The Slipper Kings, Burlington's favorite rock underdogs, formed in October of 2005. Common philosophies on life and years of performance experience brought together guitarist James Rowe and drummer Dave O'Leary, who thought their unique sound could be the basis of a truly rocking band. After a few acoustic sessions, bassist Dave Carlson, formerly of the Huntington Project, joined in the mix, and the Slipper Kings were born.
The Slipper Kings bring many different influences to the table, and have formed a musical philosophy of their own in the year they have been together. The band believes in constantly honing their craft, and thus never find themselves in a creative rut. This works out great for their fans, who are treated to a new experience every time they perform. And what an experience it is - the Kings are known to be wild, energetic, fun-loving and never predictable.
Swinging comfortably between songs about love, politics, family, and even claw hammers, the Slipper Kings tell a riveting and revealing story of the struggle and ridiculousness of modern life. While their sound takes on many dimensions and is ever evolving, they are heavily influenced by punk, alternative, garage rock and rockabilly.
The three Kings:
James Rowe:
James was born at sea aboard a shrimp trawler in the waters off the South Florida coast. His early years were spent cutting bait and mending nets and life was a cruel struggle trying to stay afloat. His life changed dramatically when he was the lone survivor of a freak disaster out in the Gulf of Mexico. James's rescue at Sea brought him to his new life in Suburbia: the mean streets and cafeterias of South Miami's Little Havana. He was discovered while drinking cafe cubano and eating croquetas by South Florida Jewish guitar hero Johnny Salton and in the 27 years since he has developed his own unique guitar style: Tom Verlaine meets Hubert Sumlin. James sings with a brutally honest voice and writes songs true to himself. An entertainer first and a musician second, he speaks the truth whether it be to a club full of bummers or a field of hippies...
Dave Carlson:
Dave Carlson is a bit of an enigma to his band-mates. His past is shrouded in a veil of capricious tales, too extraordinary to be true. What is known for sure is that he stands nineteen hands tall, and carries a knife and a match wherever he goes, just in case... Dave often shows up to band practice reeking of wood-smoke and pine sap from his frequent retreats to his forest hideaway: a makeshift cave of boulders and boughs. His style of play on the bass is somewhere between 80's retro-electronica and drunken funk. Still just a lad at 24, he's got a long way to go before he reaches rock star status, and is able to ditch his day job mining salt for a life of extravagance and days of plenty.
Dave O'Leary:
Dave O'Leary hails from Cork, Ireland. He was taught drums by his dear deaf Great grandfather, which somewhat explains his rather unorthodox playing style. Dave has given up most everything to be in The Slipper Kings, with the exception of his family and friends, his job and overall unconventional lifestyle. His playing can best be described as good. Although he speaks in his native language (Irish), he is just as comfortable conversing in English.