(3 bands with the name the Blackjacks) 1) Formed in 1983 by Thrills guitarist Johnny Angel and Outlets bassist Whitey with Jeff Erna, the Blackjacks were determined to be nothing like the twin scourges of that year, cheesy British synth-pop and poseur "Roots Americana" from former New Wave fops turned Hank Williams freaks. They succeeded and were likely the first of the glam/sleaze/psuedo Stones-Dolls bands of the American stripe, augmented by their former roadie and Nikki Sixx look-alike Rafe Mabry who would become the band's frontman mid-career. Brought to Homestead Records in 1984, the band released one classic EP titled Basic Blackjacks, launching the label that would offer acts including Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr, Big Black, Nick Cave, The Dogmatics and LaPeste. The Blackjacks would later release a full length LP titled Dressed in Black for Throbbing Lobster Records. The track Dressed In Black was a massive college and alternative radio hit in the Winter of 1985. The band performed as a top draw throughout the Boston and NYC club circuit including a pinnacle career moment, performing as the opening act for the touring group The Clash. Despite massive North East success, they disbanded in the late 80's. Johnny started the Broken Promise, Housewives on Prozac and Army of Bozos in Los Angeles, Whitey joined the Nor'Easters, Jeff Erna co-founded the world famous Dropkick Murphys and the StreetDogs and Rafe Mabry also moved to Los Angeles and joined Black Cherry. The band performed a reunion, minus the unreachable Mabry in Boston, 2004. Along with the performance was a newly developed CD released by HANDLE founder Joe Dolan on his former label Retrospect Records. It created a resurgence in interest in the band. The CD is found on HANDLE American Independents. In 2009, the band united again to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the release of "Basic Blackjacks", the first record released by Homestead. On that fateful June 15th, the gain unreachable Rafe Mabry was killed in a car crash in rural Arkansas just 4 hours before he would otherwise have performed on stage with the band in Massachusetts. The CD Modern Day Martyrs offers live performances, marking the last official representation of the band Mabry found fame with in the 80's. 2)The Blackjacks are a Washington, D.C. based band that combines the blues of the grittier British invasion bands and blues punk of the late seventies with heavy danceable grooves. The band quickly gained notoriety around the entire metropolitan area for their high-energy live shows that showcase their song craft and musicianship. Most notably are the dual guitar of Anthony Fiacco and Buddy Speir. Inspired by everything from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin to Queens of the Stonage, White Stripes, and Wolfmother; Fiacco became widely known in Washington DC for his songwriting. Sharing musical inspiration and a passion for serious rock n’ roll make Fiacco and guitarist/songwriter/arranger Speir a natural team. Speir is undoubtedly acknowledged as THE rock n’ roll guitarist in the Washington, D.C. area. “He’s completely absorbed Jimmy Page and created his own unique style with it,” adds Fiacco. In 2007, the two set out to make a record worthy of their idols, fresh for the new Millennium. They achieved this with their debut album "Midnight On the Floor" released in 2009. Fiacco and Speir were determined to make and album with as close to a live feel as possible. "Midnight On The Floor" is organic rock, live takes, limited edits, many of the solos and vocals are first takes capturing the "moment" of the music. It is an album with classic rock roots and raw energy married to pop sensibility. About his hopes for how the album is received, Fiacco says, "I just want people to get in their car and turn this thing up...these are fun, sexy songs that should be enjoyed at very high volume." The Blackjacks have recently established a buzz surrounding their live shows, debuting their new CD to a SOLD-OUT crowd at the regionally famous Jammin' Java. Bringing together powerful vocals from Fiacco, exceptional guitar coverage from Speir, and Nate Ihara (bass) and Mike Smirnoff (drums) establishing a power house groove, The Blackjacks are not only a band with a fantastic debut album but also a must see live show. The Blackjacks have shared the stage with Billy Idol, Foreigner, Seether, Finger 11, Live, Stained, Chevelle, and have appeared with Def Leppard and Styx. 3) The BlackJacks from British Columbia are the next in a long a glorious history of Interior Rock and Roll. They play quick and tight energetic shows. Two north American tours, and two releases on Teenage Rampage Records along with shows with some of the biggest names in this cult we call punk rock are leaving these kids dead on the porch. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.