Jerid O'Connell of The Rousers

Jerid O'Connell of The Rousers

February 11, 2026 · 1h 31m · Episode 305

About this episode

Zig interviews Jerid O'Connell of The Rousers, discussing the band's history and evolution in the New York music scene.

Interview with Jerid O'Connell of The Rousers. The Rousers were formed in 1977 in New York CIty by Jeff Buckland (vocals), Bill Dickson (rhythm guitar), John Hannah (bass), Tom Milmore (lead guitar) and Jerid O'Connell (drums). They auditioned at CBGB, where they were noticed by famed Max's Kansas City booker Peter Crowley. The Rousers genial "Rhythm and Twang" sound soon earned them a following, and the band performed all around the New York area, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Boston. The Rousers released a single in 1981 on Jimboco Records of "Party Boy" and "Don't Let the Band Stop Playing" produced by MC5 legend Wayne Kramer. (An early limited edition included a red FlexiDisc of "Christmas Party".) In 1982 Sal Capozucca and Brett Wilder respectively took over on drums and bass. This lineup continued until 1984. Jeff Buckland left music and went on to a successful career in animation. The other members went on to various other bands (Bill and Brett joined The Backbones, Tom and Sal to Syntax Error, Treasure Head, etc.) and continued to play and record in the New York area. Around 1986, the Praise Jockeys were formed with Bill, Brett, Tom and Sal. The band featured a…

People in this episode

Host: Zig at the gig

Guest: Jerid O'Connell

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Rousers, Jimboco Records, Praise Jockeys, The Backbones, Syntax Error, Treasure Head, The Mockingbirds, The Shambles

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