Philadelphia Weekly

MUSIC > LOCAL BAND & MUSICIAN GUIDE

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia was formed in 2006 in West Philadelphia. After singer/guitarist Joshua recorded , "Kicking Your Ass, Then Smoking Your Grass," under the name Shorty Boy-boy, he looked for help in performing those songs live. Joshua stole his dad's drummer and best friend, 56-year-old Bob Bauers, enlisted Fletcher VanVliet (Da Comrade) and longtime friend Vince Barrucco (Cops On Dirtbikes). Joshua and Vince decided to start collaborating on a few new idea's, which lead to 2008's "$200,000." Shortly following the Ep’s release, the band received airplay on local rock station WYSP (94.1), and recorded a Local Track Session with 88.5, WXPN's own Y-Rock. After 30+ shows in the Philadelphia area, the band recorded their second EP "PG-13". Fletcher and Vince departed Saudi leaving Joshua and Bob to carry on as a duo. Being told that their raw performance showed an honest and energetic promise, the two decided no matter who played with Saudi, they would carry on.