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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 S  Artist Prime Years  SR-71 2000 - 2004  Forming in the early ‘90s with guitarist/vocalist Mitch Allan, guitarist Mark Beauchemin, bassist Jeff Reid and drummer Dan Garvin, this Baltimore quartet didn’t release its debut album Now You See Inside until 2000. SafetySuit 2008 -   SafetySuit’s strong pop sensibilities shine brightly on Life Left To Go. Saliva 1998 -   Vocalist Josey Scott said the name Saliva was “controversial and different, and like it or not, you’ll never forget it.” Santana 1969 - 2000  Carlos Santana’s style is easily recognizable and that’s the first sign of a great guitarist. The lines are long and fluid, accented with vibrato. The guitar often sounds relaxed and airy - in sharp contrast to the Latin rhythms pulsating beneath. Saosin 2006 -   Saosin formed in ’03 when members of the recently disbanded Newport Beach group, Open Hand, decided to keep going. Satellite Party 2007 -   Perry Farrell's Satellite Party (with Nuno Bettencourt – guitar, Carl Restivo – bass, Kevin Figuerido – drums and Etty Lau Farrell – backing vocals) began in '05. Joe Satriani   Beginning his career as a guitar teacher, Joe Satriani was coaxed out of the shadows by fellow guitarist Steve Vai (who worked with Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, etc.). Saves The Day   New Jersey's Saves The Day released Can't Slow Down, the acoustic EP I'm Sorry I'm Leaving and Through Being Cool. Saving Abel 2008 -   Like 3 Doors Down and Stereoside, Saving Abel is one of several post-Grunge/Hard Rock bands rooted in the Deep South. Say Anything 2004 -   Starting as Sayanything in '01, the group's original line-up consisted of high school friends who attended L.A.'s Windward School (drummer Coby Linder went to Shalhevet High School). Boz Scaggs 1976 - 1980  The Boz Scaggs album to get, for obvious reasons, is Silk Degrees. Classic songs with solid backing – not to mention Scaggs’ unique blue-eyed soul vocals - make this his premier album. Scars On Broadway 2008 -   Scars On Broadway get it done with “Kill Each Other/Live Forever,” “World Long Gone,” “Cute Machines,” “Enemy” and “They Say,” a great F-the world song. Scorpions   Best known for Rock You Like a Hurricane, the Scorpions history is considerably longer. Screaming Trees 1991 - 1996  Combining a mixed bag of '60s psychedelia, Garage Rock and Punk, the re-grouped Screaming Trees recorded for the legendary SST and Sub Pop before becoming the first Seattle group to sign with a major label, Epic, in ‘89. The Secret Machines 2004 - 2006  The Secret Machines began in Dallas with Benjamin Curtis, Josh Garza and Brandon Curtis. The Seeds   This L.A. garage band managed to create a semi-classic with Pushin' Too Hard - slashing guitar and Sky Saxon's vocals. Seether 2002 -   Signed by Wind-Up Records for U.S. distribution Seether released Disclaimer in ‘02. Bob Seger 1974 - 1982  For a time, a very long time, it looked as though Bob Seger was just a Midwest thing. Senses Fail 2004 -   Senses Fail issued their full-length debut, Let It Enfold You, in ’04. Formed only two years earlier in Ridgewood, NJ, the group, like countless others, worked their way up the indie label food chain. Brian Setzer Orchestra 1994 - 1998  Taking the big band-Rock approach, the Brian Setzer Orchestra created a solid debut and a major problem for the record promo people. The sound didn’t easily fit into any radio format. Seven Mary Three 1994 - 1998  Flat out American Standard deserved all the praise heaped on it. Landing between Pearl Jam Grunge and STP’s more fluid sound, Pollack and Ross are an effective pairing while Ross’ rage and pain vocals sound edgy and vital. Sevendust 1997 -   Sevendust rides Witherspoon's vocal barrage and the duel guitar attack of Lowery and Connelly. Sex Pistols 1977 - 1978  Originating the crash and burn school of Rock, the Sex Pistols weren't around all that long but still managed to make their mark. Del Shannon   Shannon