Started in 2010, Drummer Antonio Torres and Guitarist Jesse Asturias started a bluesy-Jazz fueled band in Fremont California. In the Summer of 2011, Bassist Kevin O'Connell joined, bringing his punk and 90's Alternative influences to the band. Forming a Trio with Kevin on vocals, the band realized they needed a rhythm and vocals section, adding Martin Castellanos, with his catchy riffs on Rhythm guitar. Not long after, Jesse left the band and was replaced by heavier guitarist Donny Tirre, who's shredding and heavier playing complimented Martins. Lastly, the band rounded out it's sound with veteran performer and music instructor Jesse Medina. The band then settled on the name Wrecked 880, attributing the name to the California Freeway nearby, notorious for wrecks.

John Pieplow -- How it all started.

"Two weeks and a book."

That's what John Pieplow would say (with a wink and a grin) if you asked him how he got started on the guitar. But watching him on stage, you'll come to discover it comes from pure passion and artistic ingenuity.

A regular headliner at the House of Blues on Sunset, John Pieplow has found the perfect mix of unique style and lyrical genius. Think of it as a blend of various musical influences including Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison, and John Lennon. It's this energetic style that keeps his audiences dancing through the night. In fact, quite a few fans know that the story of how it all began is just as entertaining!

John Pieplow had been performing at friends' parties years before, even prior to his move to California from New York City. But it was an event in Los Angeles just a few years back that started it all.

It was a birthday party, John recalls. He had casually picked up his guitar to entertain the crowd. A few weeks later, John got a call from a music promoter who seemed eager to book him for a show. The promoter claimed he was at the L.A. birthday party on a friend's invite, and he'd loved John’s impromptu performance. John instantly surmised it was a friend making a prank call. And he hung up.

Thankfully, the story didn't end there!

John soon got a band together and started playing shows at the Rainbow and The Mint. As his following grew, he switched to larger venues such as The Keyclub and the Viper Room. Within a matter of months, John Pieplow was opening for big national and international acts at premiere music venues in Los Angeles, Southern California, and New York.

Shows & Awards.

The band has opened for The English Beat and played the Home Depot Center, opening for the East West Tennis Classic (the pro women's tennis tournament). The band has also opened for "Rock Star Supernova"-winner Lucas Rossi and American Idol finalist Ryan Starr. In addition, it has played the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater twice, with Huey Lewis and the News, Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chris Botti.

John Pieplow has also opened for five-time Grammy-nominee Ambrosia at the 1500-seater El Rey Theater in Los Angeles and multi-Grammy and Oscar-winner Christopher Cross at the House of Blues on Sunset.

Most recently, John opened for Foreigner at the House of Blues venues in West Hollywood and Anaheim.

Sean Healy Presents, the leading music promoter/booker in Los Angeles, says, "It's the combination of John's velvety vocals, original lyrics and unique musical style which blends blues, jazz and pop sounds that draws the crowds."
Music awards won include "Album of the Year," "Best Alternative Band," and "Best Solo Artist" and a nomination for "Best Guitarist" by L.A.'s Rock City News. There were also nominations for "Outstanding Songwriting."

John completed his first album, "John Pieplow," with gold-record recipient and producer Kevin Valentine in Los Angeles. A "Holidays" EP has also been released. It includes John's original composition "It's Christmas." Crafted while John was living in Ireland, the song captures the delightful sights and sounds of Christmas Eve in the snow-covered city of Galway.

TV & Film.

John has also entered the film and television music world by writing and performing the music for the ABC prime-time show "Sons and Daughters," produced by Lorne Michaels.

In addition to his musical appeal, John's career as a film director of cult favorite "Strangeland" has earned him a dedicated following of fans. You can read more about John's directorial experience in RARWRITER.com's interview.