In February of 2003, four friends came together with a simple goal: to make great rock music and to have as much fun as possible while doing it. Jackpot Donnie was born, and five years later, the band is set to release their first full-length album, “Music Nightly.” With the release of the album in April of 2008, Jackpot Donnie is having more fun now than ever before. At its core, Jackpot Donnie is a rock and roll band. Beyond that, it’s hard to define their sound. With influences that include Queens of the Stone Age, The Allman Brothers Band, 311, and The Police, Jackpot Donnie’s sonic qualities are unlimited. Matt Love’s melodic, yet powerful vocals might be described as a blend of Brandon Boyd (Incubus) and Gregg Allman. Dueling guitar riffs and roaring power chords from guitarists Brian Wise and Matt Love often define the Jackpot Donnie sound. The rhythm section of Dave Langley (bass) and Adam Campbell (drums/percussion) makes the JPD engine run, with forceful sounds that span musical genres from all over the globe. Once audiences hear Jackpot Donnie’s music, they know they’ve experienced a truly original brand of rock and roll.

Formed early in the year 2000 "Rock and Roll DareDevils" is the brainchild of former "U.K. Subs", "Battalion of Saints", and "The Vibrators" bass guitarist Gregor Kramer, spawned during the 1999 Social Chaos tour of the U.S.. Gregor's first and long running band "Looneybin" was no more, and a more recent project called "the Felons" with former "Vindictives" guitarist Dr. Bob had disbanded as well. Performing on the social chaos tour with the vibrators reinspired Gregor to begin anew. Recruiting Dr. Bob for Guitar duty and Gregor on Guitar and Vocals the rhythm section search began. Frustrated by the lack of musicians who seemed to be up to the challenge, they decided to record the songs for what became Amazing Tales with Gregor playing drums and bass guitar. A few of the songs were hold overs from the felons and looneybin and many were conceived on the social chaos tour. Near the end of the recording sessions Gregor recruited Jamie Welton and many others to add some backup vocals since there was no full band. Impressed with what he heard Jamie offered his bass guitar and vocal ability to the live show. Jamie's frustration began to match Gregor's as the search for a competent drummer ensued. Weeks later Jamie rememberd high school buddy and drummer Greg Anderson. One seamless rehearsal later and the band began tearing up stages ever since. A second set of songs was begun almost immediately after this initial lineup was conceived. Sadly Dr. Bob had a serious bout with his drug addiction and finally lost. Needless to say this put a damper on the spirit of things for a while. Then Jamie and wife Marie decided to move to Hawaii, and the search began again for a bass player. After a few months of searching Dave Simon, of "Deals Gone Bad" fame, recommeded Rudy Kleiner (bass player extrodinaire whom Dave had played with in "the Runarounds".) for the job. Gregor made the call and Rudy agreed. Now playing as a trio the band again began playing all over the Chicago area. The now long standing line up consists of Greg Anderson on Drums and Cymbals Rudy Kleiner on Bass Guitar Gregor Kramer on Electric Guitar and Vox and has recently all but finished their newest offering "Before You Die!" which you can expect around halloween of 2006. Look for us playing near you