had several more hits including Hats Off To Larry, another lost-love song, and Little Town Flirt. Kenny Wayne Shepherd 1995 - 2005  Shepherd has consistently moved away from the electric Blues of his debut, Ledbetter Heights, toward Rock. Derek Sherinian   In ‘00, Derek Sherinian began a duel career as a session musician and solo performer. Shinedown 2003 -   Shinedown formed in '01 after Smith left his previous band at the altar - just about to sign a recording contract. Though claiming Lynyrd Skynyrd (local heroes) and Led Zeppelin as major influences, Shinedown leans more toward the Tool and Staind vein. Shins 2001 -   Hailing from Albuquerque, the Shins formed in '97. Shout Out Louds 2004 -   Shout Out Louds could probably get work as a Cure tribute band. Silverchair 1995 -   Silverchair formed in ’92 as Innocent Criminals. Daniel Johns (vocals/guitar) and Ben Gillies (drums) had already logged a few years as bandmates. They were joined by Chris Joannou (bass) and Tobin Finnane (rhythm guitar). Silversun Pickups 2006 -   On Carnavas, Silversun Pickups come across as an updated version of the Breeders, with the distorted guitar, often sounding as sharp as an electric razor, tight beats and airy vocals. Simple Minds 1983 - 1987  Formed in ‘78, Glascow's Simple Minds were originally a Punk outfit known as Johnny and the Self-Abusers with vocalist Jim Kerr, guitarist Charlie Burchill, bassist Tony Donald, keyboardist Mick McNeil and drummer Brian McGee (who left in ‘84 and was replaced by Mel Gaynor). Simple Plan 2001 -   Anyone missing blink-182 should check out Simple Plan’s “No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls.” The album, comes about as close as you can get to blink’s notorious edge without having to sweat copyright infringement. Siouxsie & The Banshees 1980 - 1984  1978 was a big year for the London based Punk outfit Siouxsie & The Banshees. Sister Hazel 1996 -   Sister Hazel formed in ’94 and released a self-titled CD. Sixx: A.M. 2007 -   Sixx: A.M. was founded by Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx. In '06 Sixx began working on his book The Heroin Diaries, based on a collection of his journal entries from '86-'87, when his addiction was arguably at its worst. Skid Row 1989 - 1991  Bon Jovi and KISS framed Skid Row’s existence. Slade   Slade was the British Hard Rockin' version of the Kingsmen. Slade had a two guitars, bass and drums line-up that featured Noddy Holder's raw vocals. Slash 1997 -   Born Saul Hudson in London, the future Slash (a name given by a family friend because Saul was always in a hurry, zipping around from one thing to another) had an English dad and an African-American mother. Slayer 1985 -   Slayer formed in L.A. (OK, Huntington Beach), starting out as a Judas Priest/Iron Maiden covers band. Sleater-Kinney 1994 - 2005  Sleater-Kinney, is named after a freeway off-ramp in Olympia, Washington, the group’s hometown. Slipknot 1999 -   Slipknot attacks songs with nihilistic brutality. Sly and the Family Stone 1967 - 1970  Infectious fun. Sly & The Family Stone had a way of finding the groove (thanks it a large part to bass player Larry Graham). Small Faces   Steve Marriot was the Small Faces guitarist/vocalist and main driving force. Ronnie Lane (bass), Kenny Jones (drums) and Ian McLagen (organ) handled everything else. Smash Mouth   Smash Mouth's first recording was the independent Fush Yu Mang, an excellent hard charging mosher CD with Flo and Nervous In The Alley. Smashing Pumpkins 1992 - 2000  You’d have to travel a long road to find a more powerful double CD set than Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The CD opens with a somber piano synth intro… have they gone new age? Patti Smith 1975 - 1978  Hardcore Patti Smith fans favor Horses while casual listeners name Easter as her premier album. The Smiths 1983 - 1986  With the exception of the Smiths final studio album “Strangeways, Here We Come,” the Smiths entire catalog is remarkable. Smoosh 2003 -   Smoosh is made up of two sisters that