The Rumblers

The Rumblers began in 1996 when Donnie Switchblade decided to write some songs that combined his love for punk, country and rock’n’roll. A band that had a sinister sound needed the right name and in a moment of clarity, Donnie decided on "The Rumblers." Its no-nonsense feel perfectly matched the music and Donnie’s attitude. The music that came out of those early songwriting sessions was like a mixed drink. Start with a shot of Social Distortion. Add a splash of the Devils Dogs. Blend in Jason and the Scorchers. Strain it through The Ramones, and serve it in a Link Wray tumbler. There. Now you have a drink called the Rumblers.

After several years of playing around the Philadelphia area, involving a plethora of local musicians as members of The Rumblers and releasing a split 7" with Florida’s hardest rockers, The Gotohells, and releasing several compilation tracks, it was time for a change of scenery. In 1999, Donnie moved to Lafayette, Indiana to work at the legendary Sonic Iguana Studios. It was there that he worked at the side of world-famous producer Mass Giorgini. At this time, the future of the Rumblers appeared to be in jeopardy. With an incredibly busy recording schedule, there was little time left for being in a band, but that never stopped Donnie from writing new songs. Some things are just in your blood. The loneliness of being far from home and the desperation of trying to put food on the table led to some of The Rumblers’ best songs. Finally, it became too obvious that The Rumblers needed to exist. He could not continue pouring his heart into songs that no one would hear. So, in true punk rock fashion, Donnie pulled himself up by his bootstraps, and released The Rumblers debut album, Hold On Tight, on his own Switchblade Records label. Hold On Tight combines tales of alienation, lover’s laments, and depictions of the down-and-out with screaming guitars, snarling vocals, and a driving beat.

The Rumblers lineups over the years have been littered with the best that punk rock has to offer. At various times, The Rumblers have included members of the Teen Idols, Screeching Weasel, The Queers, Common Rider, The Beautys, The Eyeliners, Fat Ass, and the 440s. Having members with other musical outlets keeps The Rumblers sounding fresh. That’s apparent at a Rumblers live show. See them live and you can expect a hungry band trying its best to connect with its audience. Everyone who sees The Rumblers live leaves feeling like they have lived through something dangerous.