The Dirty Rooks

History

The band was formed by Grant Gholson and Dan Stalilonis as Moustache in 2003. After Ben Hunt and Nathan Urbansky (a.k.a. Nathan Urqhuart) joined in 2005, the group changed its name to The Dirty Rooks. According to band members, the name comes from the slang use of the word "rook" meaning to swindle or cheat and derived from the thieving, magpie-like tendencies of the common rook.

As they played in various small clubs in Chicago, The Dirty Rooks began receiving notice as a classic blues-rock revival group similar to The Black Crowes. In 2007 they were Top 20 finalists in the Lollapalooza Last Band Standing contest, nearly winning a performance slot at the festival.

Guitarist Michael Bailey joined in 2008, and after sitting in with the band for several years, keyboardist Alan Bailey joined as an official member in 2010.

After the band took a brief hiatus, bassist Christopher Peterson joined in 2015, joined by drummer Ronnie Price and keyboardist Tyler Wolff-Ormes in 2016. After returning to the Chicago club scene later that year, the band released a holiday single, "A Very Dirty Christmas," in December of 2016. The band is currently working on new material for a fourth studio album, anticipated for release in 2017.

The Dirty Rooks have played with well-known acts like The Steepwater Band, The Waco Brothers, Jon Langford, Lez Zeppelin, Foghat, and Blue Öyster Cult.

Style and Influences

The Dirty Rooks have been described as "booze rock," blues rock, and classic rock. Band members cite several classic rock and blues acts as integral to their sound, including Joe Cocker, the Doors, and the Band. Their music has been compared to classic-rock artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Faces, and Led Zeppelin.

The Dirty Rooks

The band released its eponymous first album in 2007. Tom Lynch of Newcity said of the album, "rock 'n' roll hasn't been this drunk in a while." It went on to become a top seller in the pub rock genre on CD Baby.

Sugar Mama

In 2010 the band released a second album, titled Sugar Mama. The album and concert celebrating its release were recommended by several media outlets covering the Chicago music scene, including Centerstage, RedEye/Metromix, Newcity, and A.V. Chicago. Like its predecessor, it became a top seller on CD Baby.

This Is Grand

2012 saw the release of the band's 3rd album, "This Is Grand". The album was recorded at Kingsize Sound Lab on Chicago's West Side. It was the second time The Dirty Rooks recorded with producer Mike Hagler (Wilco, Neko Case), along with Jon Langford (Waco Brothers, The Mekons), and James Elkington (The Zincs , The Horse's Ha). It was given a favorable review in the Illinois Entertainer.