Born in Downey, CA, (home of “The Blasters”, “The Carpenters”, and James Hetfield of “Metallica,”) in an era of change. It’s funny how these Downey musicians would play a part in my life. The Vietnam War would be coming to an end, and the King of Rock n Roll would trade in his honorary crown for one of eternal glory. Music was always special to me as far back as I can remember and lucky for me I had parents that appreciated the gift of music as well.
We had always had a piano in our living room. My dad was an accomplished accordion player and would often sit at the piano and play chords and melodies. I loved the piano. I would climb up and sit on the bench, legs dangling, usually wearing nothing but underwear and a bath towel pinned around my neck for a cape. I would watch my dad and listen to the sounds.
I left Highschool at 16 years old and considered getting a degree in music. I began studying theory at my local community college but quickly realized I disliked reading notes on a page and all of the hours logged in the practice rooms were dedicated to working on Professor Longhair, Count Basie, Ray Charles, Pinetop Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. I appreciate the Classical and Romantic periods of piano music but the Blues was all I really wanted to play.
I bring an acoustic upright piano to every show I do. Digital keyboards are fine for 1980’s tribute bands but I am a blues man and nothing could ever replace the sound of an acoustic piano and hammers striking the strings. “Three chords and the truth” just doesn’t work for me if your foundation is a digital replica. I got pretty good at tuning and repairing so I guess as long as I am physically capable of moving pianos around, that’s what you will see me play.
I am very fortunate to have such long-lasting friendships with the guys in this band. I will forever be a student of music, never satisfied and always wanting to learn more.
Born and raised in Southern California, Scott Ramirez was surrounded by music from the very beginning. His mother was an avid singer in church choirs, instilling a love and appreciation for music at a very young age. Music ran deep throughout his family—his aunts and uncles performed professionally, holding residencies in Las Vegas during the 1960s. Their passion and dedication to performing left a lasting impression and played a major role in shaping Scott's own musical journey.
One of Scott's earliest memories dates back to when he was five years old at his grandparents' home. Late at night, he'd quietly follow his grandfather outside, hiding behind the clothes hanging on the line as he watched him sit beneath the stars with a bottle of Kessler whiskey, a cold beer, and a transistor radio playing the jazz and blues that would unknowingly shape Scott's future.
Those evenings sparked a lifelong passion for American roots music. Drawing inspiration from legendary saxophonists Lester Young, Lee Allen, Red Prysock, Bobby Keys, and Pete Christlieb, Scott developed a style rooted in blues, jazz, soul, and the early sounds of rock 'n' roll.
Today, Scott brings that lifelong passion and authentic sound to Rumble King, carrying with him the musical traditions passed down through generations of his family while honoring the artists who first inspired him.
Long before he ever picked up a bass, Ulysses Gallegos was immersed in the world of rockabilly. From his elementary school days, he embraced the greaser lifestyle, spending his youth with friends in the Southern California rockabilly scene, including the legendary P.C.R.S. outfit. Pompadours, classic cars, vintage music, and the culture became part of who he was.
In 1994, fate stepped in when Ulysses met Aaron Deily and Scott Ramirez, who were looking for a bass player to start a new band. There was just one catch—he had never played bass before.
Without hesitation, Ulysses bought his first upright bass and learned as he went, jumping headfirst into the band. What began as an unexpected opportunity quickly became a lifelong passion. Through dedication, grit, and an unmistakable stage presence, he grew into the heartbeat of Rumble King, anchoring the band's sound for more than 30 years.
Sometimes the best musicians aren't born into the role—they're thrown into it. Ulysses' story is proof that passion, perseverance, and a little bit of fate can create something extraordinary.
Damian "The Kid" Alvarez is the youngest member of Rumble King and the nephew of bassist Ulysses Gallegos. He started playing drums at just five years old and received his first drum kit that same year. Drawing inspiration from drummers like Stewart Copeland, as well as the sounds of The Police, Sonic Youth, and My Bloody Valentine, Damian developed a style that blends precision, power, and creativity.
Before joining Rumble King, Damian played with The Crymes, a band that was gaining momentum until the heartbreaking and unexpected loss of their lead singer brought everything to a halt.
As a teenager, Damian could often be found hanging around Rumble King's rehearsals, camera in hand, photographing the band. When an opening for a drummer came up in 2025, he auditioned and immediately proved he was the perfect fit. Since then, "The Kid" has brought youthful energy, explosive talent, and a fresh perspective to Rumble King's rhythm section.