DC psych rockers Dead Meadow @ The Garrison, Wednesday

The latest incarnation of Dead Meadow are joined by Cory Shane and Witchrot at the Garrison tonight at 7 pm. 

Here's the scoop...

Dead Meadow are a band hailing from Washington D.C, United States who formed in 1998. Since debuting, the band have released seven studio albums and become one of the most respected cult acts in the world of stoner rock.

Forming from the ashes of two D.C based bands called The Impossible Five and Colour, the first incarnation of Dead Meadow was formed by guitarist and vocalist Jason Simon, bassist Steve Kille and drummer Mark Laughlin. With their seamless combination of prime 70's heavy metal , 60's psychedelia and lyrics cribbed from Tolkien and Lovecraft, the band signed to Fugazi bassist Joe Lally's record label Tolotta Records in 2000, a mere two years after they formed. Their self-titled debut album followed in the same year, which impressed BBC Radio One legend John Peel enough to ask them record a session for his evening radio show. However, as the band couldn't afford to fly to London and record it, Dead Meadow became the first band in the session's 37 year history to record their session outside of the BBC's studios.

2001 saw the release of their second album “Howls From The Hills” and after the release of their live album “Got Live If You Want It” in 2002, the band signed to Matador Records in 2003, making them labelmates of Pavement, Guided By Voices and Belle and Sebastian. Ever since then, the band have remained one of the most consistent acts in stoner rock, with seven acclaimed studio albums to their name and a live show that could knock anyone for six. They've earned the respect of the likes of The Brian Jonestown Massacre's Anton Newcombe (no easy feat) and inspired acts like Wolfmother, who reinterpreted the Dead Meadow track “Everything's Goin' On” as “Pilgrim” on their second album “Cosmic Egg.” After the sad passing of original bassist Steve Kille on April 18, 2024, Dead Meadow released Voyager To Voyager in 2025 with Steve's final contributions. Since Kille's passing, the band have continued on performing with guest musicians, notably including Caleb Dravier who runs the cassette label Jungle Gym Records and plays in the drone duo Spectral Fields with Jason Simon.

Tickets for Not Dead Yet's presentation of Dead Meadow with Cory Shane and Witchrot at The Garrison on Wednesday, April 22 at 7 pm are $36.82 and available here. Watch a few songs from a recent performance below. 

Dead Meadow @ The Velvet Underground, Monday

Dead Meadow's "Peel Sessions" resurfaces

A raw and heavy Dead Meadow performance for the BBC's Peel Sessions along with one previously unreleased song and two alternate versions of Dead Meadow classics cleverly titled "Peel Sessions" has just been reissued by Tekeli-Li Records  (and Cardinal Fuzz in Europe) in a limited edition on black vinyl and black & white swirl vinyl. Since the 2012 release on Prune Pendant Records now goes for three figures, Dead Meadow fans might want to grab this significantly cheaper alternative.

Recorded in 2000 at Fugazi’s recording space in Arlington, VA, this Dead Meadow recording notably marks the first time a Peel Session was taped outside the BBC studios. The 8-song album features the six tracks from the March 9, 2001 program, plus a demo of White Worm and an acoustic version Golden Cloud. Tracked out during the same period as 2001’s Howls From the Hills, the new release places a more energetic twist on Drifting Down Streams and Dusty Nothing as can be heard below. Act fast, the small pressing will likely sell out quick.