Crimson Rose
Crimson Rose was mostly a classic rock cover band from central Kansas from 1997-2003. During their existence, they played the clubs and drew large crowds from Hays to Hill City. They also released 2 self produced CD's of original music, some of which were played live also and are now available to listen to here for the first time on Soundclick! along with some rare early demos of songs that would end up on "...Before the Dawn of History".
Steve Koontz - Guitar, Vocals
Butch Owen - Bass Guitar, Harmonica & Vocals
Curtis Johnson - Keyboards, Guitar & Vocals (1996-2000)
Layne Bedore - Drums (1996-1999)
Phil 'Lige' Bruton - Drums, Vocals & Recording Engineer (1999-2003) R.I.P. (March 2008)
Scott Kortz - Live Sound Tech & Lights
Kelly Chesney - Guitar (2000-2003)
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Late in 1996, Butch Owen introduced Curtis Johnson to a friend named Steve Koontz. The two guitarists hit off right from the start with their mutual love of KISS! Soon after...Crimson Rose was formed. With Layne Bedore, a young aggressive drummer pounding out heavy beats to classic hits and current alt. rock, the band was set and many gigs would follow. The band grew a large following in their home base town of Hill City by playing the J Bar S almost monthly. I believe the band still holds the record for most in attendance in a single night!
In the fall of 1999, Drummer Layne Bedore would chose to leave the band to join a heavier rock act and veteran drummer Phil 'Lige' Bruton would join just in time to do the recording for the band's first CD release called ....Before the Dawn of History. Recorded and produced entirely by the band, the CD would be sold at the future shows and made it's way to a few stores in the area too. Not long after this, the band changed the spelling of their name to...Crimzon Roze, after finding out a female country duo in Vegas was using that name.
In June of 2000, guitarist and keyboardist, Curtis Johnson left the band to pursue a career in machining, and guitarist Kelly Chesney from Wichita would step in to fill the gap. Kelly played with the band until their breakup in 2003. Also the band would release another CD simply called "Untitled" in 2001, with 5 more originals.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
from 1997-2003.
Your musical influences
Sooo many bands! Rock and Roll !!!
What equipment do you use?
What ever we could afford :)
