Jon Caspi & The First Gun are a multi-genre band, from heartland rock to punk, indie, Americana, anthem, and even folk...they do it all.
Caspi has been a longstanding figure in the NJ indie, singer/songwriter, alternative and punk scenes. In the late 80’s he fronted the new wave band Bouncing Off Bob, which charted on the national college radio CMJ Top 100. He started as a solo artist in the early 2000’s with the release of three albums, which received national radio play and one was converted into a musical theater production with sold out shows. His song This Town, about the town of Keyport, NJ, became a town “hit” resulting in the local diner naming a sandwich after him, called “The Caspi Special.”
In 2011, Caspi started revisiting his punk and American anthem roots with his band Jon Caspi & The First Gun. One of the band's major achievements came in the form of a barroom, hooligan, singalong and fan favorite, Raise ‘Em High! This song has become a cult hit in his home state of New Jersey. Legendary WFMU DJ, Jonesey, has selected this tune as his official 2pm toast song which has increased the band’s fanbase and is at the center of a large Facebook group. In 2022, they recorded a new version of the song with Jonesey listener and NYC music icon, Jesse Malin (D Generation), who sings on the track. Dez Cadena (Black Flag, Misfits), who was a member of The First Gun from 2017-2022 is also featured on the track. The band’s label, Fake Chapter Records, released the track on streaming platforms and on vinyl. A local brewery also released a beer, inspired by the track and called Raise Em High! The mayor of Aberdeen, NJ signed a proclamation making it the official beer of Aberdeen Day. The band has collaborated with other notable artists including Richard Holgarth (Eddie & The Hotrods, John Otway) and Pete Steinkopf (Bouncing Souls). A full-lenth is planned for late 2024/early 2025.
A compelling live artist and storyteller, Caspi, performs both with band and solo acoustic and has shared the stage with acts such as Bruce Springsteen, The Psychedelic Furs, The Gaslight Anthem, Glenn Tillbrook (Squeeze), The Smithereens, ~X~, Dramarama, Willie Nile, Jeffrey Gaines, Jesse Malin, The Dickies, Adolescents, The Wallflowers, & many more.
