Diesel America formed in 2003 with original members Kevin Galligan and Eric Hirsch on guitars, Rob Sonnenberg on drums, Tom Farnham on bass, and David Harris on vocals. The band played their first gig on June 5th, 2003 to a great crowd at the old Hogs & Heifers (UES) on E. 95th & 1st, and has played extensively across New York at such venues as Continental, Wild Spirits, CBGB's, Arlene's Grocery, The Bitter End, Pussycat Lounge, Kenny's Castaways, Underscore, Le Bar Bat, C Note, Downtime, and many more. Time costraints led original bassist Tom Farnham to depart the band in the summer of 2008. Stepping in to take on the roll of bass was Diesel America's first replacement member, Frank Cherena. Frontman David Harris's professional obligations led to Diesel taking a hiatus in 2009 at which time the band Jacko Macacco sprang up to fill the void. Jacko included drummer Rob Sonnenberg, bassist Frank Cherena, and Kevin Galligan & Eric Hirsch on guitars. We were joined by new vocalist William Eric Chapman. Jacko Macacco played several shows at Connolly's Klub 46 and Don Hill's but professional obligations intervened again and sidelined our new frontman with his job move to Florida. After the departure of Chapman in 2009 the members of the band decided to take up the mantle of Diesel America once more. The newest line-up includes original drummer Rob Sonnenberg and original guitarist Kevin Galligan with Frank Cherena on bass and original guitarist Eric Hirsch moving to the position of vocals. The band's sound has shifted from a punk/hard rock mix in the very early days to more of a classic hard rock, old school metal style heavily influenced by bands like Maiden, Priest, and Sabbath. Even today Diesel America's sets are peppered with slower, bluesier, and more melodic music, however, and the band's style continues to evolve.
