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SOUTHERN ROCK ALLSTARS AND BLACKFOOT DRUMMER AND SONGWRITER JAKSON SPIRES DIES UNEXPECTEDLY

Jakson Spires, founding member of the SOUTHERN ROCK ALLSTARS and platinum-selling Southern rockers BLACKFOOT, died Wednesday, March 16, 2005 near his home Ft. Pierce Florida from a massive brain aneurysm. Spires wrote or co-wrote nearly every SRA song and wrote or co-wrote nearly every Blackfoot song recorded from 1969 until Blackfoot broke up in 1986 including two of the band’s biggest hits, "Highway Song" and "Fly Away". Spires, also known as “Thunderfoot” for his powerhouse drumming, creative style and Native American roots, was 53. Spurred on by a massive petition drive from fans, Blackfoot was in the midst of reforming and touring together again for the first time this spring and summer. He also continued as a member of SRA.

Spires is survived by his wife Sherry and his four children, Selera, J. P., Ameek and Jessica.

Here are comments from some of Jak’s bandmates in the Southern Rock Allstars.

Jimmy Farrar - "I first met Jakson Spires at Cobo Arena in Detroit in 1980. Molly Hatchet was playing there that night and Blackfoot came backstage to visit the band; they were based in Michigan at the time. I looked up and Jak and Ricky Medlocke were walking through the backstage. Jakson walked up, shook my hand and it was like I had known him for 25 years. Jakson was my friend, the only man I have ever met that could walk into a room and you could absolutely feel the warmth; a truer heart I've never known. He made everyone feel like they were somebody special...he was one of a kind. An absolute treasure."

Jay Johnson - I first met Jakson in 1975. My father was co-producing the first Blackfoot record at the time. Jak and the Blackfoot boys literally inspired me to become a professional musician. Little did I know that nineteen years after that meeting I would find myself in a band with Jakson. I spent 11 years performing onstage with Jak. Jakson was like my brother--he was a consummate musician, songwriter and producer, but above all, he was a wonderful human being. All that knew him loved him. I am blessed from above for the time I got to be with him, and all the better for knowing him, and he will always inspire me.

Scott Mabrey - I met Jakson in Muscle Shoals, Alabama years ago. My Band Tank n Steele was opening for SRA. From the moment I met Jakson I knew in my heart that He was a special person on this earth, Like no other! A brotherhood was forged that day. I’ll cherish that for the rest of my life. It didn’t take long to find out that Jakson and I were twin brothers from different mothers. We felt that we were brought together for some special reason. Jak was like a father figure, a Mentor and a brother and most of all He will always be My Best Friend! Jakson spent the last 2 years of his life teaching me how the Music Biz worked out on the road. I will continue to do the work that this great man has taught me. The last few months Jak and I have been recording a CD with Former Blackfoot Bassist Lenny Stadler We have 11 songs recorded and I must say there awesome. Jakson’s Legacy will live on.

During his career Spires toured America and Europe several times, sharing the stage with The Who, Ted Nugent, KISS, Molly Hatchet and others. Blackfoot’s album “Strikes” is frequently cited as one of the best Southern Rock albums of all time. Spires was also a sought after studio musician, working frequently in the legendary Muscle Shoals Studios. He appeared on recordings with legendary blues greats Willie Dixon and Albert King and many others too numerous to mention.

For the past ten years Spires was a member of The Southern Rock Allstars, made up of a rotating cast of members of several legendary Southern Rock bands including Dave Hlubek and Jimmy Farrar from Molly Hatchet, Mike Estes from Lynryrd Skynrd, Charlie Hargrett of Blackfoot, Jay Johnson from The Rossington Band and Ace Allen from The Marshall Tucker Band. SRA band mates also include, Charles Hart from Radio Tokyo and Scott Mabrey of Tank-N-Steele.

The Southern Rock All Stars had just released a live double CD “Trouble’s Comin’ Live!” and Spires planned to tour with both Blackfoot and the Southern Rock All Stars in 2005. At press time, both bands are scheduled to continue their tours in tribute to Jakson with a revolving cast of musicians filling in on drums.

The Southern Rock Allstars and Spires were often involved in music related charities, including a televised concert for victims of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick Rhode Island and “Jammin’ For DJB”, a benefit for former Molly Hatchet vocalist Danny Joe Brown, who also recently passed away. Jakson’s many friends in the music industry are now rallying around his family in their time of need, and a foundation has been set up to assist with Spires hospital and funeral expenses and to care for his family and to help continue other work that Jakson was involved with.

According to Southern Rock Allstars spokesman Burke Allen, the family has requested that instead of cards or flowers, friends and fans make a donation to Thunderfoot Enterprises, c/o Cheryl Spires 619 Rio Vista Drive Fort Pierce, FL 34982. A public memorial service for Spires will be held in Orlando Florida on April 17 at the Bahia Shrine Auditorium, 2300 Pembrooke Drive from 3pm to 7pm. Donations will be accepted and many legendary figures from the world of Classic Rock are expected to attend to pay their respects.

Additional benefit concerts are being planned this spring in Michigan, Maryland and possible other locations. Details will be posted at www.southernrock.com as they become available.