The Dead Licks

Local Listen: The Dead Licks Photos & Article by Sophie Minello

The Dead Licks were created in Dayton, Ohio with members Tom, Jack, Jimmy, and Johnny.

2017 started off their career at the University of Dayton, where they gained a following and stunned people with their guitar heavy tracks. Graduation brought a realization that the four boys wanted to be a part of the Dead Licks as a full time job. They decided to lock in to the band. With this, they moved to Chicago, knowing that the music scene was strong and the city gave them more opportunity than the little town of Dayton.

2018 was spent figuring things out. They played shows in a multitude of venues, finding favorites in Reggies, House of Blues, Subterranean, and Tonic Room. Though their Chicago shows have been smaller than the ones they played in college, these rooms are always filled with interested people, reday to fill their ears with some good and loud rock and roll. The South Side has welcomed them kindly, the band stating that shows “go pretty strong down there.”

Now, they’re ready to start opening up for bigger bands to build up a fan base. Fans can expect rowdy Chicago shows and head slamming new tunes in the new year.