It was 20 years ago today...Happy Anniversary!!! Traveler in Pain has been rocking New Mexico crowds for 20 years. Where were you in January 1999? I was still a middle school teacher, Gas was Cheap and bars were a plenty in ABQ. I was fortunate to start Jamming with 3 lads David Baca , Anders Fingold and RL Florez for a few months before playing out in public. We hadn't really decided on a name but had some ideas, including Traveler in Pain, which was a song written by my pops and played by my previous band Raging Fury in the early 90s. After many practices in Anders' living room, RL's garage and David's trailer in Los Lunas, we finally made our debut at a Superbowl party in Rio Rancho at some dude Teddy's house (I kept calling him Keith for some reason). There was a band playing before the game, then at halftime we were up. At which time, Anders began playing the drum intro to Sympathy for the Devil and I uttered the famous (or infamous) last words before rocking the garage "we are Traveler in Pain" and so it came to pass. From Uncle Rick's 40th, David's housewarming, Lance's 30th, various benefits and Bandido events to closing the year with successful runs to Santa Fe, Farmington and The El Rey Theater in our first year. That was a long time ago. Many years have come and gone, a different day, a different song. While many friends have come and gone their separate ways, the only constant that's remained for me is PAIN, Traveler in Pain, that is. Fortunately, we were able to have a lot of fun getting to 19 years. While the line-up, the scene and the venues did change; the original four are all rocking in their own groups successfully as well... The band consists of Lance Sedillo, lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Brian Maestas on Lead Guitar and back-up vocals, Todd Wilburn Drums and backing vocals, as well as our recording producer/engineer, and Anton B Rich on Bass. We currently average two weekends per month between Albuquerque's favorite live hotspots. We are hard at work at incorporating newer material into the set-list, to make the next year rocking the best so far, as we add some out of town venues and summer parties. The current set list varies from Classic Rockers like Elvis, Jimi Hendrix, Cheap Trick, The Rolling Stones, ACDC, Tom Petty, Stevie Wonder, Lynard Skynard, the Doors, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Kiss, Classic Metal from Ozzy, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Dio, to contemporary heavyweights Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Godsmack, We've played a whole a lot over the years, as clubs have come and gone and re-opened (Neds, Barley Room, Sneakers/Senor Buckets, a return to Sidelines, performing at Sky City, Route 66 Legend's Theater and the VIP opening for the likes of Avenged Sevenfold, Iron Maiden, Steely Dan and Elvis Costello. Slaughter, Queensryche, Great White and Jethro Tull! Hooligan's came and went, as did Misty's, Elliotts, Sprokets, Jokers, Wileys, The Press Room, The Golden West and Malarkys was steady for us over the past 10 years before closing. 2018 will have us Adding lots of new covers new recorded original material, as we have already started booking shows well into summer. We have been honored to host as well as participate in a number of benefits, Bike Runs, the Santa Fe School Dud's benefits, 94 rock's Thanksgiving on the Mayflower, as well as the two Christmas parties on 94Rock In December, being part of the 9/11 Memorial Foundation and having a brick that says Traveler in Pain, and other Charitable events. Some highlights have include the sold out Creepy Crawl in 1999, various sold out El Rey and Golden West Saloon shows, various live unplugged appearances on 94rock, the sold out CD release in 2006, as well as being selected to represent Albuquerque and New Mexico at the Journal Pavillion for Cruefest 2. We also are part of Tribute shows paying homage to all our favorite bands as well as original shows, showcasing some of Albuquerque's best groups such as In the End, Skulldron, SHI, Black Mesa, Loco Mofo, Ravenous, 45 Caliber Band, 100 Proof, Shadows Reach, Twist of Fate, August Rayne, Blue IV, Just Lazarus, 8Points, The Michael Ruelas Project and Dope Riddle. The band offers a broad, diverse and entertaining musical experience time and time again. At times, the members have changed, as well as the musical content. However, the dedication, perseverance and the inspiration provided us by our "Family of Pain" (fan base) have provided us the opportunity to perform our preferred musical styles (including original material) on a consistent basis; to friends new and old. Jazz, Funk, Speed Metal and Blues, as well as material from our two cds, which are fan favorites as well. You get all this in four entertaining, energetic hours. “Yeah, that makes up a Pain Show!!! " We have two studio albums of original material, released in 2000 and 2006, respectively. And we are currently writing material for what will be our next full length album. Until Next Update, Pain...
