Dave Purcell is a songwriter, drummer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist who has led bands since the late 1980s, primarily in Cincinnati, but also in Chicago and Akron. Dave currently resides in Albuquerque and leads the band Radio Free ABQ, whose new album Destination will be released on November 1, 2024.
Dave’s best known band is Pike 27 which was together from 1999-2007 and then again from 2013-2019. Over 13 years and three records, the fiery Pike 27 – driven by Purcell’s songs that were equally influenced by alternative and roots music – garnered enthusiastic reviews and radio airplay, won regional music awards, opened for national acts (including Dave Alvin, Tim Easton, Chuck Prophet, Jason Ringenberg, Robbie Fulks, Vigilantes of Love), and earned a reputation as one of the region’s best live bands.
Desiring to write different types of songs, Purcell founded Ghost Man On Second, an instrumental quartet with the motto “soundtracks for the movies in your head.” Ghost Man quickly gained a following while drawing on a wider range of influences than Pike 27.