The Accelerators

The Accelerators were an American rock band from Raleigh, North Carolina, United States.[1] They were formed in 1982 by singer/guitarist Gerald Duncan, and released five albums.

This article is about the rock band. For other uses, see accelerator (disambiguation).
The Accelerators
Also known asAccelerators
OriginRaleigh, North Carolina, United States
GenresAlternative rock
College rock
Rockabilly
Power pop
Years active1982–1991, 2000
LabelsDolphin
Profile
Sound Asleep Records
Associated actsMoon Pie
Websitehttp://www.theaccelerators.net/
Past membersGerald Duncan
Doug Whelchel
Chris Moran
Keller Anderson
Mike Johns
Brad Rice
Chris Henderson

History

The Accelerators were started in 1982 in the growing Raleigh music scene. Their original lineup featured Gerald Duncan on lead vocals/guitar, and Doug Whelchel on drums, both previously of Moon Pie, later adding Chris Moran on guitar/vocals and Keller "Skip" Anderson on bass.[2][3] They were picked up by the label Dolphin Records, and in 1983, they released their debut album, Leave My Heart, which was produced by Don Dixon, bassist/singer of Arrogance, who also played on the album, as did Mitch Easter (guitar).[3][4][5] They had two low-budget music videos made for songs "Leave My Heart" and "Stiletto" directed by Steve Boyle.[6] They were aired on the Whistle Test feature, "Comboland" in 1985, which had a short interview, and a piece of "Tears". Leave My Heart got the attention of Profile Records, which was their label for their next two albums, The Accelerators in 1987 and Dream Train in 1991.[4] Chris Moran and Keller Anderson left in 1987, and were replaced by Mike Johns on bass and Brad Rice on guitar.

Break up

In 1991, the band released Dream Train, produced by Dick Hodgin.[1] Doug Whelchel was replaced by John Wurster, and Mike Johns was replaced by Ron Bartholomew. Bo Taylor also joined on guitar. This was unexpectedly their last record under Profile. Profile Records was closing, due to arguments between both of the owners. This ended up in the band breaking up. Various members came in and out as the band still would play a show every now and then. The band went on a nine-year hiatus.

Recent work

In 2000, the band came back with Nearer, their first record in nine years.[4] The album featured an entirely new lineup, with no original members except Duncan.[1] The record was released independently, with not much touring support. The band was picked up by Sound Asleep Records, and together, they have released a compilation album, Road Chill.

Discography
  • 1983 - Leave My Heart
  • 1987 - The Accelerators
  • 1991 - Dream Train
  • 2000 - Nearer
  • 2007 - Road Chill (compilation)

References
  1. Colin Larkin, ed. (2003). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Eighties Music (Third ed.). Virgin Books. pp. 11/2. ISBN 1-85227-969-9.
  2. Lanford, Jill L. (1984) "Accelerators Conquering Regional Rock 'n' Roll", The Herald Journal, August 10, 1984, p. D1, retrieved 2010-12-11
  3. Bush, John "Accelerators Biography", AllMusic, retrieved 2010-12-11
  4. Strong, Martin C. (2003) The Great Indie Discography, Canongate, ISBN 1-84195-335-0, p. 191-2
  5. Robbins, Ira "Accelerators", Trouser Press, retrieved 2010-12-11
  6. "Comboland". YouTube. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
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