After decades spent raising families, building careers and cheering on the next generation, the members of Pelham Blue found their way back to the music that first shaped them. What began as separate journeys through church groups and local bands in their younger years ultimately converged in Prescott, where a shared love of ‘90s and early 2000s pop-punk-rock sparked something new. Nearly three years later, Pelham Blue has become a high-energy local favorite, blending nostalgia, passion and seasoned musicianship into performances that celebrate both where they’ve been and the joy of starting again.
Prescott NOW: How long have you been playing together?
Pelham blue: We’ve been playing together for almost three years now. We were all once musicians in our 20s and 30s playing for different bands and in church groups. One day after 30 years raising family, children and grandchildren, we all decided that it was time to start playing music again. That’s when our paths crossed in Prescott and Pelham Blue was born.
Prescott NOW: What’s the story behind your band’s name?
Pelham blue: Our band name Pelham Blue was inspired by the Foo Fighter’s frontman Dave Grohl’s Gibson ES-335 unique Pelham Blue color. Their music is something that represents who we are and what we love.
Prescott NOW: how do you connect with your audience during a show?
Pelham blue: We connect with our audience by playing with energy and enthusiasm, playing hits as the audience remembers them and to the best of our abilities, and engaging with the audience to make them feel like they’re part of the experience.
Prescott NOW: How would you describe your sound?
Pelham blue: Our sound is a mix of pop-punk-rock from the ‘90s and early 2000s. Think Foo Fighters, Green Day, Blink-182, Pearl Jam, Nirvana and a variety of other bands that represent the best pop-punk-rock from these decades.
Prescott NOW: What is the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Pelham blue: The most memorable moment was when we played the Prescott Summer Concert back in 2023. We were barely ready to play a large stage, but we took the chance and had an amazing time in front of a large audience at the Courthouse Plaza in Prescott. It reminded us why we love doing what we do, and it put us on the local bands’ map.
Prescott NOW: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Pelham blue: be patient. The best is yet to come!
Prescott NOW: What motivates your band to perform?
Pelham blue: We’re motivated by the connection we feel with our audience, the love of creating music and the joy of performing together as a band. It’s an incredible feeling to share our passion with others.
Prescott NOW: What brought you to Prescott?
Pelham blue: We are all transplants from somewhere else in the world to Prescott and Prescott Valley. And this community has been home to all of us for 20-plus years. It’s a place that certainly feels like home and inspires us and our families.
