Two Tons of Steel is an American musical group.
They began in 1991, playing small clubs and private parties in San Antonio, Texas. Known originally as the Dead Crickets, the band changed its name to Two Tons of Steel in 1997. As the story goes, the name change was prompted by a telephone call from Jerry Allison, drummer for Buddy Holly and the Crickets. As Holly’s Crickets were still active on the road, Mr. Allison was concerned that the rising popularity and fan base of the Dead Crickets was quickly expanding beyond the San Antonio music market and may create confusion for the fans of the two groups. Out of respect to the legacy of Buddy Holly and his music, a gentleman’s agreement was reached and the Dead Crickets would be no more.
Always an important and difficult decision for any band, the group’s new name would not be determined by a marketing study, but simply by looking out the window. Sitting in the driveway was a fully restored 1956 two door, hardtop Cadillac owned by lead singer Kevin Geil. This model of luxury automobile was also affectionately known as Two Tons of Steel. No matter what their name, the band continued to be recognized in the San Antonio market with more than fifteen awards including Band of the Year (five awards), Best Male Vocal (Kevin Geil-four awards), Guitar Player of the Year (Dennis Fallon), Album of the Year (Two Tons of Steel), and has been featured on Imus in the Morning, a nationally syndicated radio program also aired on MSNBC. |
