By Thomas Semioli

Rock ‘n’ roll lives in the blood, sweat, and beers of the American bar band, and to my ears, among the genre’s best were the Iron City Houserockers, later to emerge as Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers.

Oft compared to the E Street Band in style and execution (The Boss produced the band’s spectacular American Babylon LP in 1995); founding bassist Art Nardini has been working the pocket with Joe since ‘76. Art’s weapons of choice include the Fender Telecaster and Jazz, and MusicMan Stingray.

Why this band and their leader never enjoyed the commercial success of Bruce, John Mellencamp, Steve Earle, or Tom Petty, among others, is among rock ‘n’ roll’s great mysteries!  

Art Nardini Sound & Vision with The Houserockers:    

“I Can’t Take It” Live (1979) https://youtu.be/FMRsZCUZoWo

“Junior’s Bar” Live (1988) https://youtu.be/9307ZVkFvOY

“Everything’s Gonna Work Out Right” https://youtu.be/ryQ3AuxPTaM

“American Babylon” https://youtu.be/52L5-64cm2E

With The Boss “That’s What Makes Us Great” https://youtu.be/VirqIl99q6A