Hayvyn are back with new line-up including former 21st Century Goliath guitarist Kip Wilson

Hayvyn are back with new line-up including former 21st Century Goliath guitarist Kip Wilson

North Carolina hard rockers Hayvyn are back with a revamped line-up that consists of band founder / lead vocalist Con Jon, band manager / bassist Tommy Elfont, along with newcomers, ex-Last Call Messiahs drummer Dee Williams and former 21st Century Goliath and Pröwess guitarist Kip Wilson.

Speaking exclusively to Sleaze Roxx, Wilson and Elfont spoke about the return of Hayvyn.

In terms of Hayvyn‘s history, Elfont stated: “Hayvyn was created by the eye candy, frontman, and visionary of the band Con Jon. The band started out playing smaller battle of the bands and house shows in the early days. There was a resurgence in the last few years after some local musicians and friend of Con‘s heard some demos and he and those guys decided to start back up with them playing local bars and venues. Between opening for a few national acts in the last few years, such as Queensrÿche and Danger Danger, and a local demand for glam — I see a future song title here [laughs] — has really lit a fire under our asses and has helped us realize that Hayvyn really has some serious potential.”

Sleaze Roxx readers may be familiar with Wilson given that his former bands, 21st Century Goliath and Pröwess, have received regular coverage on the Sleaze Roxx website. 21st Century Goliath‘s debut album Radio Destroyer (which Wilson did not play on) finished #7 on the Sleaze Roxx’s Top Ten Album of 2012. Wilson played on 21st Century Goliath‘s Back With A Vengeance (2014) and Pröwess‘ Headfirst EP (2016). In terms of how Wilson ended up joining Hayvyn, the guitarist stated: “I was approached by Tom after I left my previous band about taking over their lead guitar spot and I immediately said yes. I’ve known Connor and Tom for years and shared the stage with them as well. It was a perfect fit for me.”

With respect to where the band name Hayvyn originates from, Elfont advised: “The band name follows the idea that the band is a haven for rock n roll and partying, and changed the spelling to Hayvyn because it looks cooler on a logo. Over the years, catchphrases like “Hayvyn a good time” or “Cravin’ some Hayvyn” have been used by the band and friends, which is always a rad reminder that the band name is the perfect fit for our music and the type of show we put on.”

In regard to Hayvyn‘s future plans, Elfont stated: “The future of Hayvyn? Well, we have our comeback show June 16th at The Maywood in Raleigh, North Carolina with Kickin Valentina. It’ll be the first time we have played out since August of last year, and we will be putting this lineup through its paces. Our practices have been awesome and I believe this is by far the best sounding line-up and most creative collaborative group effort to date. Dee Williams, formerly of Appetite For Destruction and many other bands over the years, is stepping in on drums at the same time as Kip is joining the band. Along with pounding the skins, he’s got a set of killer pipes and really nails vocal harmonies well. I’m moving from guitar to bass and Kip is taking my place as lead guitar… so basically a full line-up change! After our show in June, we will be focusing on getting some recordings and songwriting done while getting in some shows under our belt. So if you’re “hayvyn” a cravin’ for rock n roll in the form of something like KISS, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Hayvyn will be happy to provide a good time!”

Hayvyn playing “Hellfire” at The Maywood in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA on August 20, 2016:

Hayvyn “Hellfire” at The Maywood in Raleigh, NC on August 20, 2016

Hayvyn at The Maywood in Raleigh, NC on August 20, 2016