Lucero

Lucero is an alt-country/punk rock band from Memphis, TN. Formed in 1998, the six-piece has built its reputation on writing sing-along songs about small town life and love, putting a modern edge on classic Americana subjects. The members may look like tattooed tough guys, but they write resonant songs that tug the heartstrings of even the most hardened rock fan.

Lead singer Ben Nichols' signature whiskey-soaked voice is arguably one of the most recognizable in rock and roll today. The band is rounded out by original members Roy Berry (drums), John C. Stubblefield (bass) and Brian Venable (guitar). Recent additions Rick Steff (piano, organ, accordion) and Todd Beene (pedal steel) contribute to the fuller sound of Lucero's recent records.

Since 2001, Lucero has played between 150 and 200 shows a year in North America. The band has released seven full-length albums and two DVDs. The latest album, 2009's "1372 Overton Park," was the first Lucero record to feature a horn section, and the horns also occasionally accompany the band on the road.

Lucero has shared the stage with Social Distortion, North Mississippi Allstars and Drive-By Truckers, among others. Nichols also co-starred in season one of MTV's "$5 Cover," a quasi-fictionalized series about the Memphis music scene.

Lucero doesn't have fans as much as diehards who come to every show and scream the words to every song. And that's just the way it should be.