Biography

THE CONVULSIONS are a mod punk boogaloo band and comprise a core of bass, drums, guitar, punk vocals and frenzied organ and harmonica with hard edged funk forays into B3 60’s boogaloo and riff based edgy soul/funk. An explosive sweaty acrobatic stage presence mark all their shows. Since Oct. 2005 the Convulsions have become based in the UK where they have broken through the British RnB / Blues festival and club circuit to play mainstream festivals such as Off the Tracks, SAM in Serbia, Birmingham Artsfest and beer festivals (Keswick, Peterborough, Lancaster University) to great acclaim.

THE CONVULSIONS have, or are currently receiving, airplay in England, Spain, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Serbia and in the USA (West Virginia, Chicago and Texas). Shuteye Records distributed “Swear its Not You” to 420 US college radio stations. Several songs have featured in films: Resurrection Mary and Adventure Sex 1 (really!) Ben Ruth has recorded for dozens of Chicago bands and then found himself on the Animals’ new CD released in 2004.

THE CONVULSIONS headlined the 2008 SAM International Music Festival in Vrasac, Serbia and sold out of all their merchandise in 5 minutes (admittedly for two beers a CD) and had to burn CDs on the spot until the spindle was empty. They sold out all their merchandise again at the Dundee Blues Bonanza, 2009, and yet again during their 2009 August residency in Stockholm thereby just covering the cost of their beer.

THE CONVULSIONS have 5 self produced albums comprising both the Chicago and UK outfits, live shows both in the UK and USA, and more recently a full length album (“I Need This Baby Like a Hole in the Head”) all featuring their distinctive riff based lyrically quirky original compositions. The title song of the last album is the basis for their highly theatrical video shot in Bristol and due out late 2009.

THE CONVULSIONS founded an international musical exchange in 2001. Chicago Music Explosion Artist Services (www.cmeas.com) is now in its 9th year and has become a significant conduit for talent seeking gigs and recognition in Britain.

THE CONVULSIONS are Ben “Shaky” Ruth (vocals, harmonica, organ), Jason “Fingers” Wilkinson (guitar, keys), Joe “Cool Clut” Cutler (bass), John "Huckleberry" Huck (drums)