Crimson Riot was formed in July of 2017 when their prior band of six years, The Roxy Gunn Project, took a drastic turn as their lead guitarist had to leave the band due to medical issues. Having a heavy punk influence, the remaining three members decided to go a different direction with their music and follow their punk roots. Virtually overnight they created Crimson Riot.
Their prior experience performing together and reputation allowed them to hit the ground running and acquire several high profile shows right out of the gate. Crimson Riot was very well received by former fans of RGP and the media. Audiovein Magazine said, “Yes!, This is what you guys should have been doing all along. Perfect!”
Once the word got out, many promoters quickly jumped on booking them on shows opening for touring headliners*. They even caught the attention of legendary punk icon Darrin Pfeiffer (Goldfinger) from the Punk Rock Karaoke band and were brought in to open at the Viper Room in Hollywood, CA.
In 2018 Crimson Riot won “Who Will Rock You?”, a tv series produced and sponsored by TopGolf, beating out eight other bands and earning the title and several fans around the country with several million views across various media platforms.
With the release of their first single and music video, “Here’s The Bad News Laura (The Shake Machine Is Down)”, a quirky, pop-punk anthem, that the masses could relate to, became an instant hit prompting fans to bring milkshakes to shows.
Crimson Riot’s debut album, “Classy Punk For Trashy People”, an eleven song collection of original songs that include a plethora of different punk influenced styles received a massive pre-order from fans around the globe. Along with “Classy Punk For Trashy People”, Crimson Riot produced a video for its single “Hurt” that grabbed over 1000 views in just a few days.
Crimson Riot, dubbed the “Punk Rock Partridge Family” by iHeart Radio’s Bobby Bones, is lead by singer/guitarist Roxy Gunn with her husband Chris Reject on bass guitar and additional vocals, all previously held together by her father Ryan J on drums. In the fall of 2021 Ryan J retired from the kit and passed the sticks to his son and Roxy’s brother, RJ Moon, who continues to keep the “Punk Rock Partridge Family” alive. Their songs are heavy, catchy, pop punk anthems which get the crowd immersed into each story with music that delivers a high energy soundtrack for multiple dancing styles and head-bopping.
In April of 2020, Crimson Riot signed with San Francisco area label Die Laughing Records and released their second full-length album, “It Took An Apocalypse”, in May 2021. Die Laughing ultimately closed up shop in December 2021, but that didn’t stop the band from pressing forward and beginning the work on album number three scheduled for release in 2023.
* Go Betty Go, Tsunami Bomb, The Dollyrots, The Two Tens, The Bombpops, The Fuck Off and Dies, Buck-O-Nine, Slowkiss (Brazil), Punk Rock Karaoke, The Dickies, Year Of The Fist, Koffin Kats
Roxy Gunn made her mark in Las Vegas as a solo artist at the age of fifteen, playing many artist showcases and performing throughout Las Vegas. Roxy quickly became the opening act of choice for many local promoters. She opened for such acts as; Pat Dinizio of The Smithereens, and classic 80’s pop band, Gene Loves Jezebel. She now holds the lead vocal and guitar roles in Crimson Riot.
Tech Specs:
Gibson/Epiphone Guitars
Ernie Ball Strings
Blackstar Amps
Harley Benton Cabinet
MXR Pedals
BOSS Pedals
InTune Custom Roxy Gunn .73 Picks
DreamEarz In-Ear Monitors
“The Reverend” Chris Reject, bass player and additional vocalist, brings fresh grooves with a punk rock edge that gives an energy on stage that keeps the audience entertained and engaged in the show.
Tech Specs:
Fender Precision Basses
Dean Markley Blue Steel Strings
Blackstar Amps & Cabinets
InTune Custom Reverend Reject Picks
DreamEarz In-Ear Monitors
Drummer, RJ Moon, brings a youthful energy to round out the trio with his epic stage presence behind the kit and an array of drumming styles. With roots seeded in high school marching band and metal music, RJ introduces a methodical element to the fast, driving, and sometimes chaotic, punk core of Crimson Riot. When he’s not behind the Riot kit, you can find him with his hard rock/metal band Dirt Halo.
Tech Specs:
Vic Firth SD1 General Sticks
Ddrum Dios Maple 5 piece Drumkit
Pearl Master Series Kick Drum
PorkPie Little Squealer Snare
Dave Weckl Signature Hi-Hats
Zildjian Crash Cymbals
Meinl Ride Cymbal
Tama Iron Cobra 600 Double Kick Pedal
DreamEarz In-Ear Monitors