The Bad Roads
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1964 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States |
| Defunct | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Lake Charles , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music |
The Bad Roads were a garage rock group originating from Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1964. Drawing heavy influence from the Rolling Stones, they issued two singles, with their fuzz-laden proto-punk piece "Blue Girl" standing out. After their split in 1967, their recordings were re-released by Sundazed Music in 1999, leading to a resurgence of interest.
History
Established in 1964, drummer Danny Kimball and lead guitarist Briant Smith found inspiration in both New Orleans musicians and the British Invasion movement. Initially named the Avengers, they transitioned into a gritty rock and roll outfit shaped by the Rolling Stones' Out of Our Heads album. Smith remarked that the Stones reintroduced musical elements familiar to them, including those rooted in New Orleans traditions.
Taking their new name from Duane Eddy's track "Forty Miles of Bad Road," the band became known for their rebellious image. Their performances spanned venues throughout Louisiana and Texas, such as LeFluer’s Roller Rink and Houston’s Catacombs, often sharing the stage with groups like the Moving Sidewalks. Late in 1965, Buz Clark joined as lead singer, injecting vitality into the band despite logistical difficulties.
In August 1966, at Floyd Soileau's studio, they recorded original songs "Blue Girl" and "Too Bad." Released on Jin Records, the single found regional acclaim. This success earned them opening gigs for notable acts including the Music Machine and Sam the Sham, even setting attendance records locally. The lineup grew with organist Perry Gaspard and guitarist Bruce "Weasel" MacDonald replacing Terry Green.
Their follow-up single came out in early 1967 on their own Rain Tyre label, featuring covers of the Kinks' "Til the End of the Day" and Them's "Don't Look Back." Although well received, The Bad Roads dissolved by mid-1967.
Tracks like "Blue Girl" and "Too Bad" have been included on compilations such as Louisiana Punk Groups from the Sixties, Vol. 2 and Pebbles, Volume 9.
In 1999, Sundazed Music issued an EP compiling all their recordings. The band reunited for a performance at New Orleans’ Ponderosa Stomp festival in 2004. Three years later, Danny Kimball spearheaded a full-length release featuring original members Clark, Smith, MacDonald, Kimball alongside Steve Morrow on bass and various guest artists.
Discography
- "Blue Girl" b/w "Too Bad" – Jin Records, August 1966
- "Till the End of the Day" b/w "Don't Look Back" – Rain Tyre, 1967
- Union Town – (CD) Latanier Music, 2007