Dead Hot Workshop

**Dead Hot Workshop** was an alt-country/rock band that lit up the Tempe, Arizona music scene in the early ’90s with their gritty, Southwestern-tinged sound. Formed by singer-guitarists Brent Babb and Steve Larson, the band blended twangy storytelling, rock energy, and desert vibes, earning them a reputation as local legends. Their 1994 debut *1001* became a cult favorite, while later releases like *River Otis* (1996) and *White House* (1998) cemented their knack for crafting dusty anthems and introspective ballads.

Known for rowdy live shows and a DIY spirit, Dead Hot Workshop rode the line between rootsy authenticity and rock rebellion, sharing stages with acts like the Gin Blossoms and feeding Arizona’s thriving ’90s alt-rock scene. After disbanding in the early 2000s, they reunited sporadically, delighting fans with releases like *Old Favorites & New Ones Too* (2016), a mix of reimagined tracks and fresh material. Though never a mainstream breakout, their music remains a time capsule of Tempe’s creative heyday.