Big John Bates

Canadian Rockabilly Punk Band

Big John Bates is a guitarist/vocalist known for his dark alternative and rustic, post-punk style and has a long association with Gretsch guitars. Currently co-fronting the Noirchestra with Höfner-endorsee Brandy Bones, John's professional career began as singer and writer for Annihilator before moving to a garage style with the Voodoo Dollz. Big John Bates: Noirchestra creates "relentless, film noir-inspired Dracula-awaking grooves” by adding rural-gothic lyrics to dramatic rock. Hearing the first EP "Headless Fowl" Jello Biafra stated the Noirchestra sound was "extremely cool" and included the band in his Alternative Tentacles catalog. The Noirchestra features Big John Bates (guitarist/vocalist/songwriter), Brandy Bones (upright bassist/vocalist/songwriter), RequiEmily (electric violin) and Ty-Ty the Saviour (timpani/percussion/trap kit). Big John records banjo/mandolin while Brandy records cello/violin although they occasionally add additional live players as well.