BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB are not, as the name implies, a beer swilling Hard Rock outfit, nor are they, as their origins might indicate, anything close to the American Rock formula. Although originally hailing from San Francisco the band, assembled during 1998 by Santa Cruz born Robert Turner, son of Michael Been from 80's Alt-Rockers THE CALL, and Minnesota raised Peter Hayes with expatriate Devon native drummer Nick Jago usurping an earlier drum machine, proffer Indie-Psych Rock with strong affinities to the late eighties British 'Loud Pop' sound.

This trio, initially billed as THE ELEMENTS, commenced live work in November of that year. However, it soon became apparent that their desired band title was being brandished by a whole plethora of other groups so the switch to BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB was made, this banner adopted from the Marlon Brando led biker gang in the cult 1950 movie 'The Wild Ones'.

A 1999 demo recording rapidly sold out of its manufacturing run of 500 copies. Buoyed by success in San Francisco BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, taking Turner's father along as their live sound engineer, relocated to the music industry centre Los Angeles. Word of mouth accelerated with lightning speed, firstly with local Santa Monica radio station KCRW championing their cause, then a hefty endorsement from Noel Gallagher of OASIS. The band's demo had travelled across the Atlantic where UK independent radio had jumped on it, creating a very genuine buzz. Gallagher made it clear he wished to sign the band to his Brother Records label but in March of 2000 the triumvirate signed to Virgin. A short burst of dates guesting for THE DANDY WARHOLS geared the band up for their Dave Shiffman produced eponymous debut album recording. Japanese versions of the record added three extra tracks.

'Black Rebel Motorcycle Club', issued in April of 2001 in North America, swiftly tore up the nation-wide college charts. Touring began with a low key two month set of club shows in April before hooking up as support act to GUIDED VOICES in June, headliners taking up July and then THE CHARLATANS throughout August before going straight into September headline gigs with THE WARLOCKS as guests. As with so many music industry artists BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB was adversely affected by the tragic events of 11th September. A UK radio promotion single, 'Whatever Happened To My Rock n' Roll? (Punk Song)', was hastily withdrawn due to the inclusion of the track' U.S. Government'.

Keeping up the pace a Winter tour, supported by road partners VUE, took the band up to the close of the year. European shows saw the band minus Jago, forced out because of visa complications. In his stead BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB went ahead with the shows utilising THE VERVE's Pete Salisbury behind the kit. In the midst of this extended live expedition the group maintained their radio presence by spinning off no less than four double pack 7" singles.

BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB bolstered their radio momentum with the January 2002 EP 'Screaming Gun' comprising B side tracks. 2002 would also finally see the UK release of the album, issued to a veritable storm of press accolades. A notable concert came in early February as the band united with OASIS for a cancer trust gig at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall venue. As UK and European gigs became sell outs the debut saw issue in Australia, New Zealand and Japan in March. As MTV put the video for single track 'Love Burns' into heavy rotation subsequent US touring in April had the band paired off with SPIRITUALISED.

As the album achieved gold sales status in Great Britain a relentless schedule then had the group back in the UK, putting in a one show supporting NEIL YOUNG at the London, Brixton Academy, upfront of further British touring, Japanese gigs and appearances at the UK 'Bulldog Bash' Hells Angels organised event as well as the Reading and Leeds festivals. Their burgeoning status would be marked significantly with a co-headline gig with QUEENS OF THE STOINE AGE at the October Nottingham Sound City event. Making a return to the Brixton Academy BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB guested for PRIMAL SCREAM.

Second album 'Take Them On, On Your Own' was delivered in September of 2003. Touring commenced in Europe throughout August, these shows punctuated by two UK festival gigs at the mammoth Reading and Leeds festivals. The band stepped in at the last minute to plug the gap when THE WHITE STRIPES were forced to withdraw due to Jack White's auto accident. Showing their appreciation, the group duly covered THE WHITE STRIPES ''The Hardest Button To Button' during their live set. BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB then hit Japan during October prior to a run of UK headline gigs in November.