The Fret Brothers

 
 

Richmond, VA

The three Richmond, Virginia players who make up The Fret Brothers have all been making music constantly since the mid-60’s; in that time they’ve absorbed a host of influences, from Buddy Holly to Merle Haggard, from Dylan to Elvis #1 and Elvis #2, and beyond the infinite.

The British Invasion was a lightning rod for budding musicians, and that still exerts a mighty pull. Marion Hodges, Dan Lancaster and Buzzy Lawler currently play in The English Channel, and decided two years ago to form The Fret Brothers as a side project.

The trio loves to fit originals in with covers of the above-named, and plenty of other tasty morsels. Bassist Dan has been in multiple Richmond bands such as Dirty Secrets and Tin Can Alley, and bonded with guitarist Buzzy in the 70’s over Thin Lizzy, when the latter played in Rockin’ Horse. Marion was guitarist in local bands Sons of Bach, as well as The Racket and Whisper.

Buzzy and Dan shared the stage in the afore-mentioned Dirty Secrets, who put out the LP Lost & Profound in the late 80’s. The two also were part of Nat King Kong, when that band released the CD Kong of the Jangle in 2003. In a live setting The Fret Brothers can turn on a dime, and seamlessly steer from Not Fade Away right into I Walk the Line, or turn from a beautiful ballad like Bread’s If to Strutter by Kiss.

The element of fun is always front and center and Marion, Dan and Buzzy are still in it for the long haul. They travel the East Coast, playing several dozen gigs a year with The English Channel, and fitting in other dates as The Fret Brothers. Meet Fret Atkins, Frettie Mercury and Fret Flintstone…The Fret Brothers.