California
AVENGED SEVENFOLD
The members of metalcore outfit Avenged Sevenfold (or A7X) were still attending high school in Huntington Beach, CA, when they formed their band in 1999. Nevertheless, it didn't take long for M. Shadows (vocals), Zacky Vengeance (guitar), Synyster Gates (guitar), the Reverend (drums), and Johnny Christ (bass) to make an impression with their aggressive hybrid of metal and punk-pop. The band made its official debut in July 2001, releasing Sounding the Seventh Trumpet on the Good Life label before moving to the Hopeless roster for 2003's Waking the Fallen. Warner Bros. took interest in the band's aggressive sound and issued its breakthrough release, City of Evil, in June 2005. The album reached number 30 on Billboard's Top 200, propelled in part by the Top Ten success of the single "Bat Country." The accompany music video was heavily rotated on MTV and Fuse, where live appearances also helped boost Avenged's growing profile, and the band ultimately won the Best New Artist Award (though they were hardly newcomers) at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards.
As demand for their music increased, Avenged Sevenfold canceled their tour dates for fall 2006 and decamped to Houston, TX, where they set to work on a fourth studio album. Boasting a grittier sound than previous releases, the self-titled/self-produced disc appeared in October 2007, debuting at number four on the Billboard Top 200 and spinning off the radio single "Almost Easy." The album also fared well in England, where three songs cracked the Top Five of the U.K. rock charts, and Avenged Sevenfold helped support the release by touring North America on the Taste of Chaos tour. Released in September 2008, the CD/DVD package Live in the LBC and Diamonds in the Rough captured the band during a tour stop in Long Beach.
Source: Christina Fuoco, All Music Guide
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KORN
Korn's cathartic alternative metal sound positioned the group among the most popular and provocative to emerge during the post-grunge era. Korn began their existence as the Bakersfield, CA-based metal band LAPD, which included guitarists James "Munky" Shaffer and Brian "Head" Welch, bassist Reginald "Fieldy Snuts" Arvizu, and drummer David Silveria. After issuing an LP, the members of LAPD in 1993 crossed paths with Jonathan Davis, a mortuary science student moonlighting as the lead vocalist for the local group Sexart. They soon asked Davis to join the band, and upon his arrival the quintet rechristened itself Korn.
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After signing to Epic's Immortal imprint, they issued their debut album in late 1994; thanks to a relentless tour schedule that included stints opening for Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeth, Marilyn Manson, and 311, the record slowly but steadily rose the charts, eventually going gold. Its 1996 follow-up, Life Is Peachy, was a more immediate smash, reaching the number three spot on the pop album charts. The following summer, they headlined Lollapalooza, but were forced to drop off the tour when Shaffer was diagnosed with viral meningitis. While recording their best-selling 1998 LP Follow the Leader, Korn made national headlines when a student in Zeeland, MI, was suspended for wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the group's logo (the school's principal later declared their music "indecent, vulgar, and obscene," prompting the band to issue a cease-and-desist order). Their annual Family Values tour also started in 1998, featuring a lineup that consisted of Korn collaborators such as Limp Bizkit and Ice Cube and likeminded artists such as Rammstein. The tour was an enormous success, so much so that it continued on with Korn overseeing the lineup for years after.
Issues followed in 1999, and in typical Korn fashion they debuted their new single in an episode of South Park. The band toured behind the album into the next year, but their efforts were cut short by an injury that took out drummer David Silveria. They hired former Faith No More drummer Mike Bordin to help them finish the remaining shows, and took a short rest before joining a summer tour with Metallica, Kid Rock, Powerman 5000, and System of a Down. (Silveria later returned amid rumors of leaving the band for a fashion career, but these stemmed from some modeling work he had done before his injury.) In the meantime, Fieldy released a gangsta rap album and Davis scored the film Queen of the Damned, but at the end of 2001 the band reunited as a unit and entered the studio. A few shows with Static-X helped iron the wrinkles out of the new material, and by the next summer they had Untouchables ready for release. Korn did a run of Ozzfest dates in support, and the album was another smash hit. The self-produced Take a Look in the Mirror arrived in 2003. Billed by the band as a reconsideration of their sound, the album was accompanied by a tour of smaller venues called "Back to Basics."
