snot

Snot is an American rock band from Santa Barbara, California. Formed in 1995, their musical style is a fusion of punk, funk^[1] and metal.^[2] The band released the studio album Get Some with founding vocalist Lynn Strait in 1997 and disbanded after his death in 1998. In 2008, Snot reformed in the original lineup with new vocalist Tommy Vext, guitarists Mike Doling and Sonny Mayo, bassist John Fahnestock and drummer Jamie Miller. They are currently working on a new studio album, which is due for release in October 2009.^[3]

History

Formation, Get Some and death of Lynn Strait (1995-1998)

The band was formed by bassist Ruben Gonzalez, the former bassist of local metal band First Strike/Indica, and guitarist Mike Doling, formerly of Kronix.^[2] Internal differences changed out Ruben Gonzalez for John Fahnestock. After building a strong following with performances in Los Angeles, Snot signed with Geffen Records, and began work on their debut album, Get Some, released on May 27, 1997. Although the album received positive critical notice, sales were disappointing.^[1][2]

The band performed on the 1998 Ozzfest tour. On July 9, 1998, Strait was arrested in Mansfield, Massachusetts, for indecent exposure after emerging nude from the oversized toilet prop used by Limp Bizkit in their performances.^[4] The band began work on their second album. On December 11, 1998, Strait died in a car accident when a truck struck his car, killing him and his boxer, Dobbs.^{[1] [2]} The band disbanded following Strait's death.

Post-Death (1999-2007)

Because Strait had not recorded vocals for the album, it was decided that the album's vocal tracks would be completed by friends of Strait as a tribute. Strait Up, released on November 7, 2000, featured appearances by the lead vocalists of Korn, Slipknot, Sevendust, Hed PE, Coal Chamber, Sugar Ray, System of a Down,Incubus and Soulfly, among others.^{[1] [5]} It peaked at #56 on the Billboard 200.^[6]

A live album, Alive!, was released on July 30, 2002. It peaked at #12 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.^[7] On April 5, 2007, the band reunited for a performance in Anaheim, California, with vocals performed by Invitro singer Jeff Weber.^[8]

Reunion (2008-present)

In 2008, the former Snot members discussed the possibilities of reuniting, an idea Mike Doling once called "bullshit."^[9] Regardless, it was officially announced in July that the band had reformed, with former Divine Heresy singer Tommy "Vext" Cummings on vocals.^[8] In August 2008, they posted a new track called "The Band Plays On", which marked their first recording in over a decade, on their MySpace page.^[10]The band performed their first show since reuniting at Velvet Jones in Santa Barbara, California on August 20, 2008.

As of March 2009, Snot has been writing and recording their follow-up to Get Some for producer Dave Fortman. They are hoping to have it out sometime in October 2009.^[3] Recording may be halted as Tommy Vext and Sonny Mayo have chosen to leave the band. On June 1st 2009, Snot announced they had been jamming with a new, unnamed vocalist.

In late November of 2009 it was announced via Blabbermouth.net that the three remaining members of Snot, along with new vocalist "Brandon", would be moving forward as "Tons". A new Myspace page has been created with the bands essentially reversed Snot logo, as well as two brand new songs.^[11]

Band members

Current Members (as Tons)

• Mike Doling — guitars (1995 - 1998, 2008 - present)
• John Fahnestock — bass+growls (1995 - 1998, 2008 - present)
• Jamie Miller — drums (1995 - 1998, 2008 - present)
• Brandon Espinoza — vocals (2009 - present)

Former members

• Lynn Strait — vocals (1995 - 1998)
• Sonny Mayo — guitars (1995 - 1998, 2008 - 2009)
• Shannon Larkin — drums (1998)
• Mike Smith — guitar (1998)
• Tommy Vext - vocals (2008 - 2009)

Discography

• Get Some (1997)
• Strait Up (2000)
• Alive! (2002)

References

External links

• Official website