started playing music at around 8 and 10 years old. The kicker is that a year later these girls are performing their own songs in public. At a Capitol Hill show over a hundred people came out to hear this fun band. You could hear people shouting out for favorite songs and singing along. The audience was the perfect mix of kids and typical Seattle concert goers. Snow Patrol 2004 -   Snow Patrol has two distinct modes of operation. The first (and best), is a chord based sound with guitars strumming underneath engaging melodies that frame Lightbody’s pensive and often wistful vocals. Socialburn   Socialburn's Neil Alday, Dusty Price and Brandon Bittner realized, after an impromptu singing session by the campfire, that starting a group might not be a bad idea and later added Chris Cobb. Soft Pack 2010 -   While not groundbreaking or terribly innovative, Soft Pack does play with an exuberance that puts them over. Something Corporate   SoCal based Something Corporate started in Dana Hills with singer Andrew McMahon, bassist Clutch and drummer Brian Ireland Sonic Youth 1990 - 2009  Influenced by the Velvet Underground and the Stooges, guitarists Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo teamed with bassist Kim Gordon to form Sonic Youth in '81. Soul Asylum 1992 - 1995  Loud Fast Rules was the original name for the Minneapolis band Soul Asylum. Soundgarden 1990 - 1994  The “A-Sides” has seventeen tracks and clearly illustrates why Soundgarden was a major ‘90s group. Sparklehorse 1999 - 2010  Side projects and health issues kept Sparklehorse sidelined until Linkous collaborated with DJ Danger Mouse, and other musicians, for the ’06 album, “Dreamt For Light Years In The Belly Of A Mountain.” Spencer Davis Group 1966 - 1967  Someone, why back when, who thought they were in the know, once claimed that calling them the Spencer Davis Group was like calling the Beatles the Ringo Starr Quartet Spirit   L.A. in the mid '60s was a boundless place. In that hothouse environment Ed Cassidy (drums), Randy California (guitar), Jay Ferguson (vocals) and Mark Andes (bass) came together as the progressive Red Roosters. Spooky Tooth 1970 - 1972  Best remembered as the launching pad for Gary Wright, who was a founding member, and Foreigner's Mick Jones, who joined later, Spooky Tooth worked the fringes of the late '60s/early '70s Art-Rock scene and eventually included a significant portion of Joe Cocker's Grease Band Spoon 2001 -   Spoon started (with Brit Daniel and Jim Eno) in Austin naming themselves after a song by the German avant-garde band, Can. Bruce Springsteen 1975 -   Bruce Springsteen is one of Rock's all-time greats. Sprung Monkey   Pulling themselves from the SoCal backwash, Sprung Monkey formed in the early ‘90s with Steve Summers (vocals/guitar), Mike Summers (guitar), Chuck Riley (guitar), Tony Delocht (bass) and Ernie Longoria (drums). Squeeze 1979 - 1987  Squeeze proves that it takes more than a couple brilliant songwriters (Chris Difford - lyrics and Glenn Tilbrook-music) or extremely talented musicians (keyboardist Jools Holland and vocalist Paul Carrack) to make a band successful. Billy Squier 1981 - 1983  Billy Squier’s best song was the propulsive “Everybody Wants You.” Stabbing Westward 1993 - 2001  “Wither, Blister, Burn + Peel” is THE Stabbing Westward CD with “Shame” and the MTV Buzz Clip fav “What Do I Have To Do.” Staind 2001 - 2008  In May of '01 Staind released Break The Cycle featuring the ballad It's Been A While and Outside. Scott Stapp 2005 - 2005  On his own hook Scott Stapp comes reasonably close to Creed. Ringo Starr 1973 - 1976  Ringo Starr's best song is It Don't Come Easy. Starting Line 2002 -   Once school was out Starting Line hit the studio and recorded Say It Like You Mean It. Static X 1999 - 2005  Static X makes their roaring appearance with Wisconsin Death Trip. Status Quo   Remembered in the U.S. for their late '60s hit Pictures of Matchstick Men, the Status Quo enjoyed a three-decade career in their native England. Steely Dan   Steely Dan took its