The inspiration of U.K. mod acts, such as
the Who and
the Jam, are to blame for the formation of
the Nevers in 1997. Along with an extensive collection of
Beatles,
Kinks, and
Clash records that can be referred to as John Paul Keith's (vocals/guitar) first love. Together with guitarist Rick Tiller, bassist Paul Noe, and drummer David Jenkins,
the Nevers hit the scene of Knoxville, TN, much to the surprise of the good 'ole country folk who made up the population of this city. Sire Records was pleased to hear something other than a slide guitars or whisky soaked ballads coming from this city, resulting in the release of
the Nevers self-titled debut in 1999. ~ Mike DaRonco