The Sickstring Outlaws
Gig Seeker Pro

The Sickstring Outlaws

| SELF

| SELF
Band Country Rock

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"LEICESTER BANGS BLOG"

The Sickstring Outlaws is a San Diego based six-piece outlaw country band, led by Ron Houston (lead vocal, guitar) and Rizzy Rizborne (vocal, guitar). The pair started off a few years ago as an acoustic duo, but such was their popularity amongst local bar dwellers and country music fans that they wrote a bunch of songs, evolved into their current line-up, and in 2011 released their acclaimed debut, “Not So Bluegrass”. Now, just a year later they back with a sophomore effort, “Johnny Drank Jack”, on which they’ve neatly sidestepped any feared second album slump, and delivered a dozen songs, big on Merle Haggard, substance abuse and age-related sexual shenanigans. Of course, it’s all done tongue in cheek (not necessarily their own), and there’s much fun to be had.
They kick things off with “Old Saint Peter”, a rollicking country rocker about future expectations once the bucket’s been well and truly kicked. “I Like Merle Haggard”, you may or may not be surprised to hear, is a song about liking Merle Haggard (and getting stoned). In fact, singing songs that refer to musical heroes is a recurring theme, whether it’s Johnny Cash (the title track), or a whole gaggle of names on “Let 'em Know”. So, they’re definitely not shy about their influences, but they’re good enough to carry it off, and I suspect anyone with a soft spot for outlaw country, roots rock or Americana in general will find themselves listening to “Johnny Drank Jack” with a big ol’ grin on their face. - Rob F.


"LEICESTER BANGS BLOG"

The Sickstring Outlaws is a San Diego based six-piece outlaw country band, led by Ron Houston (lead vocal, guitar) and Rizzy Rizborne (vocal, guitar). The pair started off a few years ago as an acoustic duo, but such was their popularity amongst local bar dwellers and country music fans that they wrote a bunch of songs, evolved into their current line-up, and in 2011 released their acclaimed debut, “Not So Bluegrass”. Now, just a year later they back with a sophomore effort, “Johnny Drank Jack”, on which they’ve neatly sidestepped any feared second album slump, and delivered a dozen songs, big on Merle Haggard, substance abuse and age-related sexual shenanigans. Of course, it’s all done tongue in cheek (not necessarily their own), and there’s much fun to be had.
They kick things off with “Old Saint Peter”, a rollicking country rocker about future expectations once the bucket’s been well and truly kicked. “I Like Merle Haggard”, you may or may not be surprised to hear, is a song about liking Merle Haggard (and getting stoned). In fact, singing songs that refer to musical heroes is a recurring theme, whether it’s Johnny Cash (the title track), or a whole gaggle of names on “Let 'em Know”. So, they’re definitely not shy about their influences, but they’re good enough to carry it off, and I suspect anyone with a soft spot for outlaw country, roots rock or Americana in general will find themselves listening to “Johnny Drank Jack” with a big ol’ grin on their face. - Rob F.


"SAN DIEGO CITY BEAT"

“Rootin' tootin', knee-slappin' country licks that ol' David Allan Coe would be proud to have influenced. These outlaws have done an impeccable job of reconciling the two opposing faces of classic country music—the solemn and the silly to deliver a lively set with killer harmonies, menacing fiddles, heartfelt honesty and odes to whiskey.” - Sammi Skolmoski


"SAN DIEGO CITY BEAT"

“Rootin' tootin', knee-slappin' country licks that ol' David Allan Coe would be proud to have influenced. These outlaws have done an impeccable job of reconciling the two opposing faces of classic country music—the solemn and the silly to deliver a lively set with killer harmonies, menacing fiddles, heartfelt honesty and odes to whiskey.” - Sammi Skolmoski


"SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE"

"This band is clearly influenced by Hank Williams Jr., Merle Haggard and other Classic country stars, but the music is still super-fun and has a tough sound all its own." - Nina Garin


"SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE"

"This band is clearly influenced by Hank Williams Jr., Merle Haggard and other Classic country stars, but the music is still super-fun and has a tough sound all its own." - Nina Garin


"METALLIVILLE UK"

"It's funny who you get chatting away if you walk into the Rainbow around 12.00 midday in mid November - there's always a musician and a character or two kicking around. On this occasion I got talking away to a dude who had a cool baseball cap that just happened to be the name of the band he was in from San Diego, California called 'The Sickstring Outlaws' so he gave me this 'ere CD to check out. I was blown away by it - good ole country music with plenty of banjo on it with tunes about listening to artists like getting stoned, writing cool songs and having a good time with your friends. There's a killer tribute to Johnny Cash called 'Johnny Drank Jack'. This is rootsy county bluegrass with masses of southerness at its finest. I urge everyone to check out these guys." - Glenn Milligan


"METALLIVILLE UK"

"It's funny who you get chatting away if you walk into the Rainbow around 12.00 midday in mid November - there's always a musician and a character or two kicking around. On this occasion I got talking away to a dude who had a cool baseball cap that just happened to be the name of the band he was in from San Diego, California called 'The Sickstring Outlaws' so he gave me this 'ere CD to check out. I was blown away by it - good ole country music with plenty of banjo on it with tunes about listening to artists like getting stoned, writing cool songs and having a good time with your friends. There's a killer tribute to Johnny Cash called 'Johnny Drank Jack'. This is rootsy county bluegrass with masses of southerness at its finest. I urge everyone to check out these guys." - Glenn Milligan


Discography

Not So Bluegrass 2011
Johnny Drank Jack 2012

Photos

Bio

The Sickstring Outlaws are an outlaw country/ southern rock band whose main goal is to show people a good time. The San Diego based band have had the good fortune through hard work to open for the likes of David Allan Coe, The Marshall Tucker Band and Merle Jagger as well as many local acts such as the popular tribute band Cash'd Out, Married by Elvis, Three Bad Jacks and many more. They have performed at many venues such as Brick by Brick, Adams Street Fair, Del Mar Fair, The knitting Factory in Hollywood, The Ramona Mainstage (sold out show w/ David Allan Coe), Winstons, Dream Street Live and Gallaghers to name just a few. The Sickstring Outlaws have taken the hard road by playing original songs, staying true to what they believe in and working hard to keep outlaw country music alive. By sheer determination, they are starting to gain a large and strong fan base everywhere they play. If you happen to catch their live show...you will not be disappointed. Nina Garin, writer for the San Diego Union Tribune, quoted in her column..."This band is clearly influenced by Hank Williams Jr., Merle Haggard and other Classic country stars, but the music is still super-fun and has a tough sound all its own." - Nina Garin