When queried about their start, the infamous Calgary, Alberta, Canada trio likes to state that they formed in the summer of '90 solely on the prospect of getting free beer. This is not entirely the case. Imagine a music scene full of Morrissey wannabes, Chili Pepper try-hards, and a Bono for every band on the block. Enough said.
Stripping rock'n'roll to its most basic frame, Richie, Brent and original bassist Graham Evans emerge from the garage - you guessed it - without a singer! Faster than you can say "Is thing thing on?", Huevos Rancheros puts out its first self-funded product: Huevosaurus, a six-song cassette tape. Shortly after, the band turns the ear of one Dave Crider - garage rock guru and owner of the famed Estrus Records Empire of Bellingham, Washington - who commits the group's tunes to vinyl. Two compilation appearances and the now-legendary Rocket to Nowhere 7-inch EP follow, guaranteeing a place in the heart of anyone within earshot of a turntable or dance floor. During this time the guys have practically worn holes in the stages of Calgary's clubs. So, Huevos Rancheros head West and South, and without looking back, a new single and video are generated ("Cindy With An 'S'"), as well as an album. The debut Huevos Rancheros long-player Endsville is released on Seattle's C/Z Records.
Not content with mearly touring since Endsville's release, Huevos Rancheros have appeared on no fewer than one dozen singles and compilations combined. Their high-octane approach to instrumental rock'n'roll music also finds a place in several movies and ski, surf, skateboard and snowboard films from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
1995 is a milestone year for Huevos Rancheros. Besides the release of several more singles and compilation cuts, they fund their own video, "Gump Worsley's Lament", which lands them in heavy rotation on MUCHMUSIC. A whirlwind North American tour follows (which includes an opening spot for Henry Rollins at New York's famed CBGB's), then a retreat to the basement to produce the recording of Dig In!, their second full-length album. This time, the trio return to their home and native land in the domestic British Empire and release Dig In! on Vancouver indie Mint Records (CD version) and England's One Louder Records (10" vinyl). A six week European tour ensues, including a BBC recording session with John Peel, the first ever by a Calgary combo.
In early 1996, Huevos Rancheros complete another video for "Rockin' In The Henhouse", which later nets them the "BEST INDEPENDENT VIDEO" award for 1995/96 from MuchMusic. Further into the year sees the departure of long-time, original bassist Graham Evans, and break-up rumours are quick to follow. Huevos Rancheros of course bounce back better than ever with the addition of new bass-thumper Tommy Kennedy. Soon to follow was the blistering recording entitled Get Outta Dodge, released proudly on Mint Records.
From the ever-gathering success of Get Outta Dodge, Huevos Rancheros produce no fewer than three videos for the album: the title track "Get Outta Dodge" (receiving excellent rotation on both MuchMusic and MTV's M2), as well as "Shadow Of The Apache" and "What A Way To Run A Railroad". The latter song is also featured when Huevos Rancheros co-stars with Hawaiian Love-God Don Ho in a Canadian beer commercial in mid-'97. For the rest of the year, the trio continues to tour throughout Canada and up and down the American West Coast.
1998 is remembered as another banner year for Huevos Rancheros. Get Outta Dodge is officially released in Europe on Amsterdam's Konkurrent Records, and a very successful tour of the European continent shortly follows with Mint labelmates Duotang. Huevos makes return trips to the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Spain, and make first-ever forages into Italy, France and Switzerland. Upon their return home, Huevos Rancheros receives the news of a Juno nomination for Get Outta Dodge, in the Best Alternative Album category, possibly the largest milestone of Huevos Rancheros' long, continuing career.
As a bridge between the last album and the upcoming as-of-then embryonic new one, Mint puts out a 7" (Wild Turkey Surprise) which coincides with the band's cross-country tour with the Reverend Horton Heat! It is at this time though that the Tommy Kennedy household is in the midst of welcoming a new arrival to the world: a bouncing baby girl, Harper! So to the rescue is Keith Rose of Royal Grand Prix filling on temporary road-bass.
The rest of the year, and the first half of 2000, is spent working feverishly on their fourth long player, their third on Mint - and celebrating their TENTH BIRTHDAY. Title: "Muerte del Toro" (Death of the Bull). Dave Alcock of Chixdiggit fame is once again at the helm at Sundae Sound in Calgary. Special organ and piano licks - a first for Huevos Rancheros! - are provided by Pat McGannon. Release date: May 2000. And for the first time on Mint, this record comes out on LP! First video? For "Diamond Head"! Massive touring to follow.
Huevos Rancheros: Let them rock.