Bad Livers is a bluegrass and country trio active from 1990 to 2000. Formed in Austin, Texas, around Danny Barnes (vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin, accordion), the band is completed by Mark Rubin (double bass, tuba) and Ralph White (fiddle, accordion). Inspired by alternative country with punk influences, the trio fuses these genres with traditional bluegrass, closer to folk. During its existence, Bad Livers recorded six original albums, starting with Delusions of Banjer (1992), released on Quarterstick Records and produced by Paul Leary of Butthole Surfers. After Horses in the Mines (1994) and White's departure, Barnes and Rubin continued as a duo on Hogs on the Highway (1997), Industry and Thrift (1998), The Ridgetop Sessions (2000) and Blood & Mood (2000). Although they have not officially separated since, Bad Livers have appeared in concert over the following two decades. Their influence is recognized in bluegrass-oriented bands and in the style that takes them back to the roots of American popular music.
