Ax and The Hatchetmen

A new sensation in modern rock, the band Ax and the Hatchetmen will play their first ever French concert on 9 May 2027 in Paris on the stage of La Bellevilloise.

Since their formation in 2018, Chicago-born Ax and the Hatchetmen have evolved from a tight-knit group of music school friends into one of modern rock's most electrifying young bands.

Fronted by guitarist and vocalist Axel Ellis, alongside Sal Defilippis on guitar, Hunter Olshefke on bass, Chaandmon Crofton on drums, Phil Pistone on trumpet and Quinn Dolan on saxophone, the band formed while its members were studying jazz at university.

But while their musical training is classical, the band's sound is anything but conventional. A free-flowing, unbridled fusion of rock, soul, funk and pop that channels the timeless energy of their eclectic influences into something entirely their own.

This chemistry – and live shows designed to leave a lasting impression – has taken Ax and the Hatchetmen from crowded hometown venues to sold-out headline tours, and onto the stages of Lollapalooza, that Chicago institution they once gazed at with starry eyes.

Along the way, they have released a live album, signed with Arista Records and built an impressive catalogue of tracks, the high point of which is the band's debut album, So Much To Tell You. Released in 2025 and produced by Jake Sinclair (Panic!

At The Disco, Weezer), the project features the standout hit "Hotel Room" and "Blurry Lights", featuring Albert Hammond Jr. of the Strokes. Alongside this, Ellis has expanded his creative universe by landing a leading role in the Amazon Prime series "The Runarounds".