Opening Act

• Hall of Fame
• RockinDirectory
• RockinSearch
• RockinTrivia
• RockinForum

Rock in Time

• 1950's
• 1960's
• 1970's
• 1980's
• 1990's
• 2000's

Genres of Rock

• British Rock
• Corporate Rock
• '60s Hard Rock
• Heavy Metal
• Art Rock
• Southern Rock
• Glam Rock
• New Wave
• Punk Rock
• Grunge
• Alternative Metal
• New Rock
• Guitar Greats
• Great Performers

Finale

• Rockin' Links
• Contact

Rockin'Town Artist Bios RockinTown is the place to go for the rock 'n' roll lowdown. RockinTown celebrates all that is rock - bios, recaps of memorable moments, album and song info, and links to great rock retail. Rock is alive on RockinTown! 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z		RockinTrivia Test your knowledge RockinForum Add your comments
Rockin'Artist Bios M  Artist Prime Years  MC5 1968 - 1970  Though the MC5 were founded in ’64, Rob Tyner (vocals), Wayne Kramer and Fred Sonic Smith (guitars) Michael Davis (bass) and Dennis Thompson (drums) didn’t get much traction until ’68 when they made the cover of Rolling Stone magazine without even having an album out. Magic Numbers 2005 - 2005  Plying ‘60's Country-Folk-Rock styles, with other, more contemporary influences, the Magic Numbers’ ‘05 self-titled debut was co-produced by Craig Silvey (The Coral). Malin, Jesse 2007 -   Following an eight year stand, that ended in ’99, with New York’s D Generation, Jesse Malin launched a couple short-lived projects before going solo. Manchester Orchestra 2008 -   Manchester Orchestra are an effective post-Punk power-pop outfit. Their swagger, spiraling chord progressions and some good old Punk grind gives them an edge. Manfred Mann's Earth Band 1971 - 1972  South African Jazz pianist, Manfred Lubowitz immigrated to England in the early ‘60s and started, with drummer Mike Hugg, the pop oriented Manfred Mann (the group’s name taken against Mann’s wishes). Marilyn Manson 1994 -   Following Portrait of An American Family, Marilyn Manson took two years to create the riff driven, nihilistic blaster Antichrist Superstar. Maroon 5 2003 -   With Levine’s expressive vocals and surprising falsetto, Maroon 5 often sounds like Dave Matthews with a Rock sensibility. The Mars Volta 2002 -   The Mars Volta owes a lot to the throw it all in the pot, stir it up and see what happens mentality. Marshall Tucker Band 1973 - 1975  The Marshall Tucker Band formed in ‘71, recorded their self-titled debut two years later and hit the road opening for the Allman Brothers Band. Mastodon 2004 -   Mastodon recorded a demo and spent much of '00 touring the east coast as an opening act, including a stint with Queens Of The Stone Age. Matchbox Twenty 1998 - 2007  Matchbox Twenty’s Yourself Or Someone Like You with Real World has more bite, energy and force than the follow-up Mad Season. Dave Matthews Band 1995 -   Under The Table Dreaming, composed entirely by Dave Matthews, was the Dave Matthews Band's major label debut. Brian May 1975 - 1980  Brian May showed an early musical aptitude, first on the ukulele, then guitar and piano. John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers 1966 - 1970  The first thing people mentioned about John Mayall was who played in the Bluesbreakers. The list is long and illustrious. Almost all of the musicians who joined were unknown when they signed on. John Mayer 2001 -   John Mayer's Continuum marks a change of direction, though hardly as major or significant, as it’s been it’s been made out to be. Paul McCartney 1972 - 1977  Paul McCartney's legend looms largest not with Wings or as a solo artist, it is for taking the helm during The Beatles' final years serving as the group's de facto leader, songwriter and singer. Duff McKagan's Loaded 2001 -   Loaded celebrated the arrival of their Sick album with a release party in their hometown of Seattle. They performed and signed autographs at the event. Meat Puppets 1981 - 1994  '94 was THE year for the Meat Puppets. Meat Loaf 1977 - 1978  After a stint as Ted Nugent’s vocalist, the Texas born, L.A. bred, Meat Loaf (known to his parents as Marvin Lee Aday) set out on a rather unusual solo career. Megadeth 1983 -   Launched in '83, Megadeth's debut Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good hit less than two years later. John Mellencamp 1978 - 1985  Starting with Ain't Even Done With The Night, Mellencamp wrote and performed several Rock classics from a unique American perspective. Freddie Mercury 1975 - 1980  As Queen’s frontman, Freddie Mercury was so over the top that he was absolutely perfect for the ‘70s. Mercury Rev 1998 - 2005  “The Secret Migration” is Mercury Rev’s best work. Metallica 1983 - 1997  Had Metallica run