Detroit Free Press

Band Spotlight: Electric Six

November 22, 2025

THE LOWDOWN: Originally called the Wildbunch, the six-piece band from Detroit has been around since 1996. Known for its energetic live shows, it signed a five-record deal with XL Recordings earlier this year after receiving some major publicity for the single "Danger! High Voltage." Played all over the United Kingdom in discos and on radio stations, the band is being billed as one of the next big things out of Detroit in Europe. The group's XL debut, tentatively dubbed "Fire," should be released in April worldwide.

THE LINEUP: Much like the mysteries of siblinghood and failed marriages in the Detroit music scene, the background of the Electric Six is clouded. The members of the band all have names that complement the music's high energy and unique nature. Dick Valentine, who claims to have dropped out of "TV weatherman school" at Mississippi State, is the lead vocalist. The Rock n' Roll Indian and Surge Joebot are on guitar. M is on drums, Disco is on bass and Tait Nucleus is on keys and synth. Says the Rock n' Roll Indian, "Not to shatter any illusions, but those are our real names. We've had them from when we were born."

RELEASES: "Rock Empire" is the Electric Six's only full-length LP to date, but it wasn't commercially released. Not even the band members have copies. There also have been some live recordings that weren't official releases, but those too are out of print.

WHY THE NAME CHANGE: "We were the Wildbunch for six years, and then we found out there was a DJ who had the name and wanted money for the name -- a lot of money for the name. We don't have a lot of money, especially for a name, so the Electric Six it is," explains the Indian. But the fans still slip occasionally and go by the old name, which is fine by the band.

THE SOUND: The disco sound is definitely there on "High Voltage," but the band also blends rock and new wave to create a form of "disco metal" that stands out on the Detroit music scene. It also dabbles in punk and garage rock.

ON DETROIT BEING THE LATEST IN-THING: "It's very bizarre," says Valentine. "This town has been putting out better records than anywhere else for years and years and people are finally starting to catch on."

SO WHO IS THIS JOHN S. O'LEARY GUY?: The guest voice on "Danger! High Voltage" sure sounds like the high-pitched rasp of Jack White of the White Stripes. Many magazines, such as NME, reported that White worked on the track. But the band denies it. "It's a guy named John S. O'Leary," says Valentine. "I don't know why everyone always thinks it's Jack White, although they do sound similar."

GIGS: The band plays Wednesday at the Old Miami, 3930 Cass, Detroit. 313-831-3830. With Les Sans Culottes and Pas/Cal. It's also booked a New Year's Eve show with the Detroit Cobras at the Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward, Detroit. 313-833-9700. By Dan Austin, Free Press special writer