Official press release:
Bedemon, who formed in 1973 by then Pentagram guitarist Randy Palmer, are set to play their first ever live performance on May 15 at Psycho California.
Bedemon’s music was the much darker shadow of the hard rock mountain that was Pentagram at the time. Along with the pioneering Palmer, the players involved included Pentagram co-founders Geof O’Keefe and Bobby Liebling, along with bassist Mike Matthews. This sinister entity ended up recording various sessions spanning from 1973-1979 which was finally officially released 25 years later as the now cult classic, Child of Darkness.
Eleven years after Palmer’s tragic death in 2002, the band released its sophomore effort, Symphony of Shadows (Svart Records). The doom masterwork featured new vocalist Craig Junghandle and Palmer’s final performances, which were recorded shortly before his untimely passing.
Due to prior commitments, vocalists Liebling, who performs at Psycho California with Pentagram, and Junghandle are unable to perform with these fellow legends. Then and current member Matthews also won’t be able to appear due to a commitment he has with his television production career. Doomed you are not, California, as ex-member and original Pentagram four stringer Greg Mayne will be appearing on bass. This will be the first time he and O’Keefe appear on stage together in nearly 40 years.
Stepping in on vocals is a very special guest and another DC legend in his own right, Scott “Wino” Weinrich (Saint Vitus, The Obsessed, Shrine Builder, The Hidden Hand).
Says O’Keefe of these developments:
“This is a very special line-up for a very special show. I’m very excited to have my old buddy Greg Mayne on board. I haven’t seen him in nearly 30 years and haven’t played with him in nearly 40! Wino is a DC legend and international star in his own right and it’s an honor to have him guesting on vocals!”
Wino continued:
“I am super happy and proud to be singing a full set with Bedemon, one of the first and still one of the coolest “heavy” bands in the world. Randy isn’t with us , but he remains an inspiration for us all. When Geof, Greg and Pellet, my manager, grabbed the reins, I was honored to have been asked to be part of this special event. And remember, If it ain’t HEAVY it ain’t SHIT! See you at Psycho California!”
California drummer and current O’Keefe collaborator Frank Hayes will be rounding out this stellar line up. O’Keefe will be moving over to guitar. O’Keefe says:
“People not familiar with the early origins of Pentagram might not realize that when Bobby and I put the band together back in the fall of 1971. I was originally the guitarist for the first two versions of the band. I’ve actually been playing guitar longer than drums. Not only is this the first time I’ll be playing guitar live on stage but it’s the first time I’ve stepped on a stage in 30 years. I couldn’t be more excited and appreciative to be part of this special and historic experience!”
This first-ever show under the name Bedemon is a tribute to founder Randy Palmer, who passed away in 2002 following a tragic auto accident three months after recording the backing tracks for Symphony of Shadows. More than half of the songs performed are songs Palmer either wrote or co-wrote.
Individual day tickets for Psycho California have sold out with a limited number of 3-day passes remaining at www.psychoca.com.