The X Brothers - A Brief Bio
Personnel:
Joe Bouchard – Guitar, Vocals, Piano and Producer
Andy Hilfiger – Bass Guitar, Guitar and Vocals
Jim Cacala – Drums and Vocals

Their latest CD, Beyond the Valley of the X, is now available on AHE records.

Joe Bouchard started his professional career as a founding member of rock legends Blue Öyster Cult. He joined that group in 1970 and was their bass player and a creative force in the band for 16 years. After 11 gold and platinum records for Columbia, he left BÖC in 1986 to pursue other goals.
 The X Brothers were formed in 1988. Originally called The Cult Brothers, the group started as a four piece group with brothers Billy and Andy Hilfiger, on guitar and bass, respectively, and Jim Cacala on drums. As the Cult Brothers they toured all over the U.S. from Maine to Florida, Texas to Montana. Due to a legal dispute with Blue Oyster Cult, The Cult Brothers changed their name to the X Brothers and in 1998 released a successful CD entitled Solid Citizens. Right after the release of the CD, brother Billy was found to have a brain tumor.
 For the next four years, even though their schedule was cut back drastically, the group continued to play shows with Billy including several in upstate New York. Andy played several shows with Kid Rock as his bassist which included a worldwide appearance on the VH1 Fashion Awards. Joe recorded a CD with Alice Cooper alums, Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith. Jimmy Cacala performed as a lead singer in an upstate hardcore band called the Bowery Boys.
 Unfortunately, in 2001 Billy passed away due to his cancer. The band and large numbers of Billy's friends came together for a star studded concert at Don Hills in NYC honoring their fallen brother. It was a touching moment. On the Fourth of July, 2002 the X Brothers played their first show without brother Billy at an outdoor fireworks show in Elmira NY. The show was attended by over 5000 people and was a smashing success. The X decided that they could and should continue to play together, but now as a trio.
 In summer 2002 other shows were added to the schedule including very intense shows in Cleveland and Pittsburgh. They recently played CBGBs in NYC at a benefit to help the Rescue Dogs of 9-11. With over 20 other bands on the bill, the X Brothers brought down the house with their high energy performance. Since 2002 the X Brothers have continued to perform at clubs and private parties.
 In December on 2005, the band started rehearsals for their second studio CD, entitled Beyond the Valley of the X. Basic tracks were recorded by Mike Messier at Acme Recording in Mamaroneck NY. This studio was chosen for their fabulous drum tones, that are apparent on the Spin doctors multi-platinum recording Pocketful of Kryptonite which was recorded at that same studio. This CD produced by Joe Bouchard contains 14 songs, seven new originals and seven cover songs.