In the mid-1990s, the “southwestern sound†had its time in the sun, with Gin Blossoms, The Meat Puppets and The Sidewinders all on the charts. The Refreshments not only entered that niche, but entered Billboard charts at the top. The Refreshments will reunite for the first time in 15 years at Circus Mexicus XXII in Rocky Point, Mexico on June 8th, 2013.
The Refreshments’ were a classic SXSW story, signed to Mercury in 1993 after an epic A&R showcase at the conference. The debut record, FIZZY FUZZY BIG & BUZZY, included the hits “Banditos†and “Down Together.†The unforgettable theme song of the 13-season Fox comedy show “King of the Hill†was a pre-show warm-up jam of The Refreshments. The band toured across the country, and released a second record before breaking up in 1998.
Founder and frontman Roger Clyne went on to form Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, and start the yearly Circus Mexicus “rock & roll, tacos and tequila†festival. Circus Mexicus now attracts fans from all over the U.S. (and last year, from seven other countries!). Just a three hour drive from Phoenix, Rocky Point is a perfect destination for the four days of activities, including a charity soccer tournament. The event earned The New Times Best of Phoenix award for “Best Rock & Roll Road Trip†and made Phoenix Magazine’s Bucket List of “things to do before you die.†www.circusmexicus.net.
While there is a full weekend of events planned, the highlight is always the 3+hour Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers concert. Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers have released six consecutive albums that have debuted in the top 10 on Billboard’s Internet Sales chart, the first independent band to ever accomplish that feat. In addition to their headline shows, RCPM have opened for Dierks Bentley, John Fogerty, Willie Nelson, Live, Blues Traveler, Sammy Hagar and Kid Rock, among others.
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