Grinderswitch was a southern rock band formed near Macon, GA in the early 1970’s. Formed from a collaboration of musicians through word of mouth and connections to already established bands and musicians, Grinderswitch became a known act during the peak of the southern rock era. They recorded a number of albums for Capricorn Records in the 1970s, but never achieved the same widespread recognition enjoyed by some of the label's other artists, such as The Allman Brothers Band and Marshall Tucker Band. In the UK they are perhaps best known for their recording "Pickin' the Blues", which was used for many years by the disc jockeyJohn Peel as the theme tune for his BBC radio shows.
History
Grinderswitch’s earliest incarnation began in 1972 when Allman Brothers roadie and guitar tech Joe Dan Petty was looking to put a band together. During this time, Dickey Betts was also attempting to form a band due to the uncertain fate of the Allman Brothers Bandafter the death of Duane Allman. Les Dudek, a guitar player who got word that Dickey Betts was starting a side band from the Allmans, travelled to Macon, GA to audition. Dickey’s band was put on hold due to the possibility of a new Allman Brother’s album. Dudek was asked by Petty to join his new band but Dudek declined on hopes of being a part the new Allman Brothers album. Dudek suggested past "Blue Truth" bandmates Larry Howard and Rick Burnett to Petty. Les Dudek would go on to contribute to Brothers and Sisters. During this time Dru Lombar had also caught wind of Joe Dan Petty forming a band and travelled to Macon, GA to complete the formation Grinderswitch. The newly formed band went to stay at a farm near Warner Robins, GA to rehearse and eventually gain the interest of Paul Hornsby and Phil Walden of Capricorn Records. Grinderswitch would go on to tour with The Allman Brothers Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Charlie Daniels Band, Wet Willie, Bonnie Bramlett and Lynyrd Skynyrd as well as involve many guest musicians on some albums. Grinderswitch was a participant of the Volunteer Jam as well. Grinderswitch recorded three albums for Capricorn Records before signing to Rabbitt Records to release what many call their biggest album "Redwing".
