The Whales were formed by 4 friends in 1983 in Westerly, RI. They practiced for years in a woodshed and got their name from a guitar strap pin with a whale protesting, Save the Humans! They thrived in the ’80s  club scene of New London, CT making it their home away from home. Early recognition of their live shows is captured on the compilation albums The Towers of New London Vols. 1&2. They’re from Metro-Boston (Wayne Cobleigh), Los Angeles (Bill Dumas and Matt Jansky) and Connecticut (Tō Benoit and Jeremy Pongetti). Three years in the making, their 2025 double album, Last Stand for Now, is a mix of studio and live performances with guest musicians and friends. They explore climate change, right and wrong, when whales attack, cars break down, relationships break up, and public works fail. Recordings before Last Stand for Now include the single Buddy Lover, the albums, Whales Rock! and Fishbelly White, and EPs Dream and Again.

The Whales are influenced by the bands and folk-rock of the ’60s and they charged it with high energy ’80s post-punk/alternative rock into The Whales Sound.  Traditional blues and roots rock have influenced their instrumental and songwriting styles. They also play a changing variety of psychedelia, jam band, country rock and Americana styles. The Whales have fans around the US, Canada, France, Germany and the Czech Republic.  They’ve played with and opened for Rick Danko, Young Fresh Fellows, The Fleshtones, Jorma Kaukonen, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, The Reducers, and The Outlaws.  Recently, they’ve rocked out at outdoor venues and clubs in New England and NYC. Come see The Whales play live and check out their videos, including a 2023 HYG Art Screening Room crowd favorite, Right Whale’s Tale.