out of steam at the end of the '80s they would have had an exceptional run. Metric 1999 -   Like several bands, Metric uses the ‘80s as a touchstone. Midnight Oil 1983 - 1988  “10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1” is Midnight Oil’s best album. Mika Miko 2006 -   Mika Miko’s We Be Xuxa is a frantic, entertaining set that blends Garage Rock ethos with Punk. Sloppy chords are augmented by noise and fervor. Steve Miller Band 1968 - 1977  After forming the Steve Miller Band in San Francisco the group played the Fillmore West and the Monterey International Pop Festival (with Hendrix, the Who, Animals, etc.). Rhett Miller 2001 -   Rhett Miller's music is slightly reminiscent of the early Eagles but lyrically he's more adventurous and challenging. Minus The Bear 2001 -   Imagine a solo Sting trying to do a progressive version of the Police. That’s Minus The Bear. The Misfits 1977 - 1983  The Misfits can be viewed as a Speed Metal take on Alice Cooper with ghoulish images, horror movie themes and tales of aliens (not the ones from Mexico), delivered with a sick sense of humor. Missing Persons 1981 - 1983  Though their recorded history was brief, Missing Persons should have been huge since their synth-Rock sound was perfectly in tune with the times, as was Dale Bozzio's eye grabbing appearance. Moby Grape 1967 - 1969  Moby Grape was a band of five extraordinarily talented musicians who all sang and wrote songs that merged Folk, Country, Blues and Jazz. Modest Mouse 1997 -   Hailing from Issaquah, WA, due east of Seattle, Modest Mouse formed in ’92 with Isaac Brock, Eric Judy and Jeremiah Green. Moe 1997 - 2007  From Utica, NY, by way of the University of Buffalo, Five Guys Named Moe, founded by bassist/vocalist Rob Derhak and guitarist/vocalist Chuck Garvey, distilled their name down to Moe in the early ‘90s. Molly Hatchet   Rolling out of Jacksonville, FL in '75 Molly Hatchet made their recording debut just three years later. The Monkees 1966 - 1967  The Monkees were slick attempt to recreate the Beatles for TV Monsters Of Folk 2009 -   Though the four (M. Ward, My Morning Jacket’s Jim James and from Bright Eyes, Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis) had played together both informally and onstage since ’04, it wasn’t until ’09 that Monsters Of Folk released their self-titled debut. Montrose   Ronnie Montrose decided to start his own group in '73 with Sammy Hagar on vocals. Moody Blues 1969 - 1981  John Lodge and Justin Heyward served as the Moody Blues’ creative core. Morningwood   Morningwood plays faux-Punk ear candy. Jim Morrison 1967 - 1971  Morrison was always the Doors' focal point, even if it was reluctantly. Van Morrison 1968 - 1972  Van Morrison left the Irish (Belfast) group Them! in '66, Despite artistic compromise, the group's fortunes had hardly changed so Morrison decided it was time to strike out on his own. Morrissey   (Stephen Patrick) Morrissey’s solo career began as the Smiths came crashing to a halt. Moth   A Virgin Records recording contract was inked in ‘01 and Moth released their debut “Provisions, Fiction & Gear” the following year. Motion City Soundtrack 2002 -   Motion City Soundtrack issued their fourth album, the Mark Hoppus (Blink-182) produced “My Dinosaur Life,” in early ’10. Motorhead 1975 - 1986  Motorhead's No Remorse in '81 was the perfect example of the band's all-out, no compromise, Heavy Metal attack Mott The Hoople 1969 - 1974  Pulling themselves together in the late '60s Mott The Hopple tried blending the Rolling Stones-type Rock with Bob Dylan's lyrics Mountain   Mountain didn't start as a power trio. The group had east coast guitar maven Leslie West, Pappalardi on bass, drummer Corky Laing and Steve Knight on organ. Mudcrutch 2008 -   In the same year that Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers performed during the Super Bowl halftime (don’t get much bigger than that) and a couple years after the group was inducted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame, Petty got the idea to revive Mudcrutch. Mudhoney 1989 - 1999  It’s one of Rock’s great mysteries: “Why wasn't Mudhoney bigger?” Mudvayne 2000 -   Mudvayne’s self-released debut Kill I Oughta got them signed to Epic. The Muse 1999 -   After calling yourself Gothic Plague, Fixed Penalty and Rocket Baby Dolls settling on The Muse sounds a bit pedestrian. My Bloody Valentine 1988 - 1991  My Bloody Valentine started in ’84 with New York born but Dublin raised Kevin Sheilds and childhood friend Colm O’Ciosoig. My Chemical Romance 2002 -   Gerard Way calls My Chemical Romance's music 'violent, unsafe pop music. My Morning Jacket 2003 -   Like many great Southern Rock bands, My Morning Jacket is a family project. Motley Crue 1983 - 1989  Dr. Feelgood, with a surprising number of great songs, and Theatre of Pain are Motley Crue's memorable achievements.	