One of the most prolific and diverse musicians around these days, Ben Harper is returning to his roots.
The singer-songwriter has announced he will rejoin forces with his original band The Innocent Criminals for the first time in six years. Harper said on his website that they will play four shows at the famed San Francisco venue The Fillmore from Mar. 25 to Mar. 28. Presale and on sale information will be announced soon.
“The Innocent Criminals are a family,” Harper said in a statement. “We’ve remained very close over the years and it seemed like we couldn’t wait another minute. It’s time for us to get back on the stage together. We’ve all come full circle in our own ways and it is time we pick up where we left off. It’s creatively time for us to do this.”
The Innocent Criminals is comprised of bassist Leon Mobley, bassist Juan Nelson, drummer Oliver Charles, keyboardist Jason Yates, and guitarist Michael Ward. Along with Harper, they’ve released numerous albums as well as a DVD of an August 2003 show at The Hollywood Bowl. A documentary titled “Pleasure + Pain” released in 2002 followed Harper and his bandmates on tour.
Harper has been all over the place since splitting with The Innocent Criminals in 2008. He worked with The Relentless 7, released music and toured as part of the super-group Fistful of Mercy (which included Joseph Arthur and Dhani Harrison) and even released an album “Childhood Home” with his mother this year.
Hang tight, Los Angeles … we’re sure there will be some Southern California love for this highly anticipated reunion.
Here’s the video posted on Ben Harper’s site announcing the reunion:
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals – With My Own Two Hands
Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals – Jah Work: A Lewis Marnell Tribute
