Biography

Dispatch formed in 1996.  The band consists of three members, Brad Corrigan, Pete Francis Heimbold, and Chad Urmston.  Dispatch plays music from a wide variety of genres including rock, folk, reggae, ska, and funk.  The band gained popularity during the mid-90's through the early 2000's despite never being signed to a record label.  File-sharing allowed their music to spread through word of mouth.  In 2002 the band announce that they would be going on a permanent hiatus, but have since performed several reunion concerts.

Picture from the "Last Dispatch" show.

In the summer of 2004 the band performed a free farewell concert in Boston which they called the "Last Dispatch.  The concert was predicted to have a turnout of between 10,000 and 30,000 people, but an estimated 110,000 people attended the show.  Since then they performed a three night stand at Madison Square Garden during the summer of 2007 called Dispatch Zimbabwe.  Originally this was only supposed to be a single night event, but when tickets sold out in minutes they decided to add two additional shows.  All the money made from ticket sales were donated to charities in Zimbabwe.  Dispatch has announced that they will be doing a reunion tour across the United States this summer.  They have indicated that they have been working on some new music which will likely debut during the tour.  For this tour part of the revenue generated from ticket sales will be donated to local charities.

Why I Like Dispatch

I first heard Dispatch in middle school when a friend played me arguably their most popular song "The General."  This is a song about a general who has a dream and realizes that the war they are fighting is not worth it.  It has a slower tempo and consists of vocals, acoustic guitar, and drums.  I really enjoyed the sound of the singer's voice so I started to listen to more of their music.  While "The General" was a very slow and mellow song, I found some other songs that were more upbeat.  I also discovered that played a wide variety of genres and I think that is what I like the most.  I never get sick of this band because they have so many different style songs.

Performing Live

As I learned more about Dispatch I learned that they were an independent music group meaning they never got signed to a label.  I think this allowed them to maintain their own individual musical style rather than trying to make music that would please the masses.  Also, I liked the fact that they have been very involved with charitable organizations.

Performing with African Children's Choir at Dispatch Zimbabwe

I think that perhaps the best part of Dispatch's music are their live performances.  I've been fortunate enough to see them in concert and there is just an incredible atmosphere.  The entire audience is filled with energy and the band does a great job keeping the audience entertained whether it be through individual solos or call and response with the crowd.  After seeing them perform live I was surprised to find that all the band members kept switching instruments throughout the show.  Brad  performed on vocals, percussion, guitar, and harmonica, Pete performed on vocals, bass, and guitar, and Chad performed on vocals, guitar, bass, and percussion.  I was very impressed that all the band members could play all these different instruments so well.

Links to Music

The General - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3JjlkfX5Gk

Bats in the Belfry - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXM2C2DvvbM

Elias - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljVR3Bodxmw&feature=related

Cover This - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35CrJpDJWps