Pete Francis | |
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![]() Pete Francis performing with Dispatch in Germany, Hamburg, 2012 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Pete Francis Heimbold |
Also known as | Pete Francis, RePete |
Born | (1975-08-01) August 1, 1975 (age 48) |
Genres | Folk rock, Rock |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instrument(s) | Guitar, Keyboards, Bass |
Years active | 1994–present |
Labels | Dragon Crest Collective, Noble Steed Music |
Website | Official Pete Francis website |
Pete Francis Heimbold (August 1, 1975) is a founding member of the alternative roots band Dispatch.[1][2] Since departing the group in 2019, he has established himself as a producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist,[3] mental health advocate,[4] and educator.[5] His latest solo release is PTRN SKY! (out May 12, 2023 on Noble Steed Music).[6]
Francis grew up in Riverside, Connecticut, the youngest of four children, and drew early influence from the likes of Van Morrison, Cat Stevens, Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell, and Miles Davis.[7]As a student at Middlebury College in Vermont, Francis formed a band with guitarist/bassist/songwriter Chad Urmston and drummer Brad Corrigan. Originally called One Fell Swoop, the group soon changed its name to Dispatch[8] and would go on to sell more than 700,000 albums,[9] sell out New York's Madison Square Garden five times[10] and Boston's TD Garden three times, and become the first group to sell out New Jersey's Red Bull Arena.[11] On July 31, 2004, the band drew more than 100,000 people to Boston's Hatch Memorial Shell.[12]
Francis recorded several solo albums on the side during his years with Dispatch, and in 2023, he announced his first collection since departing the group, PTRN SKY![13] In Spring 2024, Francis announced the release of Neon Light Blind on reggae imprint Dubshot Records via ADA/Warner Music. [14] The songs on the project were co-written with Grant Michaels (Weezer, Sia, Banners), and take influence from reggae and soul standards that have always been a part of Pete’s musical identity. [15]
In addition to his work as a musician, Francis has also taught songwriting at Middlebury College[16] and collaborated with his wife, the visual artist Katie Heimbold, to launch the Dragoncrest Collective, a community organization that seeks to bring artists and art-lovers together through a series of live, interactive shows and events.[17]
He currently lives in Connecticut.[18]
For discography of Dispatch, see Dispatch Discography
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