Airto Moreira on percussion, Flora Purim providing vocals and percussion, Phil Lesh on electric bass, among other guest musicians.

2006 Tour

In the summer of 2006, the Rhythm Devils reassembled with drummers Kreutzmann and Hart joined by Phish bassist Mike Gordon, guitarist Steve Kimock, percussionist Sikiru Adepoju, and vocalist Jen Durkin (formerly affiliated with Deep Banana Blackout). Shortly after forming, they embarked on a United States tour. Several original compositions featured lyrics penned by former Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter.

2010 – present

At the 2010 Gathering of the Vibes, the Rhythm Devils lineup included Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, Sikiru Adepoju, guitarists Keller Williams and Davy Knowles (Back Door Slam), along with bassist Andy Hess (The Black Crowes; Gov't Mule). This was followed by additional tour dates extending into early 2011, with Tim Bluhm (The Mother Hips) replacing Keller Williams after July 2010. In 2011, a lineup featuring Kreutzmann, Hart, Keller Williams, Steve Kimock, and Reed Mathis performed at the Gathering of the Vibes Festival on July 24. Although no performances have occurred since 2011, Mickey Hart has suggested that future Rhythm Devils projects remain possible. Meanwhile, Kreutzmann and Hart have continued their collaborations with groups such as the Disco Biscuits, 7 Walkers, Billy & the Kids, Dead & Company, and participated in Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead.

Discography

• The Apocalypse Now Sessions: The Rhythm Devils Perform River Music (1980)
• The Rhythm Devils Concert Experience (DVD – 2008)

Lineups

Period	Personnel
1979-1981	Bill Kreutzmann – drums, percussion Mickey Hart – drums, percussion Mike Hinton – marimbas, percussion Airto Moreira – percussion Flora Purim – vocals, percussion Phil Lesh – electric bass, fretless bass, percussion
1981-2006	The group disbanded; Kreutzmann and Hart continued collaborating with the Grateful Dead, frequently identified as the Rhythm Devils until 1995, with occasional reunions thereafter
2006	Bill Kreutzmann – drums Mickey Hart – drums, percussion Jen Durkin – vocals Steve Kimock – guitar Mike Gordon – bass, vocals Sikiru Adepoju – percussion
2010	Bill Kreutzmann – drums Mickey Hart – drums, percussion Keller Williams – guitar, vocals Davy Knowles – guitar, vocals Andy Hess – bass Sikiru Adepoju – percussion
2010–2011	Bill Kreutzmann – drums Mickey Hart – drums, percussion Tim Bluhm – guitar, vocals Davy Knowles – guitar, vocals Andy Hess – bass Sikiru Adepoju – percussion
2011	Bill Kreutzmann – drums Mickey Hart – drums, percussion Keller Williams – guitar, vocals Steve Kimock – guitar Reed Mathis – bass

External links

• Official Rhythm Devils website
• Rhythm Devils collection at the Internet Archive live music repository