The Trainwreck Riders are a rock 'n' roll country band from San Francisco. Singer Pete Frauenfelder grew up in Bernal Heights, and brothers Steve (drummer) and Andrew Kerwin (guitar) grew up in the Richmond District, starting their band in their basement during high school, they have had a number of bassists. In October of 2008 Shawn "Boof" Wyman joined as permanent bassist. Trainwreck Riders are also often joined at local shows by "Cayenne" Dan Massie on Dobro and lap steel. Forming in the early winter of 2000 the band was originally called Rockin' Chair, but eventually had to rename in 2004 because of another band of the same name. Apparently, the Kerwin boys' mother came up with the name Trainwreck Riders.
It is said that the boys are very influenced by Rob Kerwin's, Steve and Andrew Kerwin's dad, music collection of old timey music and fiddle playing. The bands influences also range from the Meat Puppets to Dinosaur Jr., and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Their music is fast and energetic, yet soft and crooning. Recently, they had the chance to play with the Meat Puppets, but started out playing music with their San Francisco friends Two Gallants on the corner of 16th and Mission. They have played The Treasure Island Music Festival with their fellow San Francisco friends, as well as Modest Mouse, Spoon, and Built to Spill. They have also toured the country numerous times with such bands as The Devil Makes Three, Langhorne Slim and The Black Diamond Heavies. Their first album Where The Neon Turns To Wood was self released in 2004. Their second album, Lonely Road Revival, was released by Alive Records. Their third record was released on Alive Records on May 12, 2009. Entitled The Perch, the album was named after a favorite spot on the California coast where the boys often go for inspiration. The Riders are scheduled to record a fourth album in the beginning of September '10 at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco.
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