name from a very useful tool mentioned in William Burrough's classic novel Naked Lunch. Stellastarr 2003 - 2005  Shawn Christensen (vocals/guitar), Amanda Tannen (bass), Arthur Kremer (drums) and former Charlotte's Funeral guitarist Michael Jurin launched Stellastarr. Steppenwolf   Steppenwolf came roaring out with the thunderous riff driven Born To Be Wild, perhaps the ultimate motorcycle song. Stereo Fuse 2002 -   Though they have an impressive debut, Stereo Fuse does better on All That Remains when they loosen up and lighten up. Stereoside 2008 -   Stereoside’s “So Long” sound is dense yet melodic. Their songs often dwell on drug use – getting high or staying clean – and the damage done. Rod Stewart 1968 - 1975  Initially, Rod Stewart hardly seemed destined for the flashy, flamboyant and egocentric life of a Rock n’ Roll star. The Stills 2003 -   The Stills play with a haunted grandeur that is appealing as it is captivating. Kelley Stoltz 2006 -   A lot of performers, both in music and other entertainment fields, talk about environmental stewardship but few really practice it. An exception is San Francisco based Kelley Stoltz. Stone Roses 1989 - 1996  “The Stone Roses” is the album. The psychedelic Brit Pop is both heady and compelling. Stone Sour 2002 -   Though it might be tempting to classify Stone Sour as a Slipknot side project, fact is, Stone Sour, the name taken from a whiskey and orange juice concoction, was around first. Stone Temple Pilots 1992 - 2001  Sex Type Thing got a lot of coverage but the stellar moments are provided by Plush and Wicked Garden. The Stooges 1969 - 1971  Far and away, the Stooges were a live act - but not so much for musical reasons. Story Of The Year   Story Of The Year won a local radio contest and began disseminating CDs and videos to anyone who might listen or watch. The Strange Boys 2009 -   ’09 saw the release of The Strange Boys And Girls Club, the group’s full-length debut. Stray Cats 1982 - 1984  They came and went quickly, but while they were around the Stray Cats were a lot of Rockin' fun. Stroke 9   Stroke 9’s work led to a major label recording contract with Cherry/Universal. The Strokes 2001 -   After playing NYC clubs and building a solid reputation as a live act, the Strokes released a three song EP, The Modern Age that was also available in the U.K. Styx 1977 - 1981  Styx, the mythical river at the gates of Hades, was an excellent name choice, In fact, it was one of the most creative things about the group, even if it led religious zealots to claim Styx was in league with Satan Sublime 1992 - 1996  Over a four-year period the Long Beach, CA, Sublime built a large and faithful following amongst the area’s surf and skateboard crowd. The Submarines 2006 -   The Submarines offer a lo-fi, neo-psyhedelic sound that is abetted by Blake Hazard's waifish vocals. Sugarcult   Hailing from the garden spot of Santa Barbara, CA, Sugarcult came to prominence with singer/guitarist/lyricist Tim Pagnotta, guitarist Marko 72, bassist Airin, and drummer Ben Davis. sum 41 2001 - 2007  Sum 41’s debut EP Half Hour of Power is good but the full length All Killer No Filler is both stronger and better produced. Supergrass 1994 - 2010  Supergrass plays exuberant, guitar driven BritPop. “I Should Coco,” “In It ForThe Money” and “Supergrass” are their best albums. Superjoint Ritual   After hanging out, jamming and even playing a few low-key, unpublicized shows, Anselmo (guitar/vocals), Jimmy Bower (guitar), Hank Williams III – grandson of the Country great and son of Jr.- (bass), Joe Fazzio (drums), and Kevin Bond (guitar) decided to make a go of it. Supertramp   Supertramp finally found success with Crime of the Century. Crisis? What Crisis? and Even in the Quietest Moments Survivor   Few Rock groups have used soundtracks as a career path but they played a large part in Survivor's story. The Sweet 1974 - 1978  And the hits just kept coming. Ballroom Blitz in '74, Fox On The Run unleashed in '76 and Love Is Like Oxygen rolled out in '78. In addition, the Sweet had a few more minor hits on both sides of the Atlantic before the thing tanked. Switchfoot 2005 -   Switchfoot started as a trio with John Foreman (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Tim Foreman (bass, keyboards) and Chad Butler (drums). System Of A Down 2001 -   System Of A Down formed in the mid '90s mixing Trash Metal and Alt. Rock.	