Midnight Rivals were founded in 2009. Drummer Mark Maigaard previously played with Louis XIV and Convoy, guitarist Morgan Smith came from the Front, bassist Pete Reichert -- aka Petey X -- was in Rocket from the Crypt, while singer Charlie Ware and guitarist Mike Santos came from the now defunct Lucy’s Fur Coat. Santos was later replaced by Daniel Crawford (Blackout Party).
They were nominated Best New Artist at the 2010 San Diego Music Awards. Their debut record Nitty Gritty was produced by Brian Karscig (formerly of Louis XIV, currently with the Nervous Wreckords).
Their Hanging Around EP, released in late 2012, was recorded in San Diego and produced by Daniel Crawford. Tracks include “Hanging Around,” “A Little More Gas,” “Don’ Want to Lose Again,” “Rock & Roll Suicide,” and two new remix tracks, “Keef’s Revenge” and “Second Kick of a Mule.”