The Long Ryders

The Long Ryders are an American rock band formed in 1981 in West Los Angeles, CA. The group was founded by Kentucky born guitarist Sid Griffin (previously of the Unclaimed) with drummer Greg Sowders (formerly of Rank and File) at a jam session in the notorious ON Klub in Silverlake. The other guitar player was Stephen McCarthy, who soon left to form The Jayhawks, whereupon Virginia’s Tom Stevens joined after answering a want ad in a local newspaper. The original bass player was Des Brewer but he quit to return to graduate school and was replaced by ex-pat Englishman Barry Shank.

This lineup recorded and released an EP titled "10-5-60", produced by ex-Gun Club guitarist/former Flesh Eaters engineer Jeffrey Lee Pierce. A US tour followed. Des Brewer dropped out at this point to continue his career as a longshoreman in San Pedro and was replaced by Indiana’s Jimmy McNally.

The group signed to indie label Frontier Records and recorded their debut LP "Native Sons" which was produced by Henry Lewy. The album was called “a modern American classic” by Melody Maker and the band made the cover of the New Musical Express as well as playing live on the BBC’s Whistle Test TV show. The band toured the US in 1984, and Europe in March/April 1985. Next, the band signed to Island Records and released the album "State