Jimmy Tuttle and Mark Miner, two of the original VLS band members, collaborate on the songs. As Tuttle describes it “I draw the graph and he connects the lines.” As a vocalist Tuttle moves effortlessly from a whisper to a howl while singing their mostly autobiographical songs. The other half of the musical equation is guitarist Miner. Self described as “a country boy with a city heart” but any observer would say when it comes to his guitar riffs, he’s world-class. The two have been friends, business and musical partners for years. On the latest VLS CD entitled “So Far” (indie label Diganetic Records), they have put together their best collaborative work ever.
On drums is Brett “Flash” Blackburn. Flash earned the nickname because of his flashy physical style of drumming. On stage he’s energetic and fun to watch, swinging his arms wildly and spinning his drumsticks. You get “more Flash for your cash” as his friends used to joke. Bassist Shawn “Sikki” Lynn has worked with several original and cover bands in the Modesto and Bay Area Ca. scene until meeting Jimmy and Mark in 1999. As fate would have it, he was recruited for VLS in 2006. Shawn is a bassist who feels that his role in the band is to “keep it solid, keep it simple.” In other words, the perfect bassist.
While performing their radio friendly, hook laden songs VLS charted all over Europe and earned international success, playing tons of sold-out shows with national acts. In their earlier incarnation, VLS released their first CD “Bloodline” to critical acclaim. The follow up “Filth” saw a more stripped down, raw and edgier approach. In support of this effort, VLS won the acclaim of magazines such as Hit Parader and Circus magazine along with airplay and dozens of sold out shows. Now in 2008 with the release of this latest CD entitled “So Far”, VLS is moving forward again, newly reinvented and musically recharged.
The band has played with several national acts including:
Dokken, Thin Lizzy, REO Speedwagon, RATT, Vince Neil, The Scream, Cry of Love, Bullet Boys, Enuff’s Enuff, Britney Fox, Warrant, Tuff, Zakk Wylde, Quiet Riot, LA Gunns , Great White, Chevelle, Lillian Axe, White Zombie, Raging Slab, Love Hate, Soul Motor, Lynch Mob, Slaughter, Poison, McCauley Schenker Group, White Zombie, Monster Magnet, Jackal, Cinderella, Candle Box, WASP, Y&T. The band has headlined several venues from clubs to outdoor festivals as well.
The band continues to support its latest CD release with a full calendar of live performances throughout Summer and Fall 2008. Headlining as well as playing support act for current national acts are being booked as of the present.
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