The Cosmic American Derelicts call Bergenfield New Jersey their home and were founded in the spring of 1998.  Over the next 25 years the Derelicts have written and released 6 albums and have performed on some of the world's most famous stages, traveling throughout the US and UK. A true rock and roll band in every sense, the Derelict's brand of music ranges from honky-tonk/country-bluegrass to heavy blues and r&b, as well as some forays into psychedelia/acid rock, folk, funk and reggea/ska.  The Cosmic American Derelicts have always been an independant band, never following trends or fashions, just living and breathing rock and roll, wearing their influences proudly on their sleeve and carrying on the musical traditions of their forefathers. 

  The Cosmic Americans Derelicts band members are: 2023

Co-founding Member, Bandleader & Producer-George Kapitanellis- Fender Bass, Acoustic Bass, Songwriter/Arranger

Eddie Rainey-Guitar, Mandolin, Lap Steel, Slide Guitar, Dobro, Drums/Percussion and Vocals

Sotiri Karlis-Drums

Scott Lauro-Guitar/Banjo/Lap Bender, Vocals/Songwriter- Our longest tenured singer (16 years-2006)

Danny Pavas-Guitar, Songwriter, Guitar & Vocals 

Nick Reeb Fiddle-Vocals

Rob Clores- Acoustic & Electric Piano/Hammond Organ & Synths

The Derelicts never forget their roots, and former members regularly sit in from time to time at their live shows and on albums as well.

Original Derelict Drummer Overdose Galinos Kapitanelis

Original Derelict Joe Wilkinson-Guitar/Songwriter/Vocals

Co-founding member Mike Corr-Guitar/Songwriter/Vocals

Co-founding member Brian Murray-Singer/Songwriter, Rhythm Guitars

George, Mike and Brian formed the band whilst hanging in a bar over a few beers back in the early spring of '98. The original band also consisted of Joe Wilkinson, Overdose Galinos, and Sotiri Karlis on congas. Eddie joined in on the third gig, (Aug '98). Mike, Galinos, and Joe W, all split by the end of '98. Leaving the band a four piece. They then proceeded to record their self-titled debut album spring April 2000, and released in Dec 2000. In July of 2001 Brian split and Joe Wilkinson joined back up with the boys to help them fulfill their gigging obligations and also added a few songs to the Derelicts second album the Product '05. Joe performed with them on and off until 2005, when he moved to the west coast. Joe still sits in with the band from time to time and will be adding his talent to the Derelict's upcoming sixth album, Bergenfield's Blues due out in the spring of 2023. 

  In that same time period we also had a very talented Jamaican singer sitting in with us, Latoya Williams, sang with us, on and off for about 3 years, and Bergenfield native Danny Pavas also joined for a short while in that same time frame, 2003-05. Although their time in the band was short lived, the new version of the Derelicts managed to carve out a new sound which leaned toward an r&b, funk, and soul sound and featured Latoya on their second album, The Product-2005, was compromised of two instrumentals, three George/Latoya songs and three Joe Wilkinson songs giving the Product a southern rock/soul vibe.

  In the early winter of 2006 current singer/songwriter Scott Lauro joined the band and helped them write their next four albums, Songs From The Homestead-2008 and Whiskey & Blood-2016, The Twain Shall Meet February 2022, Bergenfield Blues May 2023.

   In the summer of 2020 legendary audio guru/mastering engineer Barry Diament approached us to see if we would be inclined to create a partnership with his label SoundKeeper Recordings, to commit to creating 2 new albums of original acoustic music. After a few very encouraging conversations we have decided to take the plunge and signed on with SKR for another musical adventure. We are very excited to be partnering with such a fantastic label. Barry is a true craftsman in his work and we are really looking forward to working, creating and laughing with Barry. Our 5th album The Twain Shall Meet was produced/recorded/mixed by Barry Diament and was released on Feb 1st 2022.

 The Derelicts have completed their 6th album Bergenfield Blues, May 2023. The album written by George with contributions from Joe Wilkinson and Brian Murray, features current and former band members as well as their good friend Terry Reid singing and playing guitar on 5 songs. 

  The Derelicts are currently working on new material for their next album and booking gigs for 2023 and beyond.  

   As long as we can draw breath, we will continue to spread the gospel of rock to all who will listen...So buy an album and start your musical trip.

For bookings contact George at     Tcad69@gmail.com