BoDeans
BoDeans is an American rock band formed in Waukesha, Wisconsin. BoDeans came to prominence in the 1980s. The band’s sound encompasses multiple rock genres, including roots rock,[1] heartland rock,[2] and alternative rock.[3] The band’s biggest hit to date is “Closer to Free“, which was used as the theme song to the hit TV series Party of Five. The band has been described as “one of the most successful, and best known, bands to come out of the Milwaukee area”.[4] BoDeans is included in a permanent installation at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.[5]
Kurt Neumann and Sam Llanas met at Waukesha South High School in 1977. After discovering that they had similar music interests, they began writing songs together. Llanas entered college, but soon left after Neumann urged him to pursue music with him.[6] At this time Neumann did not sing much, and considered himself to be primarily a drummer, while Llanas had little experience as a guitar player. However, the two decided to get serious about music and both began to sing and play guitar under the name Da BoDeans in 1980.[7][8]