Crooked X: Teen Band on Summer Tour with Ted Nugent

Crooked X is a hard rock band unlike most, mainly because of their ages. All four members are only 13. This energizing quartet hail from Coweta Oklahoma, a small suburb just east of Tulsa. On June 4th, They were living their dream of playing with a big named rocker when they opened for Ted Nugent at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa Oklahoma.

While opening for "Uncle Ted" is a long way from the bands very humble beginnings; The "birth" of the band after a frustrating football season, and their first gig at lead singer Forrest French's sister's birthday party, It isn't at all unexpected for those faithful fans who have tracked the boy's progress over the last two years.

If you haven't heard the band, you really can't grasp what the local hoopla is about. I can say that my first impression, some 21 months ago, at a local festival, was positive, but I wasn't bowled over. At the time I thought, Good kids, good musicians, but not much more than a local garage band. Musically, they weren't really my thing, and I am a metal head. They were kind of a cross between Metallica and Motley Crue, but they were pitchy and their music was "thin". I told myself that they were only 11 and 12 years old, and could play fairly well; that with some practice and growth they could be decent and might even make a fair wedding/party band in 5 or 10 years.

The difference a few years had made is astounding. With the addition of bassist Josh McDowell in late 2006, up to-six days a week of practice and nearly 100 shows, the band has grown from a small town garage band into true contenders that can give legends like Nugent and Cooper a true run for the money.
Lead singer French has matured vocally developing an older and more "rock ready" voice, much less like the young Hanson sound of years ago and more like an early Eric (A.K.) Knutson. At the same time, the increase in rehearsal time seems to have worked wonders in not only the sound the band is producing but their stage presence as well. As much at home in a large arena as they are in a small club venue, Crooked X has an amazing ability to completely involve the crowd.