This classic rock trio is Finding Their Way in to the Hampton Roads music scene---and SPLASH mag knows how to recognize talent.
SPLASH mag first found Blind Witness gigging at Starz and a while later ran in to them again playing The Blue Maxe and Rogers Sports Bar. Richie Blakely, Chad Smith, and Tim Russell comprise the only band in the area that begins a set rockin out to Working Man by Rush. They continue in to the wee hours of the night by playing classic favorites by Bad Company, CCR, The Doors, Ozzy, Aerosmith, Jethro Tull, Journey, and Led Zep ( to literally just name a few). This is the type of band that when you walk in the door you know you are going to stay. So, if its been a long time since you rock and rolled get out to see them and prepare to go on the rock and roll ride of your life!
Enter stage left...Chad Smith, Mr. Organization himself. Chad seems to be the heartbeat behind this band. He played with the band Category 5 out of Newport News for three and a half years where he was the lead singer. Chad decided to buy a kit in 2000 and now is the esteemed drummer and one of the vocalist for Blind Witness. When you hear Chad sing you may start looking around thinking either Geddy Lee or Robert Plant are in the house. Chad refers to himself as a "singer who owns drums" but PLEASE, Chad....Neil Peart would be so proud.
What can we say about the guitar playing man, Richie Blakely? When you see Richie's 6 foot frame and 70's style long curly hair you just know he is with the band. He just has the look, you know? Besides the look, Richie also has the talent and the background ( lets be honest here...not all musicians had both the look and the talent). Richie was a roadie for the band Zebra on Long Island where he grew up. Richie tells SPLASH about a time when he actually fell asleep right in front of a booming speaker being used in a show for none other than....Twisted Sister. Talk about being tired and Dee Synder was none too happy, but it just goes to show how roadies do all the work. Richie also had the privledge of recording in the same studio and using the amp of one Mr. Ritchie Blackmore (we are not worthy!).
Blind Witness would not be complete without their bass player--Tim Russell. Tim was "forced" in to music by his mother at an early age. She was the neighborhood music teacher and had all but the bass player....hmmm, guess that leaves little Tim. But, hey, turned out good for him and for all of us who loved to watch him play. Tim previously played here in Hampton Roads with Triple Shot. Tim has a fantastic attitude and commitment to his music and band. He will play everything and anything as long as it is fun and it keeps people walking in the door and having a great time!
To recap---get out and see this band. There is such musical talent here it would be a shame for them to not pack the house every night they are playing out. Club owners---it is time to Get the Led out and introduce this band to your patrons. To quote Blind Witness, "We try to do stuff that nobody else plays". Translated that means you are going to see a fantastic show.
Keep up with Blind Witness at myspace.com/splashmagazine or check out the Music Calendar in SPLASH mag.