In 2005, Welch left the band, evidently due to his newfound Christian faith. But Korn continued, playing shows that summer as a quartet and signing an expansive recording and development deal with Virgin. The following December they released See You on the Other Side, a number three hit that featured a batch of songs co-written with hitmaking production team the Matrix. Live & Rare, an aptly titled disc of live recordings and rarities, was released in May 2006 with the live acoustic recording MTV Unplugged following in March 2007. Later that year, after returning to the studio, this time without drummer David Silveria, the band resurfaced with an underwhelming album appropriately named Untitled.
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Discography:
Source: Jason Ankeny & Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide; eNotes
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THE BEACH BOYS
The Beach Boys was mostly a family affair. The group was made up of brothers Carl, Brian and Dennis Wilson cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine. The Wilson brothers father had modest success in the music industry. Brian had learnt to play piano while watching his father, and he and his brothers practiced vocal harmonies to hits of the day.
Their first gig was supporting Ike and Tina Turner in 1961. The following year, they signed a deal with Capital Records. The group had originally called themselves The Pendletons, named after the shirts they wore. However, on their first release, someone in the promotions department had named them The Beach Boys, in keeping with the current trend for surf bands. Their early sound drew influences from artists such as Chuck Berry and Phil Spector.
From the early and wistful sounds of summer, Brian created an altogether different sound for the classic album "Pet Sounds". He had been inspired by The Beatles’ album "Rubber Soul" and set about making “the greatest rock album ever made”. Although the newer sound wasn’t popular with band members, singles "Wouldn’t It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows" soared into the top 10 in the US and UK.
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Brian’s health deteriorated, exacerbated by heavy drug use, and he became increasingly reclusive. However, he continued to make music. Perhaps his greatest work, "Good Vibrations" was a masterpiece in complexity with its multi-layered harmonies and innovative use of unusual instruments, Wilson calls it his “pocket symphony” and ranks highly in the music press as one of the best singles of all time, whilst the album Pet Sounds ranks as one of the greatest achievements of the band.
The Beach Boys without Brian continued to perform whilst he spent all his time in the studio, eventually loosing his mind. Several albums were produced during that time including Endless Summer and Holland both containing some great tracks. During this time Brian worked on a sol concept album, Smile which he kept locked away for forty years fearing critical failure, the album eventually being released in 2004.
Elton John fans will be aware that his 1974 hit "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me" featured The Beach Boys on vocals. Success was slim until 1988 had a No. 1 hit in the 80s with "Kokomo", a track from the film soundtrack to ‘Cocktail’.
The Beach Boys’ story is marred by tragedy. Dennis Wilson drowned in 1983 after succumbing to drug abuse. Brother Carl lost his battle with lung cancer in 1998.
Surviving members reunited for the 40th anniversary of the release of Pet Sounds: Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks.
Brian Wilson still tours, as do a watered down version of the Band.
Originally formed in Hawthorne, Calif., in 1961 as the Pendletones; name changed to the Beach Boys, 1961; original group consisted of Mike Love (full name, Michael Edward Love; born March 15, 1941, inlnglewood, Calif.) lead vocals and saxophone; Brian Wilson (born June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, Calif. ) on keyboards and bass as well as being the group's composer and producer (has not toured with group since late 1960s); Dennis Wilson (born December 4, 1944, in Inglewood, Calif.; died by drowning, December 1983) on drums; Carl Wilson (born December 21, 1946, in Inglewood, Calif. ) on guitar, and Al Jardine (born September 3, 1942, in Lima, Ohio) on rhythm guitar, since late 1960s Bruce Johnston has taken Brian Wilson's place on live tours and has recorded with the band; numerous other musicians have recorded and performed with the group; debuted as the Beach Boys with the single "Surfin'," December, 1961; gave first professional performance, New Year's Eve, 1961; made first U.S. concert tour, 1962; made first major European tour, 1964.
Awards: Named the world's top musical group in England's Melody Maker poll, 1966; named band of the year by Rolling Stone, 1975; inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, January 1988.
Addresses: Office—c/o CBS Records, 1801 Century Park W., Los Angeles, CA 90067.
