Stuff and things

Its great to be home writing some new songs and finishing some old ones. 2012-13 has been a damned good touring year. Big thanks to Kid Rock for letting me join his show for a couple months and to the Supersuckers for letting me join their band for a tour. Headed to up to Aberdeen, WA before Thanksgiving for some actual studio recording and a couple shows. In the meantime, here is a song I wrote for the fans, family, friends, and the boys in the band. Listen closely. – Leroy Virgil | November 2013

Ballad Of 2012 (Aww Hell)

"This one goes out to Eddie Spaghetti who's playing solo at the Lizard Lounge in Wichita tonight."
"$100 recorder, guitar bass and voice, one take, no autotune." - Leroy Virgil
Featuring Metal Marty Chandler on Guitar
Performed and Recorded on 11/26/13

Roadworn And Weary (Eddie Spaghetti / Supersuckers Cover Tune)

"Just A Shell" from the 2014 release, "LV." 
Just A Shell (L. Bowers / Low Down Home Music / ASCAP)
All instruments: Leon Virgil Bowers

Produced by Leon Virgil Bowers 
Recorded, Engineered, Mixed and Co-Produced by Brian Smith at Oceanside Recording, Aberdeen, WA
Mastered by Bill Raymond

www.hellboundglory.com

Hellbound Glory - "LV" - "Just A Shell"

At the lowest moment of my adult life, my friend and brother Big George Ballentine﻿ came to my side to comfort me and make sure I was okay. In the midst of my angst, anger, sadness, depression, and hopelessness, he handed me a copy of Son Volt's "Trace" and told me to listen to the first song, "Windfall". I did so, and it not only changed my life, but in a way, likely saved my life. The song became my anthem for getting through tough times and moving forward, and I've never been able to listen to it without my eyes welling up with tears. Likewise, I've never been able to sing it before, as doing so would make me weep. However, last week I actually got through a take of it without coming apart emotionally. I thought it only fitting to ask Geo to come play some steel on here with me, and I'm honored that he did. I don't know what would have happened had he not given me that album on that fateful day. 

I dedicate this to all of you who are struggling through a period of loneliness, abrupt change, fear, and uncertainty. May you find an old time country station on the AM, with your feet on the floor, your hands on the wheel, and may the wind take YOUR troubles away. 

Godspeed, 
- J.B. 

J.B. Beverley & Big Geo Ballentine - "Windfall" (Son Volt cover)

I don't know of any other way to heal than through song. 

This is one of the last songs Owen and I sand together. 

R.I.P. Old Friend. You are loved, and will always be missed and remembered. 

"Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory" (Tribute To Owen Mays)

Barreling through the gates of country music, HELLBOUND GLORY, is justifying rightful ownership to the band’s declarative namesake. Distilled of equal parts melody and bar-room-thump, this Reno, NV based band is packing the house to a growing legion of fans coast to coast. Founding front man and songwriter, Leroy Virgil, explains; “We just really dig the challenge of a new audience. I’m not a flashy guy but I like showing off.”

The bands formation in 2008 was a graduation of sorts for Virgil who originally hails from Aberdeen, WA. Relocating to Reno in 2002, the singer immersed himself in the nightlife of the Biggest Little City In The World. The environment had an immediate impact on what would become HELLBOUND GLORY’S material. Virgil explains Reno’s influence; “I grew up in a hick-town by a lot of peoples standards. Reno is just a hick-town with taller buildings and brighter lights. Playing Reno is like playing a 24-hour dive bar. No matter where I play, I’m never too far from home.”

2013 was a big year for HELLBOUND GLORY, in fact, the band brought a little bit of the Reno Nightlife to the ‘big stage’ with support on Kid Rock’s Rebel Soul Tour in arenas across the country; an opportunity first alluded to with an exclusive invitation to perform as a member of the Kid Rock Chillin’ The Most Cruise roster in 2012.

Restless, the band wasted no time hitting the road again with legendary rock band The Supersuckers on a co-headline national club bill mid-year 2013.

2014 shows no signs of a slow-down with HELLBOUND GLORY slated to support Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Leon Russell, for a selection of east coast dates in January.

Virgil’s songwriting consistently tests the boundaries of conventional country music’s lyrical playing field. When asked to describe the band’s signature sound, Virgil proclaims, “Country music was a big influence on the rock music I wrote when I was younger and still in Aberdeen. That same rock music echoes a bit in my country western music today. We’re really not afraid to piss off any of either genre’s purists. We’re just out there being ourselves!” In fact, HELLBOUND GLORY songs resound with equal parts wit and humor. An unabbreviated and honest statement of the world we live in today.

HELLBOUND GLORY can count some of music’s most prolific and accomplished artists today among their growing number of supporters. Virgil continues, “It’s pretty cool that we can count these folks as fans of our music, but I’ve got to be my own fan first and foremost.”

This is HELLBOUND GLORY, music as honest and reflective in a frantic urban metropolis as it is on a lost and desolate byway.

HELLBOUND GLORY are conquering new stomping ground on the continued strength of three full length releases; “Scumbag Country (2008),” “Old Highs & New Lows (2010),” and “Damaged Goods (2011).” The band is currently in the studio recording a 4th studio release due in 2014.

Roadworn And Weary (Eddie Spaghetti / Supersuckers Cover Tune)

HellboundGlory