Hard Rock Hammersmith Style

By Jenna Croyle

Longevity is not a very common trait in the music industry, though one that should be applauded when found.

Whether it is their unique sound or even more distinctive approach to their fans and performances, with more than two decades of rocking hard under their collective belts this week’s featured band, Hammersmith definitely counts as one of the most long-lasting bands on the scene and certainly has been doing something right.

Though having gone through many member changes over the years, Hammersmith has been delivering professional and remarkably memorable shows in and around Erie since 1986.

As an assembly of some of the most experienced and talented musicians in Erie, Hammersmith is made up of members Bill Bainbridge on Lead Guitar and Vocals, Mike Isbell on Bass Guitar and Vocal, Mike Howard on Drums and Percussion along with Ed Little on Lead Vocals and Guitar.

These four extremely brilliant musicians perform devastatingly impressive renditions of everything from Breaking Benjamin and Iron Maiden to Judas Priest and Seether, with that same crazy Rock Star energy that you might expect from the original artists that recorded the music.

The Hammersmith set list is high energy, hard driving and without doubt a wide variety of the best hard rocking songs from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and today including “Outshined” by Soundgarden, “Enemy” by Godsmack, “Hellion” and “Electric Eye” by Judas Priest, “Wrathchild” by Iron Maiden, “Something in Your Mouth” by Nickelback, “Woman” by Wolfmother and “Firewoman” by The Cult along with too many more to name.

With smooth and flawless chord changes, killer riffs and all around perfect picking, the finger work of Bill Bainbridge is by far some of the best that you will find in town and definitely Hard Rock Guitar excellence.

Showing off pure talent with every song, Mike Isbell’s Baselines work in wonderful harmony with the drums while his riffs are smashing, providing spectacular backing for the lead guitar for an overall blended sound that is truly tremendous.

The chops of Mike Howard pound out rapid-fire rhythms, with a strong and powerful bass drum and a backbeat on the snare that is phenomenal. Giving the music purpose and keeping it on a steady and exciting course, Howard’s dazzling drums are an absolute highlight of the show.

Belting out the songs in true Super Star style, with a powerful and wailing voice, Ed Little offers the Hammersmith audiences a true treat of passion, energy and charisma. With a singing approach that is reminiscent of the period, and with a touch of both growl and rasp Little delivers not only an authentic Hard Rock sound, but does so with great technique and an amazing, yet understated charm that simply captures the audience throughout the entire evening.

Offering everything that you could possibly want from a Hard Rock band, Hammersmith is the most over the top, intense, hard rocking and musically proficient band that you might ever have the good fortune to hear on an Erie stage.

Always unpredictable, and never anything but a rocket ship running at maximum warp speed, every Hammersmith show is pure Hard Rock and Roll drenched in good times.

For more information on Hammersmith and their show dates, please visit their Facebook Page.