In the midst of a global pandemic, in his Austin, TX studio, Kurt Neumann wrote and recorded what would become the BoDeans’ new album, 4 The Last Time, the follow-up to 2020's 20/20 Vision.
Long known as one of the best live acts in the business, BoDeans continue to tour year-round and continue to deliver amazing, high energy, performances. "I realized some time ago that the key to the BoDeans identity is the fans' connection to our music - nowhere is that more evident or rewarding as when we come together live. We love to connect with the fans who have supported us for so long and who have brought us so much inspiration." says Kurt Neumann, the band's founder and frontman, "We will continue to play as long as they continue to come out and sing along."
"We have a classic guitar-driven midwestern rock pop sound" Neumann continues. "I wanted to make sure there was still some music out there with guitars on it. I feel like I'm getting better at this in my fifties. So, there are a lot of those big rock songs we've done for years. I got that vibe down on this record."
Chart topping songs like “Fadeaway,” “Only Love,” and “Dreams” won them Rolling Stone's readers’ poll for “Best New American Band” in 1987, and they were part of a small contingent of bands that inspired a new radio format known as Adult Alternative, Album Rock-Triple A. Their reputation for delivering a dynamic live show garnered support slots with U2, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, George Thorogood, the Pretenders, David Bowie, and Chris Isaak. In addition, they’ve shared the stage with Los Lobos, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Joan Osborne, Train, the WallFlowers, Cheap Trick, Robbie Robertson, Daniel Lanois, and many others.
The BoDeans signed their first recording contract with the legendary Slash Records in 1985 and their First record, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams was released in May 1986. In the 35+ years that have followed, BoDeans have released 13 studio albums with ten records that hit the Billboard Top 200 Chart, and numerous singles on the Mainstream Rock, Top 40 and Triple A radio charts.
BoDeans songs have been used in various television shows including NBC Monday Night Football, The Simpsons, Northern Exposure, Dawson’s Creek, and many others. FOX used the song “Closer To Free” as the opening theme of the hit TV show Party Of Five, which became the band’s biggest hit, peaking at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
BoDeans now reside in a small group of bands that have managed to survive the ups and downs of the industry, remaining true to their sound and their style for over 35 years. The BoDeans have a permanent installation at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland as part of their Midwest Artists exhibit.