Music
Press
The Degenerates
Here's a band that is new to the Band Slam even though they've been around for five years. They used to play all originals but have switched to covers due to club demands, and often open for AC/DC or Ozzy Osbourne tribute bands. They recently won the Rock Wars sponsored by Radio 104, competing against 20 bands that initially entered the eight-week competition. Their winnings include recording time in a studio, $2500 cash, and airplay on Radio 104 of their song "Pretty Good." They've already recorded more than 50 original songs. The key for them is not to overkill any of the instruments; their chemistry is one of their strongest points. - Hartford Advocate
If you're not ready for the funk, the Degenerates play Bourbon Street at 11. These guys are walking, talking jukeboxes; if they can't play your favorite rock tune, no one can.
So mark the 17th down on your calendar and come downtown to check out some of the area's best bands. We'll see you there. - Hartford Advocate 2/10/2005
The Degenerates delivered the finishing blow of the evening, and the crowd response was huge. They're an excellent party band, and they gear their covers toward the younger set (Green Day's "American Idiot," James' "Laid," and '80s nostalgia in the form of "867-5309 (Jenny)"). But The Degenerates are a cut above the typical cover band. They leave no breaks between songs, which means you have absolutely no chance -- or reason -- to leave the dance floor. More importantly, they look like they're having a good time onstage. The way they grin at each other and laugh back and forth makes you think that they're buying into the songs and making fun of them at the same time. And they probably are. They're brash enough to resent the widespread appeal of the songs they cover, but wise enough to understand that playing the songs everyone knows by heart is a surefire way to bring an entire room together. That's punk enough for me. - Hartford Advocate 2/24/2005
Rookies Jingle.........1/22/2004
"The Degenerates" have written an original jingle for the local sports bar "Rookies" in Cromwell CT. The WCCC commercial is currently in a weekly rotation @ The Rock. The jingle is aired Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10am and 7pm and can also be heard on the bars website, www.rookiesbar.com. - Rookies 1/22/2004
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Don’t let the name fool you. Even though they are called “The Degenerates”, this band is anything but. Though they pride themselves on having a “no image” image, this foursome boasts some seriously impressive musical talent. Forming in 2002, The Degenerates quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the top cover bands in the Greater Hartford area. Building on the momentum of their success, the band quickly channeled their energy into creative projects, including commercials for area restaurants, and original theme songs for local radio personalities. The Degenerates now have completed 2 cds of original music and are back in the studio working on their third. Most recently the band has had the opportunity to open for national touring acts including Dizzy Reed’s (formerly of Guns & Roses) Hookers and Blow Tour, and Bowling for Soup. In addition, The Degenerates finished in the Top 5 out of nearly 300 original acts at the Boston area “Bodog Battle of the Bands” competition, and have garnered numerous awards from the local media, including awards for 2006 and 2007 Best Band , and Best Male Vocalist honors for lead singer Mike Tracy in 2007.
The high energy pop punk tracks feature catchy lyrics, filled with clever word play, that are easy to sing along to. Mike Tracy is the quintessential front man, with a charismatic shy-cockiness that brings the lyrics to life, while Tony Botticello rocks the crowd with his scintillating performance on lead guitar. Dave Thayer’s rock- solid drumming and Chris Leland’s heady, pulsing bass lines provide a powerful percussive backbone for the tight vocal harmonies and electrifying guitar riffs.
When The Degenerates hit the stage, their endearing blend of arrogance, humor, and just the right amount of irreverence quickly draws you in, captivates you, takes you on a ride, and leaves you wanting more. With the impending release of their third CD entitled “Zero”, The Degenerates are primed to become one of the best original acts to come out of CT.
Links
