Crack the Sky (Matinee)

Roots in Weirton

Emerging from the industrial town of Weirton, West Virginia, in the early 1970s, Crack the Sky burst onto the progressive rock scene with a unique blend of power-pop hooks, hard-rock guitar riffs, and quirky lyrics. Their debut album, released in 1975, was hailed by Rolling Stone as the “debut album of the year,” cementing their status as a rising star in the genre.

A Band Defined by Innovation

Led by the songwriting prowess of John Palumbo and the guitar virtuosity of Rick Witkowski and Bobby Hird, Crack the Sky quickly established themselves as innovators within the progressive rock landscape. Their music drew inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including the Beatles, Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, and James Brown, resulting in a sound that was both familiar and groundbreaking.

Charting Success and Critical Acclaim

Crack the Sky’s first three albums charted on the Billboard 200, and they toured extensively with prominent acts like Frank Zappa, ELO, Rush, Kansas, and Supertramp. Their live performances were renowned for their energy and precision, earning them a reputation as one of the most dynamic and exciting bands on the circuit.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite challenges and setbacks over the decades, Crack the Sky has remained a consistent force in the music industry. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to combine technical proficiency with catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. Today, they continue experimenting with new sounds and styles, proving their creative spirit remains as vibrant as ever.

Palumbo points to the left-field banjo and drum machine on “Talk Talk,” the tuneful opener from Crack the Sky’s 2019 album, Living in Reverse. Their 2023 release shows another pathway for the band, this time a walk in the forest with From The Wood. This album changes out the high-tension electric prog for an album of mostly acoustic Americana instrumentation. Featured on From The Wood is the hard rock favorite hit Don’t Close Your Eyes, originally penned by Palumbo and others, but reimagined as a quiet and soulful semi-acoustic ballad.

Today

Crack the Sky remains a relevant entertainment force today, continually writing, creating, and recording new musical explorations and selling out live shows regionally. Count on a live performance as an introspection of the musical mind that will wow you!