#255: Blue Ridge Rock Festival Rising Talent, F.I.L.T.H!

<p>7 DAYS TILL THE GATES OPEN AND THE FIRST BAND PLAYS THAT FIRST CHORD! I can't believe we are that close! The excitement is overwhelming to say the least. So now is the time to get your last minute plans in place, especially what bands to see. And that plan should definitely include todays band. Out of Florida, playing Day 4 of Blue Ridge Rock Fest on the HeartSupport Stage, F.I.L.T.H!</p> <p>The band's origins can be dated as far back as 2009 when Bassist Mike Vettel and Guitarist Mike Andes had already begun writing what would be the foundation of F.I.L.T.H. The pair enlisted new members for the project only to realize later the lineup would ultimately have to change. “There was a lot going on at the time…” recalls Mike Andes, “…the timing just wasn’t right for the direction we wanted to go…” The two then decided to put the project on hold.</p> <p>Almost a year later, they were introduced to drummer Freddie Hull. “I was playing with Kevin Palmer (Trust Company) before I stepped away from playing….I hadn’t played in almost 12 years. By the time I was introduced to Mike and Mikey, I was playing in a local cover band…” recalls Freddie. For the next several months, the trio talked about putting it all together and in early 2011, headed into the studio and started to go to work. “Freddie came in and branded his own style to the chemistry that Mikey V and I already had….he just fit…” exclaims Mike Andes. Soon after, the three began the search for what would ultimately be the next piece to the lineup. And it didn’t take them long before front man Eric Mann filled in the position they were searching for. F.I.L.T.H. was born.</p> <p>In late 2014, guitarist Josh Lyons stepped in to fill the final piece. “We wanted a fuller sound…” says Freddie Hull. Josh proceeded to add his own flare to the songs, adding a new dimension to the guitar work of F.I.L.T.H. From this point, F.I.L.T.H. was evolving as a band.</p> <p>Fast forward, after almost 10 years with the band, front man Eric Mann left the band. “It was a shock to say