Rockin'Artist Bios N O  Artist Prime Years  NOFX 1992 -   NOFX started as a Berkeley, CA, based trio in '83 but soon relocated to L.A. Nashville Teens   They weren't from Nashville and they weren't teens but the Nashville Teens were one of countless '60s British groups playing Blues through a Rock filter. The National 2010 -   The National's “Boxer” album led to late night TV appearances (Letterman, Ferguson) and a couple songs (including “Fake Empire”) landed in TV shows. Rick Nelson 1957 - 1960  In 1957 Rick Nelson was on top of the world. Or so he thought.  He was featured on his parent's TV show The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. New Found Glory 2001 -   NFG pulled itself together in the summer of '97 with vocalist Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka, drummer Cyrus Bolooki and guitarists Chad Gilbert and Steve Klein. New Pornographers 2000 - 2007  The New Pornographers, a Vancouver based collective, came together in '96 around vocalist/multi-instrumentalist A.C. (Carl) Newman, vocalist/guitarist Dan Bejar, bassist John Collins, synthesizer player Blaine Thurier (also a well known cartoonist/filmmaker) and vocalist Neko Case. New York Dolls 1973 - 1975  As veterans of the New York music scene, the New York Dolls formed in ‘71 with guitarists Johnny Thunders (a notorious drug abuser in the Keith Richards vein) and Rick Rivets, bassist Arthur Kane and drummer Billy Murcia. Nickel Eye 2009 -   With The Strokes’ fourth album still nowhere in sight, bassist Nikolai Fraiture launched Nickel Eye (a pun on his first name). Nickelback 1998 -   Mike, along with his brother, singer/guitarist Chad, their drummer cousin Brandon and longtime friend, guitarist Ryan Peake formed Nickelback in Vancouver. Stevie Nicks 1981 - 1983  During the gap between Fleetwood Mac’s studio albums, Tusk (‘79) and the weak Mirage (‘82), Stevie Nicks released Bella Donna (‘81), her most accomplished and commercially successful record. Nine Inch Nails 1988 -   Pretty Hate Machine still stands as Nine Inch Nails most forceful and best CD. Nirvana 1989 - 1994  During its brief existence Nirvana served as the lightening rod for the Seattle scene and Kurt Cobain with his shaggy blond hair, three day beard, worn and torn jeans and tennis shoes was the Grunge poster boy. No Age 2008 -   Calling No Age ‘experimental’ is not entirely accurate. They actually trade on noise and intensity. No Doubt   No Doubt's first crack at the big time came just before Christmas in '87 at the Roxy in Hollywood. Non Point 1999 - 2000  Rivera had started Nonpoint Factor in Puerto Rico but wasn’t happy with the results or the possibilities, so he re-located. Ted Nugent 1972 - 1976  Ted Nugent, the man who gave the world “Cat Scratch Fever,” “Hey Baby,” “Dog Eat Dog” and “Wango Tango,” among others, made his first indelible impression as the lead guitarist for Amboy Dukes. O.A. R. 1997 -   O.A.R. are DMB Lite, both in the studio and onstage. Like Dave Matthews, O.A.R. blends Folk, Pop, World Beat and Reggae in midtempo songs. OK Go 2001 -   OK Go released a series of CD singles that sold well enough to get them signed by Capitol Records in ’01. Oasis 1995 - 2005  Back when the Gallaghers were drinking and fighting they produced the classic (“What’s The Story) Morning Glory,” the group’s masterpiece. Offspring 1992 -   Offspring isn’t a bad name, but it’s sure no Clowns of Death. Okkervil River 2005 -   Will Sheff has remained the only constant in Okkervil River since the Austin band formed in ’98. One Day As A Lion 2008 -   One Day As A Lion with Rage Against The Machine singer Zack de la Rocha and former Mars Volta drummer Jon Theodore issued their self-titled five track debut EP in the summer of ‘08. Roy Orbison 1961 - 1964  Orbison's trademark look of wearing shades happened by accident.  Leaving his glasses behind he was forced to wear a tinted pair.  They proved such a hit that he kept them. Ozzy Osbourne 1981 - 1983  Born John Osbourne, the famous bat eater is better known as Ozzy. Our Lady Peace 1995 -   “Our Lady Peace” was the title of a 1943 Mark van Doren poem. Outlaws 1977 - 1978  Officially, the Outlaws formed in 1974 and disbanded in 1996. In reality, they were a factor for about a tenth of that time. Overkill 1989 -   “The Years Of Decay” and “Horroscope” are Overkill’s best work. The latter features “Blood Money,” one of Overkill’s premier tracks, “ and a brilliant cover of the Edgar Winter Group’s “Frankenstein.”