Rockin'Artist Bios T U V  Artist Prime Years  T-Rex 1972 - 1977  T-Rex's U.K. popularity was so massive that it attracted the attention of the Beatles' Apple production TAB The Band 2008 -   January ’08 saw TAB The Band’s debut full-length release Pulling Out Just Enough to Win. TRUST Company   Aggro-Rockers TRUST Company have the prerequisites down: dense production and thunderously aggressive vocals. Taking Back Sunday 2004 -   Turning an Alabama born bass player, living in South Carolina, into a lead singer is a risky proposition. But that’s what guitarist Ed Reyes did with Adam Lazzara when he began Taking Back Sunday in ‘99. Talking Heads 1977 - 1985  The documentary and soundtrack “Stop Making Sense” shows the Talking Heads, and especially singer David Byrne, in complete command. Serj Tankian 2007 -   With Tankian handling the songwriting, vocals and playing most of the instruments, “Elect The Dead” peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 Album chart. Tantric 2001 -   Tantric’s sonic blitz, with acoustic touches, not to mention Ferreira’s burning vocals, got them signed to Madonna’s Maverick label. Taproot   Taproot’s major label debut “Gift” with “Smile,” “Now” and “Emotional Times” hit in ‘00. Ten Years After   Saving Woodstock until Hendrix's arrival was Ten Years After's crowning achievement. Tesla 1986 -   Originally calling themselves City Kid, the Sacramento based band took their name from scientist Nikola Tesla. Test Icicles 2006 -   There are mash-ups but Test Icicles is a mash-up. The Thrills   The interesting thing was The Thrills, who mined Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds, Neil Young and other purveyors of the legendary California sound, hailed from Dublin, a place far removed from California ethos. Them Crooked Vultures 2009 -   Them Crooked Vultures made their debut in Chicago then embarked on their Deserve The Future tour. Them!   The world first heard of Van Morrison as the lead singer of Them! Hailing from Belfast this short-lived RnB group had a lasting impact on Rock. Theory Of A Deadman 2002 -   Theory Of A Deadman vocalist Tyler Connolly gave Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger a demo at an after-show party. Thin Lizzy 1971 - 1972  Thin Lizzy is remembered for the raucous guy-oriented Rocker “The Boys Are Back In Town” and to a lesser extent “Jailbreak.” Third Eye Blind 1997 -   Like many groups, San Francisco's Third Eye Blind got going in fits and starts. Rob Thomas 2005 -   Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas took a full-on solo turn with Something To Be in '05. The album went ot #1 on the Billboard album chart. George Thorogood & The Destroyers 1978 - 1982  Thorogood & the Destroyers got together in ‘73 and were signed by the small Boston based Folk/Blues label, Rounder. Three Days Grace 2004 -   Three Days Grace relies on power chords and tough, dour vocals. Three Dog Night   Three Dog Night cleaned up, simplified and sanitized Soul, R&B and even Rock for a pop audience. Thrice 2002 -   Thrice’s premiere efforts are “The Artist In The Ambulance” and “Vheissu.” Thursday 2003 -   Thursday rides jagged guitars and hardcore ferocity as far as it will take them. Tinfed   Out of Sacramento, California, vocalist/guitarist/programmer/ songwriter Rey Osburn and guitarist/programmer Eric Stenman got together with drummer Matt McCord and eventually bassist Rick Verrett for the electronic/modern Rock quartet Tinfed. Ting Tings 2008 -   Ting Tings inject their songs with a confident cool and intriguing touches that more produced acts often fail to achieve. Tinted Windows 2009 -   What do the Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick, Fountains