“The top of southern rock”
Reigning from Southern California, Robert Jon & The Wreck take the classic Southern rock sound and infuse it with a distinctly modern edge. Since their inception in 2011, the band—Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, background vocals), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, background vocals), Warren Murrel (bass), and Jake Abernathie (keyboards)—has captivated audiences worldwide with their powerful guitar work, rich vocal harmonies, and genre-blurring songwriting.
Their latest studio album, Red Moon Rising (2024), marks a bold new chapter for the band. Produced by the legendary Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, The Black Crowes), the album showcases the group’s evolution, blending funk-infused rhythms, heartfelt lyrics, and Southern rock roots. Tracks like the acoustic-driven “Down No More,” co-written with Nashville hitmaker Dylan Altman, highlight the band’s versatility and knack for compelling storytelling, while songs such as “Ballad of a Broken-Hearted Man” and “Dragging Me Down” demonstrate their dynamic range and emotional depth. Hailed as “groundbreaking” by Planet Mosh and praised for its “transformative” sound by Vintage Rock, Red Moon Rising sets a new standard for the Southern rock genre.
Robert Jon & The Wreck have built a reputation as one of the hardest-working bands in the business, earning critical acclaim and amassing a loyal global following. Their electrifying live performances have seen them share stages with icons like Joe Bonamassa, Blackberry Smoke, Peter Frampton, Joanne Shaw Taylor, and Rival Sons, alongside headlining sold-out shows across the US, Europe, and beyond.
Beyond the stage, the band has also used their platform for good, donating proceeds from their music video “Give Love” to support Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, further solidifying their commitment to both their fans and the music community.
Robert Jon & The Wreck continue to redefine California Southern rock, blending the genre’s rich history with a fresh, innovative spirit. Whether it’s through their studio recordings or their explosive live shows, the band’s mission remains the same: to connect deeply with their audience and carry the indomitable spirit of rock ’n’ roll forward into the future.
Robert Jon Burrison lays it all on the line for Robert Jon & The Wreck. The driving force behind the band, he works year-round ensuring they’re on the road or in the studio. The namesake lead singer grew up listening to his Dad’s Motown and Gospel records and playing the drums and piano, but when he discovered classic rock as a young teen, he picked up a guitar and never looked back. Burrison tips his hat to endless blues and rock icons that continue to inspire him to this day. When Burrison’s not rocking venues or working on new material, he can be found enjoying a generously poured glass of whiskey or trimming his impressive beard and enjoying time with is son and lovely wife.
Drummer Andrew Espantman’s uncle played bass and toured Europe with a Danish pop star. Naturally, he looked at his uncle and thought, “If he can do it, why can’t I?” And that’s just what Espantman did – minus the bass and Danish pop star. Holding down the rhythm section since Robert Jon & The Wreck formed in 2011, Espantman continues to deliver fiery percussion in the studio and on the road. His time interning at Spitfire Studios for Warren Huart (Aerosmith, The Fray) led to a long relationship with the esteemed producer, who worked with the band on four albums. Inspired by greats like John Bonham with a sweet spot for tastemakers like Travis Barker, Espantman delivers beats on his custom Ludwig type C drum kit that’s reminiscent of a blue candy cane and very likely the only one of its kind.
Joining Robert Jon & The Wreck in 2017, Henry James is the lead guitarist and overall groove master bringing psychedelic edge to southern rock. Fascinated with the classic sounds of the 60’s and 70’s, Henry spent his teenage years jamming in various bands that toured & performed around Southern California. When he’s not working with the Wreck or customizing his own guitars, he’s focused on his brainchild – King Tree & The Earthmothers. The project features original compositions that pay homage to vintage psychedelic and progressive rock. If Henry can find spare time beyond his musical ventures, he’s out hunting for vinyl records.
Bassist Warren Murrel has been liberating the low end for over a decade. Prior to joining Robert Jon & The Wreck in 2017, he played bass with several SoCal acts including The Higgs, MadTab, PWEST, DMTina & the Bumps and Sutter Zachman Band. Murrel is also a graduate of the Musicians Institute for Drums and Audio Engineering, with a session engineer resume that includes work for Dweezil Zappa, Don Preston, Gordon Campbell and many more. When Murrel’s not jamming with Robert Jon & The Wreck on his one-of-a-kind Echo Park J Bass, you can find him sipping a strong IPA in sweatpants or enjoying long walks on the beach (seriously).
The newest member of Robert Jon & the Wreck, keyboardist Jake Abernathie brings a warm and classic sound with a modern day breadth and sensibility that never goes out of style. Growing up on the edge of the High Desert in California, the rugged landscape and culture inspired him from an early age, becoming the catalyst of his journey into songwriting and the appreciation of Americana. He has worn many hats over his career, from folk band frontman to orchestral arranger, and has a passion for producing music for other artists and himself. When Abernathie isn’t on the road, you can find him improvising in the kitchen – rarely making the same thing twice – or perfecting the world’s next great card game.
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