 
The Late Comers, an all-original band from Chapel Hill, N.C., was started by Allen Mitchell, Bill Welsh and Steve Moriarty around 2001. Allen and Bill were bandmates in Lead Mine Circus, a cover band whose members have gone in different directions. Allen began writing songs and playing lead in Gnomesane?, with Steve on drums and Bill on bass. Bill finished his doctorate and went north to teach where he plays with several bands in the Ypsilanti area. He comes back to town on occasion to play music and disc golf, and is still sometimes late! So The Late Comers were born. Joy Storm of Storm Front joined in to cover the bass and lend back-up vocals. She has kept Bill’s place in the band quite warm. She is a great addition. She and Steve sometimes revive Storm Front, and the two bands have played many double billings at The Cave, M & M Billiards in Hillsborough, and D&G’s in Greensboro. The Late Comers has over 40 songs in their repertoire and still writing! The Late Comers have played at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, N.C. and at many UNC-Chapel Hill functions. They have played at Tyler’s Restaurant for the Carrboro Music Festival, and for several disc golf gatherings. They all worked on the band’s first CD, "Better Late Than Never" with John Plymale running the production at OverDub Lane Studios in Durham, N.C. John has bragging rights with The Pressure Boys, who are active still, raising money for the 65 Roses Foundation, sharing the bill with The Squirrel Nut Zippers, Southern Culture On The Skids and other such greats from the Chapel Hill area. "Better Late Than Never" was mastered at The Kitchen in Carrboro by Brent Lambert. The eight songs on the CD include rockers like "Hold On Tight" as well as ballads about the West Virginia heroes like Allen’s father, a coal miner who is the subject of "Coal Mining Man. You can click on either of the songs listed here to hear a sample. You will find yourself humming it later! Email damitche@email.unc.edu |