Of Wayne and Hanson have in common? The answer is Tinted Windows. Titus Andronicus 2009 -   Titus Andronicus plays see-saw chords with authority, giving Stickles room to emote Toad The Wet Sprocket 1991 - 1994  From Santa Barbara, Toad The Wet Sprocket consisted of Glen Phillips (vocals), Todd Nichols (guitar), Dean Dinning (bass) and Randy Guss (drums). Tokio Hotel 2008 -   Tokio Hotel's name came from the German spelling of Tokyo, a favored city, and in recognition of their constant touring and living in hotels. Tokyo Police Club 2006 -   Returning to Toronto they played some serious shows and got signed to the local Paperbag Records who released Tokyo Police Club’s seven song Lessons In Crime in Canada. Tool 1994 -   Tool formed in the early ‘90s. In typical Hollywood style, original bassist Paul D’ Amour and guitarist Adam Jones came to the land of eternal promise to get jobs in the movie biz. Toto   Toto is the story of high school buddies who grew up to be top L.A. session musicians. Pete Townshend   Given his naturally theatrical nature, Townsend’s ‘windmill” guitar fit perfectly. Traffic   Winwood had just started another project. Joining up with guitarist Dave Mason, drummer Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood on sax and flute, Winwood launched Traffic. Train 1998 -   By '97 Train had attracted Columbia Records' attention and toured as an opening act for Barenaked Ladies, Blues Traveler and Counting Crows. Transplants 2002 - 2005  Transplants appears to be an appropriate name since the group consists of Rancid guitarist Tim Armstrong and Blink 182/Box Car Racer drummer Travis Barker. Trapt 2003 - 2005  Trapt started as a Los Gatos, CA trio of vocalist/guitarist Chris Brown, lead guitarist Simon Ormandy and bassist Peter Charell. Traveling Wilburys 1988 - 1989  The songs Handle With Care and End of the Line makes Traveling Wilburys Vol. I the set to get. Travis 1997 -   Travis unveiled Ode To J. Smith in ’08. Trik Turner   Coming from a Hip-Hop background, David Bowers and Doug Moore formed Trik Turner in ‘99. Troggs   The Troggs were bit players in the ‘60s British Invasion who played a crude, simplistic garage Rock, long before the term came into being. Robin Trower 1974 -   Robin Trower first came to prominence with the rather sedate Procol Harum. Derek Trucks Band 1995 -   The Derek Trucks Band is essentially a down and dirty Rock Blues outfit. Truth And Salvage Co. 2010 -   Truth And Salvage Co. has been compared to The Band, Buffalo Springfield and the Byrds, and rightly so. KT Tunstall 2006 -   Black Horse And The Cherry Tree got well-deserved exposure leading to the re-release of KT Tunstall's debut Eye To The Telescope in ’06. Ike & Tina Turner 1966 - 1971  Ike and Tina Turner went on tour with the Rolling Stones in '69, which gave them some well-deserved exposure. Just when Rock was getting all-serious there was the serene Ike on guitar, the bandleader, always in control, while Tina gyrated around the stage backed by three slinky Ikettes. It was an old-fashioned RnB revival. Lotta fun. Twisted Sister 1983 - 1985  Big Hits And Nasty Cuts: The Best Of Twisted Sister provides a concise and entertaining dose of the groups anti-authoritarian Rock. U2 1982 -   If the Rolling Stones were the World's Greatest Rock Band in the late '60s and early '70s, then U2 possessed the title in the '80s. Unearth 2001 -   Unearth’s claim to fame (“The March” broke the Top 10 on the Hard Rock album chart) is the artful blending of what could pass for Classic Rock riffs with the bludgeoning power of Metalcore. Union Underground 2000 -   “An Education In Rebellion” is Union Underground’s major label debut. Unwritten Law 1995 - 2007  Unwritten Law, a perfectly good SoCal Punk/pop group with the requisite chip on their shoulder augmented by some healthy angst. Uriah Heep   Load up on the demons, wizards and hit the road. Uriah Heep, taking its name from a Charles Dickens’ character, was something to behold. The Used 2002 -   The