The Wanton Bishops

The Wanton Bishops

The Wanton Bishops are a blues rock and garage rock band from Beirut, Lebanon. The group is a duo centred on Nader and Eddy, who also play live and in the studio with a hired drummer and bassist.

Formation and style

Nader and Eddy meet in Beirut in a blues bar, and the project develops after the two become friends and decide to form a band together. Their music blends swamp blues, garage rock, acoustic and electric elements, and rock riffing. Nader handles vocals, harmonica, guitar and keyboards, while Eddy plays guitar, sings backing vocals and also plays banjo.

Nader’s musical references include Muddy Waters, RL Burnside and Seasick Steve. Eddy draws on the Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Oasis and Arctic Monkeys. Both musicians cite The Black Keys and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club as shared influences.

Releases and activity

The Wanton Bishops release their debut album, Sleep With The Lights On, in December 2012. Before and after that release, they hand out bootleg EPs in a dive bar in Beirut and tour in Turkey, France, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. They also support Guns N’ Roses and Lana Del Rey in Lebanon.

Performance

The band is known for a raw live sound built around Nader’s voice and harmonica and Eddy’s rhythmic guitar playing.