Dexter “Dex” Romweber Obituary, Guitarist & Former Lead Singer Of The Flat Duo Jets Has Died
Dexter “Dex” Romweber Obituary, Death – John Michael Dexter “Dex” Romweber, a well-known American rockabilly/roots rock artist, was born on June 18, 1966, in Batesville, Indiana. As the eldest of seven children, Dex was shaped by his mother, a pianist, who supported his early passion and even purchased his first set of instruments when he first began performing.
The Tale of a Musical Idiota: From Garage Bands to Duo Jets
The beginning of Dex’s musical journey was the band “Gary and the Resistors,” which his parents formed in the cellar when he was a preteen. This initial work on The Bad Checks, done alongside fellow student Hunter Landon, marked the beginning of an amazing journey. Dex and his sister Sara used cooking utensils and pots and pans to build “The Remains” when they were just 10 and 12 years old, respectively.
The History of Flat Duo Jets: In Stereo and With Live Energy
When Dex switched to “Crash Landon and The Kamikazes” in junior high, the basis of his distinct style was set. A significant turning point came when he and Chris “Crow” Smith founded “The Flat Duo Jets.” Inspired by Gene Vincent’s mention of his Gretsch Duo Jet guitar, the duo recorded their live studio album “In Stereo” in 1985, which marked the beginning of their musical career.
National Recognition and the Athens Scene: From MTV to National Tours
The Flat Duo Jets gained widespread recognition when their self-titled debut album, which blended rockabilly with an unpolished garage-rock sound, was released in 1990. Their appearance on Late Night with David Letterman and their national tour as The Cramps’ opening act solidified their place in the music business. They were able to get even more active in the vibrant music scene in Athens, Georgia, after moving there; this was included in the documentary “Athens, GA: Inside Out.”
Important Labels and Development: The Changing Tonality and the Fortunate Eye
In the latter part of the 1990s, the Flat Duo Jets signed with Outpost Records, a major label. They had progressed from their low-fidelity origins and added strings, horn arrangements, and polished sounds by the time they released “Lucky Eye” in 1998. Low sales caused the band to break up after nearly 15 years, even though each album was unique. Crow disputed Dexter’s assertion that his embezzlement was the primary factor.
Dex Romweber’s influence extended beyond his lifetime; the documentary “It Might Get Loud” included Jack White of The White Stripes as one example. Despite the challenges he faced in the latter years of his career, Dex Romweber’s contribution to the rockabilly genre is evidence of his enduring impact.