First things first, Last Rites is John C. Lind, and John C. Lind is Last Rites – without him the band does not exist. I’ve been a fan of Last Rites for some time, ever since I first heard rumors about a new “guitar legend” playing in some of the local punk dives. That’s not to say Last Rites is a punk band, far from it, but they’ve come out of that crowd.
The influence is there, but it’s obvious his main influence is Jimi Hendrix. In fact, some of his early ads for musicians posted in Rough Trade records said “Joy Division + Jimi Hendrix.” It doesn’t end there, however, you can hear traces of Motorhead, music of the Middle East, Iron Butterfly. That’s what makes the sound so unique.
Last Rites (from San Francisco) Lists the following Influences
Jimi Hendrix, Joy Division, Iron Butterfly, Motorhead