“For much of the Nineties, Missouri’s Bottle Rockets were the torchbearers for smart Southern-style rock.”—Mark Kemp, Rolling Stone
The Bottle Rockets is an American rock band formed in 1992 based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founding members are Brian Henneman (guitar, vocals) and Mark Ortmann (drums). The current lineup includes John Horton (joined 2003, guitar) and Keith Voegele (joined 2005, bass, vocals).
As noted in the New York Times by William Hogeland, the Bottle Rockets’ songwriting has been likened to Woody Guthrie’s folk style in spirit, smarts, and satire. Songwriters Henneman’s, Ortmann’s, and contributor Scott Taylor’s lyrics succinctly and endearingly encapsulate the common experiences of the everyman, and are set to stirring, rousing, searing rock ‘n’ roll.
Considered to be the godfathers of the ’90s alt-country/roots rock revival along with peers Uncle Tupelo, the Bottle Rockets are seasoned contemporary storytellers from Middle America. Their songs “Welfare Music”, “Kerosene”, “Zoysia”, “Baggage Claim”, “Blind”, “Wave That Flag”, “Align Yourself”, “Middle Man”, “Rich Man in the Graveyard”, and “Kid Next Door” are examples of social commentary in the Bottle Rockets’ original hybrid Woody Guthrie meets Neil Young meets The Replacements American roots music sound.
The single “Radar Gun” was a hit on rock radio—reaching #27 on Billboard’s rock chart. The band appeared on the television show Late Night with Conan O’Brien performing one of their original songs as well as being featured in a comedic skit.
In 1992 Henneman recorded the solo 45rpm single “Indianapolis,” an autobiographical song which he had written about Uncle Tupelo’s van breaking down on tour.