THE BAD ENDS
6:45 - 8:00
Performing will be:
Mike Mantione - vocals & guitar
Dave Domizi - bass & vocals
Geoff Melkonian - keys, guitar, mandolin, vocals
John Neff - pedal steel guitar, guitar
John Swint - drums
The Bad Ends is a rock band made up of veterans of the vibrant Athens, GA music scene, formed when singer-songwriter Mike Mantione (Five Eight) teamed up with drummer Bill Berry (R.E.M) to make a solo album. Along with bassist Dave Domizi (Abbey Road Live, Cosmic Charlie) and keyboardist/record producer Geoff Melkonian (Josh Joplin Group), the group’s chemistry was undeniable, and its exciting music has since been featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, and on the Late Show With Stephen Colbert’s music channel Late Show Me Music. The band’s debut album, The Power And The Glory (2023, New West Records) showcases the compelling, guitar-driven songs that are Mantione’s meditations on the power of love as experienced through loss, survival, and joy. It has received strong international press, including write-ups and reviews in SPIN, MOJO, Relix, Glide, Uncut UK, Rolling Stone Germany, etc, and the group’s performance at the 2023 SXSW music festival in Austin, TX earned them a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the best things they saw at the festival. The band’s video for song All Your Friends Are Dying was directed by Lance Bangs (R.E.M., Nirvana, Green Day) and includes cameos by members of R.E.M., Big Star, and Pylon. Given Berry’s long-running retirement from the touring life, in concert The Bad Ends are joined by drummer John Swint (of critically-acclaimed Athens band Modern Skirts), John Neff on pedal steel guitar (founding/former member Drive By Truckers), and sometimes other special guests.