Numerous Lucky Strikes (unfiltered, of course) are the reason Tony C.'s voice is so gravelly, according to the man himself. From his father he learned the guitar chords D, C, and G at the age of nine, and a book on Elvis a year later sealed his fate. The quest for rock triumph started in high school when guitarist Patrick Halley and Tony C. started their first band. Skip ahead years and add guitarist Jason Moscartolo, bassist John Harvey, drummer Tobias Ralph, and turntablist DJ Prestige, and you've got the punchy, gritty bar band sound of Tony C. & the Truth. Constant touring gave them exposure and a meeting with Lava Records. Tony C. showed up with a six-pack of beer to the meeting, which must have gone over well since Lava issued their debut, Demonophonic Blues, in 2004. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide