Andrew Wood
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Andrew Wood
- Genres: Rock
Biography
Most Seattle rock bands of the late '80s (Soundgarden, Nirvana, Mudhoney, etc.) were considered a reaction against the then-prevailing glam metal scene that had MTV and radio in the palm of its hand. But there was at least one Emerald City band that could've fit into the mainstream, combining the area's trademark Sabbath-meets-Stooges garage rock with glam's pretty-boy looks and anthemic choruses -- Mother Love Bone. And although the group included five members, the undisputed leader and focal point was flamboyant and charismatic singer Andrew Wood. Born on January 8, 1966, in Columbus, MI, Andrew Patrick Wood was raised in Bainbridge Island, WA, discovering rock music via the likes of such theatrical '70s arena rockers as Elton John, Queen, Aerosmith, and Kiss. At the age of 14, Wood joined his first serious band, Malfunkshun, often performing dolled-up in makeup and outrageous clothes, under the persona Landrew the Love Child. The group lasted for much of the '80s, but never released an album (although a few of their tracks were included on C/Z's Deep Six compilation). By 1988, Wood left Malfunkshun and began jamming with two former members of Green River -- guitarist Stone Gossard and bassist Jeff Ament. Originally called Lords of the Wasteland (taken from a line in the Kiss song "God of Thunder"), the new outfit would soon be re-christened Mother Love Bone.Like Malfunkshun, Mother Love Bone would include elements of glam rock, but the stripped-down sound of Gossard and Ament's former band would also be included in the mix. Drummer Greg Gilmore and second guitarist Bruce Fairweather were also welcomed aboard, as Mother Love Bone quickly built up a loyal local following. Polygram signed the band in 1989, issuing the six-track EP Shine later in the year (on the band's own subsidiary label, Stardog), as Mother Love Bone opened up a nationwide tour for British glamsters Dogs d'Amour. By September of 1989, the quintet were hard at work on their full-length debut, but Wood had developed a drug addiction that became obvious to his bandmates, and spent the last months of the year in rehab. With expectations running high for MLB's debut album (to be titled Apple), Wood and the others started 1990 by playing a few shows around Seattle as they waited for the record's projected springtime release date. On March 16th, Wood was found comatose in his apartment by his girlfriend, having taken a lethal overdose of heroin. Wood was placed on life support, but the damage was already done, and he died three days later.
Mother Love Bone broke up shortly after Wood's death, while Apple was finally issued to glowing reviews later in the year. The Seattle rock scene was shaken to its core over the death of such a promising singer, as a longtime friend of Wood's, Chris Cornell, penned a few songs in tribute to his fallen comrade (and one-time roommate). With Gossard and Ament signed on to assist Cornell, the project was dubbed Temple of the Dog, taken from a lyric in the MLB song "Man of Golden Words." A full album was recorded, with Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron and local guitarist Mike McCready, issued in mid-1991 to little fanfare. As many know, Gossard, Ament, and McCready went on to form the band Pearl Jam (with singer Eddie Vedder and a revolving door of drummers), finding breakthrough success in the summer of 1992. Shortly thereafter, Temple of the Dog enjoyed a second life and became a hit, while all of Mother Love Bone's recorded output for Polygram was compiled for a double-disc self-titled release the same year. MLB would remain in the spotlight for some time afterward -- their epic ballad "Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns" appeared on the soundtrack to the popular motion picture Singles, Alice in Chains wrote a song about Wood and other rockers who died from drugs ("Would?"), and a home video of the band was released as well -- Love Bone Earth Affair. In 1995, Gossard spotlighted Wood's early work with Malfunkshun by issuing the compilation Return to Olympus on his Loosegroove label. ~ Greg Prato, Rovi
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Andrew Wood
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Andrew Wood (singer)
For other people named Andrew Wood, see Andrew Wood (disambiguation).
| Andrew Wood | |
|---|---|
 Andrew Wood (front) with Mother Love Bone in 1989. |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Andrew Patrick Wood |
| Also known as | Landrew the Love Child |
| Born | January 8, 1966 Columbus, Mississippi |
| Died | March 19, 1990 (aged 24) Seattle, Washington |
| Genres | Alternative rock, grunge |
| Occupations | Musician, singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano, bass guitar |
| Years active | 1980–1990 |
| Labels | C/Z, Loosegroove, Mercury, PolyGram, Stardog |
| Associated acts | Malfunkshun, Mother Love Bone |
Andrew Patrick Wood[1] (born January 8, 1966 – March 19, 1990) was an American musician best known as the lead singer for alternative rock bands Malfunkshun[2] and Mother Love Bone.[3]
Wood formed Malfunkshun, in 1980,[1] with his brother Kevin and Regan Hagar.[2] The band used alter ego personas onstage, with Wood using the name Landrew the Love Child.[1] Though the band only had two songs released, "With Yo' Heart (Not Yo' Hands)" and "Stars-n-You", on the Deep Six compilation album,[2][4][5] they are often cited as being among the "founding fathers" of the Seattle's grunge movement.[2] It was during his time in Malfunkshun that Wood started relying heavily on drugs, entering rehab in 1985.[2]
By 1988, Malfunkshun had disbanded[2] and Wood began jamming with former Green River[5] members Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament,[3] performing briefly as the cover band Lords of the Wasteland.[2] They soon began writing original material and formed Mother Love Bone the same year, adding guitarist Bruce Fairweather[3] and former 10 Minute Warning[6] and Skin Yard[7] drummer Greg Gilmore to the lineup.[3] The following year, the band signed a deal with PolyGram,[3] issuing a six-song EP, Shine,[3] before going on to tour, supporting The Dogs D'Amour.[1] Towards the end of the year,[1] the band recorded their debut album, Apple, which was scheduled for release in 1990.[3]
Due to his struggle with drug addiction,[1] Wood checked himself into rehab in 1989,[1][3] hoping to get clean for the release of Mother Love Bone's debut album.[3] On March 16, 1990,[1] Wood was found in a comatose state by his girlfriend, having overdosed on heroin.[1][8] Wood was taken to hospital and placed on life support, however, he died three days later.[1]
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Contents
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Biography
Early life
Wood was born in Columbus, Mississippi, and raised in Bainbridge Island, Washington.[1] He was the youngest of three children; brothers Kevin and Brian.[9] Wood and his brothers were exposed to various music by their parents, who also supported their children when they were learning how to play instruments.[9] Wood became a fan of acts such as Elton John, Queen, Aerosmith, and Kiss.[1]
Career
Malfunkshun (1980–1988)
Main article: Malfunkshun
In 1980, at the age of 14, Wood formed Malfunkshun with his brother Kevin, recording their first demo tape in April 1980.[9] Drummer Regan Hagar joined soon after with the band, playing shows in Seattle, Washington.[9] Each member adopted onstage alter egos, with Andrew becoming Landrew the Love Child, Kevin becoming Kevinstein, and Hagar becoming Thundarr.[2] Unlike most grunge groups in Seattle, Malfunkshun were influenced by glam rock with Wood described as "a hippie, glammed-out rock & roll god, equal parts Marc Bolan and Jim Morrison,"[2] with his look and vocal style influenced by frontmen such as Freddie Mercury, Paul Stanley, and Marc Bolan.[3] By 1985, Wood had started to rely heavily on drugs, to help with his "rock star" persona,[2] and entered rehab the same year.[2]
Malfunkshun recorded a number of demos in 1986, two of which, "With Yo' Heart (Not Yo' Hands)" and "Stars-n-You", were included on the "legendary"[5] Deep Six compilation album released by C/Z Records the same year.[9] The band continued to play shows in Seattle, opening for Soundgarden, The U-Men, and Skin Yard.[2] However, in 1988, Malfunkshun disbanded.[2]
Although the band never released an album and were also turned down by Sub Pop for "not [being] grunge enough,"[9] Malfunkshun, along with Green River, are often cited as "founding fathers" of the Seattle's grunge movement.[2]
Mother Love Bone and Final years (1988–1990)
Main article: Mother Love Bone
Wood and Hagar began jamming with Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament of Green River, which disbanded in 1988,[3][10] performing, on occasion, as the cover band Lords of the Wasteland.[2] Former Green River guitarist Bruce Fairweather was added to the lineup, while former 10 Minute Warning and Skin Yard drummer Greg Gilmore replaced Hagar, forming Mother Love Bone the same year.[5]
The band soon signed a deal with PolyGram, and, through their own subsidiary label Stardog, issued a six-song EP, Shine, in 1989.[3] John Book, of Allmusic, stated that the EP "contributed to the buzz about the Seattle music scene."[11] The band spent the rest of the year touring, including shows supporting The Dogs D'Amour, and recording their debut album. With high expectations of the album, Wood checked himself into rehab due to his struggle with heroin addiction, hoping to get clean for the release of album, staying there for the remainder of the year.[1][3]
In 1990, the band continued to play shows in Seattle, waiting for the release of their album, Apple.[1]
Death
On March 16, 1990, Wood was found in a comatose state by his girlfriend, having overdosed on heroin.[1][8] Wood was taken to Harborview Hospital and placed on life support. Despite being responsive, Wood had suffered a hemorrhage aneurysm, losing all brain function, with physicians suggesting turning off his life support on March 19.[1][9]
Apple was released posthumously later in the year, receiving positive reviews.[12] David Browne of The New York Times stating that "Apple may be one of the first great hard-rock records of the 90s" and that "[Andrew] Wood could have been the first of the big-league Seattle rock stars."[13]
Legacy
In the year following his death, Wood's former roommate Chris Cornell,[9] of Soundgarden, wrote two songs, "Reach Down" and "Say Hello 2 Heaven", in tribute to his late friend.[14][15] Cornell then approached Wood's former bandmates, Gossard and Ament about releasing the songs as singles, before collaborating on an album. Adding drummer Matt Cameron, future Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready, and future Pearl Jam lead singer, Eddie Vedder, they formed Temple of the Dog in 1990, to pay tribute to Wood,[16][17] releasing one self-titled album in 1991.[16][17]
Fellow Seattle band Alice in Chains dedicated their debut album Facelift to Wood[18] while the song "Would?" included in their second album, Dirt, was written about Wood and other singers who had died as a result of drugs.[1] In the liner notes of Alice in Chains' Music Bank box set collection, Jerry Cantrell said of the song:
| “ | 'I was thinking a lot about Andrew Wood at the time. We always had a great time when we did hang out, much like Chris Cornell and I do. There was never really a serious moment or conversation, it was all fun. Andy was a hilarious guy, full of life and it was really sad to lose him. But I always hate people who judge the decisions others make. So it was also directed towards people who pass judgments.'[19] | ” |
In 1992, PolyGram reissued both Shine and Apple as the compilation album Mother Love Bone,[3] while the song "Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns" was included on the soundtrack to the film Singles.[3] The same year, Los Angeles band Faster Pussycat wrote the song "Mr. Lovedog", from the album Whipped!, in tribute to Wood.[20] Bradley Torreano, of Allmusic, stating that the song "offered a sad elegy to another charismatic figure in the metal world."[20]
In 1993, Seattle post-grunge band Candlebox released their self-title debut featuring the single "Far Behind." Written in memory of Andrew Wood.[21]
Wood's former band mate Stone Gossard compiled early Malfunkshun recordings,[22] releasing the compilation album Return to Olympus, through his Loosegroove Records label,[9][22] in 1995.[2][22]
In 2005, director Scot Barbour completed production on the documentary, Malfunkshun: The Andrew Wood Story. The film documents Wood's music career[23] as well as his family background.[23] The film premiered at the Seattle International Film Festival.[23] In October of the same year, the film was screened at the FAIF Film Festival in Hollywood, California.[24]
Discography
| Title | Release | Label | Band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shine | 1989 | Stardog/Mercury | Mother Love Bone |
| Apple | 1990 | ||
| Mother Love Bone | 1992 | ||
| Return to Olympus | 1995 | Loosegroove | Malfunkshun |
Other appearances
| Year | Album details | Band | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Deep Six
|
Various Artists | Compilation album; two songs by Malfunkshun. |
Videography
| Year | Video details | US peak chart position[25] |
Band |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | The Love Bone Earth Affair | 13 | Mother Love Bone |
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Prato, Greg. "Andrew Wood Biography". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/andrew-wood-p139483/biography. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Tinelli, Paul. "Malfunkshun Biography". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/malfunkshun-p165803/biography. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Prato, Greg. "Mother Love Bone Biography". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/mother-love-bone-p4961/biography. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ Deep Six (booklet). C/Z Records. 1986.
- ^ a b c d Ramirez, Marc (April 26, 1992). "Bliss Out -- The Scene's A Moving Target". The Seattle Times. http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19920426&slug=1488481. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ Ankeny, Jason. "10 Minute Warning Biography". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p294177. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ Huey, Steve. "Skin Yard Biography". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/skin-yard-p5446/biography. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ a b Appelo, Tim (July 24, 1992). "Twin Tragedy". Entertainment Weekly. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,311200,00.html.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Kevin Wood: Malfunkshun, Devilhead, Fireants, Hippie Glitz guitarist and brother to the late, great Andrew Wood". Full in Bloom Music. http://www.fullinbloommusic.com/kevinwood.html. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ Huey, Steve. "Green River Biography". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/green-river-p13088/biography. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ Book, John. "Shine Review". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/shine-r13502/review. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ "MOTHER LOVE BONE - APPLE Mother Love Bone Influential pre-grunge landmark re-emerges after years in limbo". Uncut. http://www.uncut.co.uk/music/mother_love_bone/reviews/6821. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ Browne, David (November 18, 1990). "RECORDINGS VIEW; Seattle Rock: Out of the Woods And Into the Wild". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/18/arts/recordings-view-seattle-rock-out-of-the-woods-and-into-the-wild.html?sec=&spon=&&scp=4&sq=%22mother%20love%20bone%22&st=cse.
- ^ Temple of the Dog (CD liner). A&M Records. 1991.
- ^ Turman, Katherine (October 1991). Life Rules.. RIP.
- ^ a b Thomas Erlewine, Stephen. "Temple of the Dog Biography". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/temple-of-the-dog-p26061/biography. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ a b Browne, David (May 3, 1991). "Temple of the Dog (1991)". Entertainment Weekly. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,314155,00.html. Retrieved May 3, 1991.
- ^ Facelift (CD liner). Columbia Records. 1990.
- ^ Music Bank (CD liner). Columbia Records. 1999.
- ^ a b Torreano, Bradley. "Whipped! Review". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/whipped-r60077/review. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ Rekindled :: Candlebox's Kevin Martin talks to AAM All Access Magazine (July 24, 2008). Retrieved on 12-10-10.
- ^ a b c Prato, Greg. "Return to Olympus Review". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/return-to-olympus-r223684/review. Retrieved November 13, 20100.
- ^ a b c Scanlon, Tom (September 16, 2005). "Pre- and post-grunge: Andrew Wood, folk scene". The Seattle Times. http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20050916&slug=nite16. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ "Documentary to Remember Mother Love Bone's Wood". Spin. October 3, 2005. http://www.spin.com/articles/documentary-remember-mother-love-bones-wood.
- ^ "Mother Love Bone: Top Music Videos". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/searchResult.jsp?exp=y&Ntt=mother+love+bone&Ntk=Keyword&an=bbcom&nor=10&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&N=38. Retrieved 2009-03-09.[dead link]
Further reading
- Furek, Maxim W. (2008) The Death Proclamation of Generation X: A Self-Fulfilling Prophesy of Goth, Grunge and Heroin, i-Universe. ISBN 978-0-595-46319-0
External links
- Malfunkshun Web Site
- Malfunkshun: The Andrew Wood Story
- "Andrew Wood (singer)". Find a Grave. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6941132. Retrieved August 9, 2010.
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Mentioned in
Malfunkshun: The Andrew Wood Story
(2005 Film)
Return to Olympus
(1995 Album by Malfunkshun)
Malfunkshun
(Rock Band, '80s)
Bridges and Powerlines
(Rock Band, 2000s)
Apple
(1990 Album by Mother Love Bone)
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