The Cosmic Sled is SONIC JOYRIDE's one of a kind, custom welded tour bus. With a retractable stage on the roof, a 10,000 watt "surround sound" sound system, giant rear projection video screens, a full lighting system, and a 16 track digital recording studio all powered by a self-contained generator, The Cosmic Sled has become one of the most recognized vehicles in America. The Sled, as the band calls it, has not always been the gleaming, high-tech vehicle that traversed the U.S. three times in the last two years. It's current appearance and design is courtesy of our friends at Diprizio's GMC in Middleton, NH. Unfortunately, its first several incarnations were not well documented. When the band first bought the Sled for $2,800 it had recently been retired from the Oyster River School district in New Hampshire.

   

  This version of the Cosmic Sled was done entirely by the band. Stuck in the New Hampshire snow (left). In pristine condition after a summer of hard work in 1995 (right). Note the platform on the back. This is the original stage. Sonic Joyride would set a sound system up on the ground, lug their equipment up onto the roof, and give free shows. An idea is born!

   

  The Sled first entering "dry dock" at Diprizio's (on left). The sled looking tired and road-weary after two years of hard touring (right).

   

  The Cosmic Sled partially painted (on left). The Sled during the welding stage (right). The design and welding were done by Rick Wheeler at Diprizio's GMC.

   

  Ta daaa! The large box on top is the fully retracted stage, with lights and equipment mounted inside. The lid of the box is raised by a pulley system driven by a detachable winch. Note the small boxes in front and behind the stage, these house the video projectors. Not shown are the pop-up, laser-guided twin bazookas to take care of those occassional annoying drivers.

   

  The Cosmic Sled as she is today. Testing out the new rig at Diprizio's GMC (left), and playing at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Ohio (right).

  Wanna take a peek inside? Click on the flickering video screen below to take a video tour of the Cosmic Sled.

  Need the Realplayer plug-in? You can download a free copy by following the link below: