After a three-month long search, Philadelphia’s premiere hard rock outfit Rat Rod has welcomed new frontman, Jeremy Hugo to the band.
Hugo, a Philly native and veteran of the local rock scene (ex-Betty Whitetrash, amongst others), had taken a brief sabbatical from recording and performing until he heard that Ratrod was searching for “the perfect new leader” and he immediately stepped up.
“I saw Rat Rod open for Faster Pussycat a few years ago, and I’ve been a fan ever since!” the singer reflected. “They are a solid, no-nonsense, kick-ass rock’n’roll band. LJ and I go way back – We always talked about being in a band together, but it seemed like it was never meant to be… Until now! I’m really excited to work with these guys, and I can’t wait to get out there and kick some ass.”
Rat Rod’s Mark McCarty said, “We spoke with a few guys and even met with some of those but no one actually clicked perfectly. Then one day, there’s a twinkle in the eye and a ‘let’s do this!’ swagger that walked into the band room… And that was Jeremy.”
Bassist LJ added, “I’m so excited to welcome Jeremy to Rat Rod. Looking forward to finally working with him and seeing the new direction we take with him onboard.”
Four On The Floor, the band’s third album, had received high praise from both fans and critics alike across the globe with KNAC commenting, “The band has both the piss and the vinegar that lets them make Four On The Floor one hell of an underrated rock and roll gem that you are going to want to listen to…a lot!” while RAMzine commented that the album “shows the band going from strength to strength, growing in popularity .” while CGCM Rock radio proclaimed it, “Straight to the point, no frills, no bullshit 4/4 hard rock is what Rat Rod does best. And they do it better than just about everyone else.”
Thus, it came as a blow, that after five years, the band’s original frontman Mike Smith had to depart the band to take care of his ailing mother among other matters. The singer having posted on his Facebook page: “The start of this new year brings the announcement that, after a lot of thought, I have decided to leave my band, Rat Rod. I had to do this for my own reasons, as well as to have more time to take care of my sick mom. I’m not going into detail, but I want to say thank you very much, from my heart, for all the support and love over the past five years. I wish the guys good luck.”
Speaking for the band, lead guitarist Mark McCarty said at the time, “We respect Mike’s decision to leave the band and truly wish the best for him and his family.”
Rat Rod will make their live debut with Jeremy Hugo now at the mic stand, on 3rd May at the M3 Pre-party at the Reckless Shepherd in Columbia, MD.
For more about Rat Rod at RAMzine click here.
