Nantucket band

Originally from Jacksonville, NC, Nantucket formed in 1969 as a Soul/R&B cover group called Stax of Gold. They later renamed themselves Nantucket Sleighride after the album and song by the Leslie West led rock group, Mountain, best known for their classic song "Mississippi Queen". Later dropping Sleighride from their name, Nantucket was signed to Epic Records in 1977. The band celebrated the 35th anniversary of the release of Nantucket's self-titled debut album throughout 2013. During their shows they performed every song from the album, including their hit "Heartbreaker" as well as other classics such as "Born in a Honkytonk", "She's No Good", "Never Gonna Take Your Lies" and "Quite Like You".
Following the release of their debut album, Nantucket went on to share the stage with some of the most popular bands of the day, from AC/DC to Yes. While maintaining a demanding touring schedule, they managed to record two more solid albums for Epic Records in 1979 and 1980 respectively. “Your Face Or Mine?” and “Long Way To The Top” were fan favorites, with potential hits such as "I Live For Your Love", "California", "Time Bomb", "Too Much Wrong In The Past" and more. However, due to management changes at Epic, Nantucket became lost in the shuffle. Even though they recorded two more popular albums for the RCA and Executive labels in 1983 and 1984, they were unable to break through to "superstar" status attained by many of the groups with whom they shared the stage. But, Nantucket's story did not end with a bitter breakup like many bands fallen prey to similar music business pitfalls. Changes in personnel did occur within the group, but the band pressed on while maintaining an active touring schedule. In 1988, the original lineup began a string of reunion shows that led to what many consider to be their best album; “Still Live After All These Years” is a live concert recording from 1991. Upon its release, the album was awarded a five star rating from the notable rock magazine, Kerrang. The album confirmed what Nantucket's fans had been saying for years: Nantucket is a force to be reckoned with on the live music stage. Their classic material, as well as some newer compositions presented in the live format on the album, breathed new life into the songs for the fans, which in turn breathed new life into a band all but written off by the music industry.
Nantucket never lost sight of the most important element that propelled their music into securing their Epic recording contract in 1977: THEIR FANS. If not for the hard core fans who continue to attend shows and send messages of respect and love for the music, this band would have surely turned in their two week notice long ago. They continue to work hard while maintaining a legacy of great music. In 2008, Nantucket was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Charlotte Music Awards; in 2012 they were inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, in company with legendary stars such as James Taylor, Andy Griffith, Ronnie Milsap, Charlie Daniels, Ben E. King, Doc Watson, George Clinton, John Coltrane, Tori Amos and others. Their latest release, “ Need A Ride To Raleigh”, has garnered several award nominations within various Carolina music communities. Nantucket boasts a lineup of very talented musicians: Larry Uzzell on vocals, trumpet, and harmonica; Durwood Martin on bass, keyboards, and vocals; lead songwriter Tommy Redd, on guitar and vocals; saxophonist Eddie Blair, who offers up keyboard and vocal skills; longtime powerhouse drummer Jason Patterson, who is a founding member of the popular 1990's rock group Cry Of Love; and the newest member of Nantucket, guitarist virtuoso Ronnie Waters who, as a true master of his craft, became an instant fan favorite.

Nantucket has enjoyed a phenomenal live career as a headline act as well as an opening act for many notable names in rock n' roll. The following are some of the artists they have had the pleasure of sharing the stage:

AC/DC
The Allman Brothers Band
Boston
The Cars
The Charlie Daniels Band
Cheap Trick
The Doobie Brothers
Edgar Winter
Foreigner
Heart
Journey
KISS
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Meatloaf
Mother's Finest
Ted Nugent
REO Speedwagon
The Romantics
Wet Willie
Yes
38 Special

And the list goes on...