DevilDriver, the Santa Barbara, California-bred heavy metal powerhouse, roared onto the scene in 2002. Initially christened Deathride, the band – fronted by the iconic Dez Fafara – faced a naming conflict, encountering several other bands and even a bicycle racing team sharing the moniker. Copyright issues with Roadrunner Records further complicated matters, prompting a frantic search for a new identity. A list of nearly 200 potential names later, inspiration struck: Fafaras wife discovered the term "Devil Driver" in a book on Stregheria by Raven Grimassi, providing the perfect blend of menacing energy and unique branding that would define the bands future.
The band`s origins are rooted in impromptu jam sessions. After relocating from Orange County, Fafara hosted barbecues, bringing together local musicians. Chance encounters – a restaurant meeting with guitarist Evan Pitts, and a barroom meeting with John Boecklin (initially on second guitar, later drums) – cemented the initial lineup. These informal gatherings birthed Deathride, a project that ultimately evolved into the formidable force known as DevilDriver, complete with its current lineup featuring bassist Jon Miller, guitarist Alex Lee, and drummer, Javier Pérez.
