Joel Gion


Joel Gion is an American rock percussionist, best known as the tambourinist for the psychedelic rock band The Brian Jonestown Massacre.
He was a guest star on the U.S. television show Gilmore Girls, where he played the tambourine in the fictitious band Hep Alien.

The Brian Jonestown Massacre

He appeared in the 2004 documentary Dig! along with the rest of the Brian Jonestown Massacre, and is featured prominently on the cover of the DVD of the same film. His image is also on the cover of the Brian Jonestown Massacre album Thank God For Mental Illness. He is the third longest-serving member of the Brian Jonestown Massacre, after band leader Anton Newcombe and guitarist-vocalist Matt Hollywood.
He rejoined The Brian Jonestown Massacre for their 2006 tour and still plays tambourine and maracas with the band.

Solo

In 2011 Gion released his first solo vinyl EP "Extended Play". In 2012, Gion released the single "Yes" as an advance of his upcoming solo album which was due to be released in 2014. At the end of 2013, he formed a new group, Joel Gion & The Primary Colours, made up of Gion on guitar, percussion and vocals, Brian Jackson, Derek See, Galine Tumasova, Raul Sanchez, Yvonne Hernandez, and Kevin Wood.
In 2014, Gion released a solo album named Apple Bonkers on August 18 and 19. The album is co-produced by members of the Brian Jonestown Massacre, Collin Hegna and Rob Campanelle, featuring actual and former members of the Brian Jonestown Massacre, members of the Dandy Warhols, Dead Skeletons and Warlocks. The album is mainly composed of classic 1960s sounds, with influences from shoegaze, post-punk, psychedelia, alt-country and mod/beat music.

Discography