The Skeletons

by Stephen Thomas ErlewineThe Skeletons never gained widespread recognition, yet they had a small cult of dedicated followers who made them a modestly popular roots-rock bands in the late 80s and 90s. Based in Springfield, Missouri, the Skeletons formed in 1979 as a touring band assembled by Steve Forbert. Following the tour, they decided to stay together, releasing their own records when they werent touring either as their own entity or as a supporting group. In 1987 they released their first American album, Rockin Bones. Over the next 10 years, they remained busy, particularly backing artists like Syd Straw and Dave Alvin, yet only released three other albums — In the Flesh! (1988), Waiting (1992) and Nothin to Lose (1997).