Photo credit: ABSOLUTEDDY PHOTOGRAPHY
If I told you that The Black Saints were based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you might think my
hobby was sniffing glue. If I asked you where you thought that the band originated from, you
would probably look at me as if I was an idiot for not knowing the answer was obviously
Hollywood, California. Well my friend, I would be quick to point out that I do in fact not partake
in the sniffing of glue and that you could be well assured that The Black Saints do hail from the
Midwestern city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a matter of fact, The Black Saints have a rehearsal
studio just down the hall from my band, AMERICAN ZER0S. Furthermore, for better or worse,
American Zer0s may have never existed without the help of this quintessential American Rock
band. It was the former bassist of The Black Saints, BRIAN DOUGLAS of CREAM CITY MUSIC,
who secured us the rare and coveted rehearsal studio. Brian left The Black Saints on excellent
terms, when the opportunity presented itself to go from manager to co-owner of the worldfamous Cream City Music boutique guitar shop. (Watch for an upcoming article on Cream City
Music) A split like this is unfortunately NOT the norm in the Rock/Metal world and is a testament
to the character of this group of highly skilled and talented veteran musicians. Since they are
just down the hall, it was easy to stop by for a visit and ask a few question for the readers of ION
Indie Magazine.
First, let’s get to know The Black Saints. The two founding members are vocalist/front-man
DREW HERDEGEN and lead guitarist/riff-master ROBERT GALVAN, aka “Blackie Bishop”. On
drums is the heavy-hitter BEN E. HARTLEY aka “Benny Sinn”. The newest member of the band is
bassist DAVE STEINBOCK aka “Davey”.