A landmark year, 1963 saw the Beach Boys leap to national celebrity, their success far outstripping all expectations. As their popularity escalated, so did demand for live concerts, and the rising stars found themselves constantly on the road. After several years, Brian, the group's main composer, decided to stop touring; while he stayed home to create new material for the group, Bruce Johnston replaced him live. By the end of 1964, the Beach Boys had recorded six albums for Capitol. Their future looked promising, and in the middle sixties the group assured their star status with hits that included such favorites as "Fun, Fun, Fun," "I Get Around," "Help Me, Rhonda," "California Girls," and "Barbara Ann."
Impressively, the Beach Boys were one of only a handful of American acts to survive the British Invasion of 1964 that was spearheaded by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Their music not only tapped into the surfing mania and the subsequent car craze, but it had also unfolded as a creative new sound distinguished by pure, joyous harmonies. In 1966 the group released their most sophisticated and successful song until that time, "Good Vibrations." By the end of the year polls were showing them to be the most popular group around, surpassing even the Beatles.
Nineteen sixty-six had also seen the release of their extraordinary Pet Sounds album, an unusual, innovative recording that critics acclaimed as one of the most brilliant in the annals of popular music. A departure from the Beach Boys' traditional fun in the sun themes, Pet Sounds employed extraordinary production techniques to help present an emotional exploration of the various states of mind experienced on the way to maturity. Perhaps too sophisticated for the typical Beach Boy fan of the day, Brian's brainchild album fared better with the critics than with the average audience.
Before 1967 was half over, many people believed the Beach Boys were washed up. They had issued no new recordings for months and there was evidence of turmoil in the stars' personal lives as well as rumors of divisiveness within the group. In addition, their long-awaited Smile album, expected to be Brian's master-piece, was scrapped (a few recovered cuts appeared on Smiley Smile, issued in lieu of the original). In retrospect, however, it appears that the Beach Boys' careers were only in remission. After their obscurity during the late 1960s, they made a successful European showing in 1970, reclaimed status in the United States the following year, and hit another peak when their 1974 album Endless Summer went double platinum. In 1975 Rolling Stone magazine named the Beach Boys band of the year.
Although the Beach Boys in fact never quite regained the adulation they commanded during their heyday, the musicians have succeeded in remaining among the most popular, and most versatile, live entertainers in the business. They have survived not only extraordinary changes in popular music, but strife amongst themselves and their changing membership as well, including the 1983 death of Dennis Wilson. Woes notwithstanding, the group has continued to find itself in demand throughout the 1980s—albeit as "oldies" entertainment—and in recognition of their achievement, the members of the original Beach Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
Beloved by fans around the world, the Beach Boys, according to Timothy White in the New York Times, are regarded by many music lovers as "the most successful musical group in American history." Trying to sum up the reasons for the group's appeal, White suggested that "The Wilsons' happy myth of an untrammeled life of endless summers struck a chord in American suburbia in a way no other popular musicians had done. The essence of the American Dream is the belief that anyone can escape the limits and sorrows of his background by reinventing himself. . . . The Beach Boys themselves embodied and celebrated that dream."
Albums (For Capitol, except as noted):
Surfin'Safari, 1962.
Surfin' U.S.A., 1963.
Surfer Girl, 1963.
Little Deuce Coupe, 1963.
Shut Down (two songs), 1963.
Shut Down, Volume 2, 1964.
All Summer Long, 1964.
Christmas Album, 1964.
Beach Boys Concert, 1964.
Beach Boys Today, 1965.
Summer Days (and Summer Nights), 1965.
Beach Boys Party, 1965.
Pet Sounds, 1966.
Smiley Smile, Brother, 1967.
Wild Honey, 1967.
Friends, 1968.
20/20, 1969.
Sunflower, Reprise, 1970.
Surf's Up, Reprise, 1971.
Carl and the Passions: So Tough, Reprise, 1972.
Holland, Reprise, 1973.
Beach Boys in Concert, Reprise, 1973.
Live in London, 1976.
Fifteen Big Ones, Reprise, 1976.
Beach Boys Love You, Reprise, 1977.
MIU, Reprise, 1978.
LA. (Light Album), Caribou, 1979.
Keepin' the Summer Alive, Caribou, 1980.
The Beach Boys, CBS, 1985.
The True to Your School.
California Girls.
