The Blackfires are a hard-rock band that thrives on the live stage. The band originated in New York City, but members hail from Russia, Costa Rica, Uruguay, the UK, and exotic New Jersey, which has earned them the nickname “The United Nations of Rock.”

After only a few years together, they have managed to perform with some of the biggest names in rock, including Europe, Skid Row, Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham, Thin Lizzy/Black Star Riders, Whitford/St. Holmes, Dizzy Reed, Frank Ferrer, and most notably some time on the Moscow stadium circuit: with Aerosmith at the Olympic Stadium, and more recently Bon Jovi at the Luzhniki Stadium in front of 90,000.

Leading the band is Muscovite Andrey “Cheggi” Chegodaev with a voice and onstage antics that are immediately recognizable and captivating. Plant, Gillan, and Jon Bon Jovi all come to mind but Cheggi’s vocal stylings have proved strikingly unique. As Glenn Hughes once commented “you sound like a girl…in a good way” referring to Cheggi’s wide vocal range.

On guitar is Englishman Anthony Mullin, who’s jammed with the likes of Brad Whitford, Joe Perry, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, & Orianthi, to name a few. His rhythm playing is notable, however it’s his scorching blues-based lead improvisation which really draws the listener in and provides the perfect accompaniment to Chegodaev.

Also on guitar, The Blackfires boast Costa Rican rocker Hector Marin who employs his classical guitar training and rock n’ roll passion to deliver intricate leads and rhythms that tastefully enhance each song. Onstage you can hear and feel his “take no prisoners” attitude when performing the music.

Uruguayan Grasebo Doe is a rock-solid rock bass player, with the energy of a raging bull onstage, and a thunderous sound that demands attention. This is NOT your typical bass player who stands in the corner during a show.

Lastly, American Joe Mitch is the secret weapon in The Blackfires’ arsenal. Aside from delivering consistent and crushing rhythms on the drums, he also sings, adding vocal harmonies that complete the sound of The Blackfires.