BENEDICTIONS serasa ROLLING STONES

About The Benedictions

Hometown: Providence, RI

Genres: Rock / Americana / Roots

Label: Unsigned

Members: Kelly Burke, G.W. Mercure, Rob Shot, Mike Tomasso

Thebenedictions@gmail.com 

The Benedictions were formed in February of 2009 when Providence folk music veteran, singer/ songwriter G.W. Mercure decided to put together a rock n roll band. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he’d come across the likes of drummer Mike Tomasso, bass player Rob Shot, and guitar slinger Kelly Burke. He christened them The Benedictions and together they set out to 

make a name for themselves on the ever mysterious Providence music scene.

It soon became clear that there was a multitude of talent in The Benedictions and they have the unique gift of being a true “band” with singing and songwriting duties variously undertaken by 

G.W., Rob, and Kelly. The result produces songs that can vary widely in style and substance but always retain a Benedictions flavor.

Within two years of forming, The Benedictions had recorded a critically acclaimed Americana album, The Benedictions Play Devil Music, won “Best Roots Act” in The Providence Phoenix 

Best Music Poll, and played gigs all over Rhode Island and into Massachusetts. Among the more memorable shows was a headlining slot at the Block Island Music Festival and an epic 

3hr performance at the inaugural Providence Rock n Roll ½ Marathon where they provided inspiration for thousands of runners as they made their final couple of miles to the finish line, in the rain.

The Benedictions spent 2011 honing their live show as well as working on songs for a follow- up record American Wasteland. Not wanting to be pigeon-holed as a roots band, they traded 

their acoustic guitars and mandolins in favor of electric guitars and distortion pedals. American Wasteland was unleashed to the public in June 2012.

The Benedictions have been influenced by The Band, Neil Young, Blue Oyster Cult, AC/DC, 

Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, and all the people that came before them seeking truth, 

freedom, and a good time through rock n roll music.


ReverbNation Profile: www.reverbnation.com/benedictions