News Summary
The Bends, a rock band formed at Louisiana State University, has announced their inaugural headline tour, the Leeward Drive Tour, starting September 5, 2023. They have also released their latest track, ‘Virginia,’ co-written with Kevin Griffin. The band, known for their energetic performances and original music, has gained popularity through successful singles and nearly 100 performances across the college circuit. Fans can look forward to experiencing their lively shows in 15 cities nationwide.
Baton Rouge, LA
The Bends, a rising rock band formed out of jam sessions at Louisiana State University, has released their latest track, “Virginia,” and announced their inaugural headline tour, the LEEWARD DRIVE TOUR. This tour is set to kick off on September 5, 2023, in Baton Rouge, LA, at Fred’s Bar.
The band, made up of childhood friends—guitarist Ian Marmande, drummer Jacob Rhodes, frontman Hayden Field, and bassist Chase Perkins—has experienced rapid growth since their first performance, which drew a crowd of 800 in 2023. Now, they have played nearly 100 shows across the college circuit, solidifying their presence on the live music scene.
The Bends gained significant attention after their first hard-ticketed show sold out The Varsity in Baton Rouge last May. Their energetic performances and original music, influenced by renowned bands like The Strokes, Kings of Leon, and Cage The Elephant, have captivated audiences across several venues.
This emerging band debuted their first single, “Makeup,” last year, which climbed to the Top 5 on Spotify’s Viral Chart. Following this success, their second single, “Weekend Love,” received ‘Advance Placement’ on SiriusXM’s Alt Nation channel. Their latest release, “Virginia,” was co-written with Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra, who also produced the track. The song’s origins trace back to a voice note of a melody shared between Field and Griffin, embodying the vibrant spirit of both The Bends and Better Than Ezra.
Upcoming Tour Details
The LEEWARD DRIVE TOUR will span 15 cities, allowing fans across the country to experience their electrifying performances. Key tour dates and locations include:
- September 5 – Baton Rouge, LA – Fred’s Bar
- September 11 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
- September 25 – Oxford, MS – The Lyric
- October 1 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
- October 2 – Statesboro, GA – Blue Room
- October 12 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits
- October 16 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt
- October 17 – Nashville, TN – The Mil at Cannery Hall
- November 11 – Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups
- November 12 – Chicago, IL – Schubas
- November 18 – Charlottesville, VA – Southern Cafe
- November 20 – Washington, DC – DC9
- November 21 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
- November 22 – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry
- November 23 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
The Bends’ journey from local jam sessions to national tours illustrates the band’s commitment to their craft and the growing appeal of their music. Fans eagerly anticipate the performances scheduled across these cities, where they can experience the band’s energetic stage presence and enjoy their original sound.
This exciting chapter for The Bends not only marks their debut into headlining tours but also enhances their reputation as a significant new act within the rock music landscape, further emphasized by their recent releases and upcoming performances.
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Additional Resources
- Antimusic: The Bends Share New Single “Virginia”
- NOLA: LSU Baseball NCAA Regional Weather Delay
- FantasyPros: 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Bradyn Swinson
- Wikipedia: Louisiana State University
- SI: Instant Takeaways as LSU Stuns Ole Miss
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LSU – Louisiana State University
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