Barfly

In 2001, The New York Times described Clutch as “a perfect turn-of-the-century rock band.” They obviously had it wrong – unless they were talking about the turn of the next century. Some people say if you look into the past you can see the future, but don’t try it with Clutch (though you might hear them mentioned again on ESPN Sportscenter during the Stanley Cup playoffs). Right when you think you have them figured out, Clutch surprises you, like the band covering blues legend Howlin’ Wolf’s “Who’s Been Talking?” on their new record ROBOT HIVE/EXODUS. The band was formed nearly 15 years ago in Germantown, Maryland. Since then they have released two live records, several EPs’ and been featured on film soundtracks, video games, and dozens of compilation albums. Throw in about two thousand concerts, shake, and serve: Clutch is known the world over as America’s hardest working and hardest touring rock band: ROBOT HIVE/EXODUS is the witness and the proof. Clutch added several high-profile TV appearances to their busy touring schedule in 2004, and their music was featured repeatedly on Bam Margera’s hit MTV show “Viva La Bam!” Bam, who directed the video for “The Mob Goes Wild” from the acclaimed Blast Tyrant CD (the video is featured on the DVD of the show’s first season), invited Clutch back to perform a live set, portions of which were broadcast during an episode on the show’s fourth season in the Spring of 2005.