FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PIPER & THE HARD TIMES: THE BLUES-ROOTED BAND TAKING THE MUSIC WORLD BY STORM
After 20 years of steady performances and dedication to their craft, Piper & The Hard Times (PHT) is finally getting the recognition they’ve long deserved. This powerhouse blues and roots rock band, led by guitarist and bandleader Steve Eagon, alongside vocalist Al “Piper” Green and drummer Dave Colella, have spent decades honing their skills and building an undeniable chemistry on stage. With their recent string of successes, including a win at the 2024 International Blues Challenge, the release of their debut album, Revelation, and a number one spot on the Billboard Blues Chart, this band is proving they are a force to be reckoned with.
PHT’s story is one of perseverance. Founded two decades ago, the band’s sound has matured over years of live performances, with their music rooted in blues but branching into rock and gospel influences. Piper’s gospel-influenced voice, paired with the band’s ability to improvise and create musical landscapes, makes their live performances unforgettable, often likened to blues heroes of the past. “Piper has the rare ability to take an audience on a journey, and we just follow his lead, bringing the energy to new heights,” says Eagon. It’s this synergy and the band’s dynamic that makes Piper & The Hard Times stand out among today’s blues-rock bands.
In the summer of 2023, Piper & The Hard Times’ hard work paid off when they won the Nashville Regional Blues Challenge. Their momentum only grew from there, taking the top prize at the 2024 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. The band’s live performances caught the attention of festival bookers and music fans alike, leading them to high-profile slots at the WC Handy Festival, Telluride Blues & Brews Fest, and The Big Blues Bender, among others. Their success has been swift but well-earned, culminating in the release of Revelation in August 2024, which quickly claimed the #1 spot on the Billboard Blues Chart.
The band’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. For years, they juggled the struggles of balancing personal lives with their musical ambitions. However, their commitment to their sound and each other never wavered. “Perseverance has been key for us. Life happens, but we’ve stayed together because we believe in the music we’re creating,” says Eagon. With a mix of humility and passion, the band is eager to share their message with aspiring musicians. “Stay true to yourself and your sound, respect your collaborators, and never give up. Perseverance is everything,” adds Eagon.
Looking forward, Piper & The Hard Times aims to continue expanding their fanbase, transcending the blues genre and reaching audiences of all ages. “The blues is the foundation of so much music. We see ourselves broadening our appeal by playing all types of festivals, not just blues-specific ones,” says Eagon. Their dream is to continue crafting a live experience that moves people, and with the success they’ve seen in the past year, there’s no doubt they’re on their way to achieving that goal.
For media inquiries, interviews, or more information about Piper & The Hard Times, please find contact information at https://www.piperandthehardtimes.com/.