Used, hailing from Provo and nearby Orem, had a tough time establishing themselves. VAST   VAST’s debut “Visual Audio Sensory Theatre” has been referred to as a cross between Industrial and Art Rock with some religious influences (Gregorian chants) thrown in. Vampire Weekend 2008 -   Vampire Weekend consists of former Columbia University students who incorporate African rhythms into songs full of literary references using the college experience - cruel professors, excruciating classes, Cape Cod weekends and wayward sophomores - as their touchstones. Eddie Van Halen 1978 -   Back in the early Van Halen days, when they were having their greatest success with covers, You Really Got Me and (Oh) Pretty Woman, Eddie Van Halen managed to shine. Van Halen 1979 - 1986  Originally, Van Halen was dismissed as Rock wannabes with their over the top, excitable singer, and relying on covers for their hits. Steven Van Zandt 1982 - 1999  Van Zandt’s first Top 100 album (#55) was ‘84’s Voice Of America, Vanilla Fudge   Vanilla Fudge's covers sounded nothing like the originals. They tried to simulate what it was like to hear music on drugs. Stevie Ray Vaughan 1984 - 1990  Even though Stevie Ray Vaughan claimed Jimi Hendrix as a major influence, it was after seeing a Cream concert in ‘68 that a fourteen-year-old Vaughan decided to play guitar. Eddie Vedder 2007 -   It’s inevitable that the frontman for a legendary band will take a solo turn. However, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder (born Edward Louis Severson III in Evanston, Illinois on 12/23/64) took a slightly different course. Velvet Revolver 2005 -   Stinging riffs, thunderous backbeats and relentless momentum are Velvet Revolver’s calling cards. Velvet Underground 1967 - 1969  The Velvet Underground started like any other band, a partnership of two driving forces: guitarist/vocalist Lou Reed, a man into serious poetry, and a Welch born, classically trained musician, bassist/multi-instrumentalist (including cello) John Cale. Vendetta Red 2003 - 2005  Vendetta Red, the Seattle based group started as a bar band in '98. The Ventures 1960 - 1962  The Ventures shine by virtue of their clean, machine-like precision. Vertical Horizon 1993 -   Groups often start when a couple of people, with a shared musical vision, get together. Guitarists Keith Kane and Matt Scannell, impressed with each other's talent and musical direction, began working as an acoustic duo in the early '90s. Veruca Salt 1994 - 1997  Seether is Veruca Salt’s claim to fame. Verve Pipe 1996 - 1997  Vocalist/guitarist and de facto leader, Brian Vander Ark, guitarist Brian Stout and drummer Donny Brown formed East Lansing's Verve Pipe in ’91. The Verve 1993 - 1997  The Verve formed in ’91 and two years later released the hypnotic and haunting A Storm In Heaven. VietNam 2007 -   Following the release of Concrete Is Always Grayer On The Other Side Of The Street VietNam was able to secure financial backing from Maroon 5’s bassist Mickey Madden, to continue recording. Gene Vincent 1956 - 1958  Rockabilly performer Gene Vincent recorded Be-Bop-A-Lula and Race With The Devil The Vines   Playing Grunge-Punk, the Vines earned a U.K. recording contract. The Virgins 2008 -   The Virgins use a sharp, propulsive beat to drive their songs. Zarin-Ackerman rolls in and around Ratensperger’s percussion while Oates’ guitar work slashes and stings making The Virgins sound like they could have been contemporaries of The Pretenders. Vivian Girls 2008 -   Vivian Girls cut their teeth as an opening act on the way to ’08 debut Wild Eyes which was released on an indie label (Play With Dolls). Volbeat 2008 -   The Copenhagen based Volbeat promoted their third album, Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood, by opening for Metallica on their fall ’09 North American trek. Von Bondies   The Von Bondies deal in high energy, economic (songs under three minutes), neo-Punk Rock. Voxtrot 2006 -   The EPs, live shows and fan support led to Voxtrot's self-titled full-length debut in ’07.