Jon Caspi is a multi-genre artist that can't seem to pick a musical lane. Or, what some call "career suicide." From heartland rock to punk, indie, Americana, anthem, folk...he does it all, both solo acoustic and with his band Jon Caspi & The First Gun.

Jon Caspi has been a longstanding figure in the indie, alternative and punk scenes. He fronted Bouncing Off Bob in the 80s, appearing on the national college Top 100 charts. In 2005, he actively returned to music, releasing 3 albums before revisiting his punk and American anthem roots with Jon Caspi & The First Gun, with Jimmie Mizell (drums), Doug Lane (bass), Pete Jager (guitar), Bob Bailey-Lemansky (keys) and sometimes member Dez Cadena (guitar).

His song This Town, about the town of Keyport, NJ, became a town “hit” resulting in the local diner naming a sandwich after him, called “The caspi Special.” In 2011, Caspi started revisiting his punk and American anthem roots with his band Jon Caspi & The First Gun. One of the band's major achievements came in the form of a barroom, hooligan, singalong and fan favorite, Raise ‘Em High!  This song has become a cult hit in his home state of New Jersey. Legendary WFMU DJ, Jonesey, has selected this tune as his official 2pm toast song which has increased the band’s fanbase and is at the center of a large Facebook group where over 1500 folks post selfies of themselves toasting each other to the song each week. In 2022, they recorded a new version of the song with Jonesey listener and NYC music icon, Jesse Malin (D Generation), who sings on the track. The band’s label, Fake Chapter Records, released the track on streaming platforms in Sept 2022 and on vinyl in March 2023. Starting in September of 2022, Alternate Ending Beer Co. releases a beer annually, inspired by the track and called Raise Em High! The mayor of Aberdeen, NJ signed a proclamation making it the official beer of Aberdeen Day. Also of note is that Dez Cadena (Black Flag/Misfits) was a member of the band from 2016-2021. Other collaborators include Richard Holgarth (Eddie & The Hotrods, John Otway), and Pete Steinkopf (Bouncing Souls), and others TBA soon.

A compelling live performer and storyteller, Caspi has shared the stage with acts such as Bruce Springsteen, The Psychedelic Furs, The Gaslight Anthem, Glenn Tillbrook (Squeeze), The Smithereens, ~X~, Dramarama, Willie Nile, Jeffrey Gaines, Jesse Malin, The Dickies, Adolescents, The Wallflowers, & many more.

Linktr.ee/thefirstgun

FakeChapter.com/Caspi

Left to Right: Bob Bailely-Lemansky, Pete Jager, Jon Caspi, Dez Cadena

Jimmie Mizell