That's why god Made the Radio
Also released numerous anthologies, including Sesf of the Beach Boys, 1966, Volume 2, 1967, Endless Summer, 1974, Spirit of America, 1975, Stack of Tracks, 1976, Ten Years of Harmony, 1985, and Golden Harmonies, 1986.;
Source: Enotes.com
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THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
The Doobie Brothers were one of the most popular Californian pop/rock bands of the 70s, providing mellow-post hippie music to the massive since their formation in 1969.
The band, named after a marijuana joint, formed after the collapse of country-rock band Pud. Previous band members, guitarist/vocalist Tom Johnstone and drummer John Hartman began jamming with guitarist Patrick Simmons and bassist Dave Shogren, eventually forming to perform as The Doobie Brothers. They played around Southern California, earning a large following aswell as a record deal with Warner Bros in 1971. The band’s debut followed, although had little success. Following this, Shogren was replaced by Tiran Porter and the group added a second drummer, Michael Hossack, for 1972’s ‘Toulouse Street’. This release became the group’s breakthrough, following a number of smash hit singles such as ‘China Road’ and ‘Long Train Runnin’
Keith Knudsen replaced Hossack as the group’s second drummer for 1974’s ‘What Were Onces Vices Are Now Habits’, which gave way to their first number one single; ‘Black Water’. Johnstone was hospitalized was replaced for the supporting tour by Michael McDonald. The next album ‘Stampede’ wasn’t as successful as its predecessors, and the band chose to revamp their light country-rock and boogie. This new sound was flaunted with their 1976 release ‘Takin It to the Streets’, showcasing a new funk and jazzy-pop sound. This new sound landed the band a platinum album, which lead them to release a best of album later that year.
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Johnstone departed the band to pursue a solo career, and following this The Doobies released their most successful album to date, ‘Minute by Minute’, which spent five weeks at number one in 1978. Hartman and Baxter left the group after the album's supporting tour, leaving The Doobie Brothers as McDonald's backing band. New members were hired, and the band landed themselves another platinum album ‘One Step Closer’.
The Doobie Brothers announced their split on their 1983 live album, ‘Farewell Tour’, however a 70’s reunion tour followed in the 90s.
The Doobie Brothers formed in 1969, with members Tom Johnston (vocals, guitar), John Hartman (drums), and Dave Shogren (bass); Patrick Simmons (vocals, guitar) joined in 1970. Tiran Porter replaced Shogren, 1971; Michael Hossack (drums) joined in 1971, replaced in 1973 by Keith Knudsen. Jeff Baxter (guitar) joined in 1974; Michael McDonald (keyboards, vocals, songwriting) joined in 1975.
Chet McCracken replaced Hartman, 1980; Cornelius Bumpus (horns) and John McFee (strings) joined, 1980. Group disbanded after "Farewell Tour," 1982; a reunited Doobie Brothers band was formed in 1987, including Simmons, Johnston, Hartman, Porter, and Hossack, with Bobby LaKind on percussion.
Group signed with Warner Bros., 1971, had first platinum album, Toulouse Street, and charted singles, "Listen to the Music" and "Jesus Is Just Alright," 1972. Reunited Doobie Brothers signed with Capitol Records, 1988, released album Cycles, 1989.
Awards: Named best rock group of the year, 1976, based on public voting for CBS-TV's "People's Command Performance"; Grammy Awards for record of the year, song of the year, best arrangement accompanying vocalists, and best pop vocal performance by a duo, group or chorus, all 1979, all for Minute by Minute.
Albums:
The Doobie Brothers, Warner Bros., 1971.
Toulose Street, Warner Bros., 1972.
The Captain and Me, Warner Bros., 1973.
What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits, Warner Bros., 1974.
Stampede, Warner Bros., 1975.
Takin' It to the Streets, Warner Bros., 1976.
Livin' on the Fault Line, Warner Bros., 1977.
Minute by Minute, Warner Bros., 1978.
One Step Closer, Warner Bros., 1980.
Cycles, Warner Bros., 1989.
Brotherhood, Capitol, 1991.
Sibling Rivalry, Rhino, 2000.
World Gone Crazy, HOR Records, 2010.
Sources: Carly Page; Anne Janette Johnson
This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com
