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Virgos Merlot

 
Artist: Virgos Merlot
Home > Library > Entertainment & Arts > Pop Artists
Virgos Merlot

Group Members:

Brett Hestla, Jason Marchant, J.D. Charlton, Ted Deacon Ledbetter, Chris Dickerson

Similar Artists:

Fuel, Eve 6, For Love Not Lisa

Formal Connection With:

Dark New Day
See Virgos Merlot Lyrics
  • Formed: 1998
  • Genres: Rock
  • Representative Albums: "Signs of a Vacant Soul

Biography

With a name that conjures images of purity and smooth blends, Birmingham, Alabama's Virgos Merlot was not always the smartly attired, reptilian contact lensed group they appeared to be in 1998, the year they first toured with such notable alt-rock bands as Fuel) and Eve 6. Singer/lyricist Brett Hestla, guitarist Jason Marchant, who had known oneanother since high school, and drummer JD Charlton all played together in a band named Wanton Rut. When that band later became the Devine, guitarist Ted "Deacon" Ledbetter joined. Hestla and Marchant worked in a cabinet shop at the time, with Marchant later becoming a licensed paramedic. As the Devine, they released one CD, Victim, but broke up shortly after. So determined were they to break out of the everday life of normal jobs, Hestla, Marchant, Charlton, Ledbetter and Ledbetter's childhood friend, bass player and nursing student Chris Dickerson formed Virgos Merlot. On the basis of demo recordings made in the basement studio of friend and producer Jason Elgin as well as a showcase performance at Orlando, Florida's House of Blues in March 1998, Virgos Merlot were signed to Atlantic Records by A&R king Steve Robertson -- a mere 18 months after forming the band. Their major label debut, Signs of a Vacant Soul was officially released in March, 1999 as the entire band made preparations to relocate to Orlando, Florida. ~ Roxanne Blanford, All Music Guide
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Wikipedia: Virgos Merlot
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Home > Library > Miscellaneous > Wikipedia
Virgos Merlot
Also known as Virgos
Origin Birmingham, Alabama/
Orlando, Florida, United States
Genres Hard rock
Alternative metal
Years active 1998 – 2002?
2008 – Present
Labels Atlantic Records
Associated acts Course of Nature
Creed
Dark New Day
theDeadline
The Devine
Downstem
Red Halo
Members
Chase Davidson
Jason Marchant
Chris Dickerson
JD Charlton
Former members
Brett Hestla
Ted "Deacon" Ledbetter

Virgos Merlot was a hard rock band formed in 1998. Prior to the formation of Virgos Merlot, many of the band members were in the group "The Devine",which later disbanded. After formation, their first album, Signs of a Vacant Soul, was released in 1999, and featured densely-produced atmospheric guitars, a heavy rhythm presence, and the commanding vocals of lead singer Brett Hestla.

The original lineup disbanded sometime after the release of Signs of a Vacant Soul, with the band later reforming without guitarist Jason Marchant. During this period, they were known simply as Virgos and self-released an album, The Path of Least Resistance. Virgos disbanded sometime in 2002/2003.

After touring with Creed as replacement live bassist for Brian Marshall, Hestla joined Dark New Day in 2004. Marchant, JD and Ledbetter went on to form the band Red Halo. Chris Dickerson later played bass for Downstem [with JD on drums] and Course of Nature.

As of October 9, 2008, it was stated by 4 of the original 5 band members that they have decided to reunite for a 10 year anniversary, and a show has been scheduled for January 9, 2009 at The Workplay Theatre in Birmingham, AL. The show will feature Marchant on lead guitar, Deacon on guitar, Chris Dickerson on Bass, JD Charlton on drums, and Chase Davidson from Red Halo on Vocals, making Brett Hestla the only former member not returning for the reunion. An EP is also being recorded with three new songs. All updates will be directed through http://www.virgosmerlot.net which is their new official website.

In November 2009, guitarist Ted Ledbetter died from complications related to diabetes. The future of the band remains unkown.

Contents

Members

  • Chase Davidson - Vocals, Guitar
  • Jason Marchant - Guitar
  • Chris Dickerson - Bass, Vocals
  • JD Charlton - Drums

Former Members

  • Brett Hestla - Original Vocalist, Guitarist
  • Ted "Deacon" Ledbetter - Guitar (deceased)

Discography

  • Signs of a Vacant Soul (1999, Atlantic)
  • (As Virgos) Collapse EP (2002, Devine)[1]
  • (As Virgos) The Path of Least Resistance (2002, Devine)[1]

Singles

Year Title Chart Positions Album
US Mainstream Rock
1999 "Gain" #40 Signs of a Vacant Soul

External links

References

  1. ^ a b In Music We Trust - Virgos: Path of Least Resistance

This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)

 
 
Learn More
Virgos Merlot (Rock Band, '90s)
Signs of a Vacant Soul (1999 Album by Virgos Merlot)
Dark New Day (Rock Band, 2000s)

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