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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 P  Artist Prime Years  P.O.D. 1998 - 2008  Take hardcore Punk, Alt. Metal, Hip-Hop, a dash of Reggae and blend it with Christian oriented lyrics - that's P.O.D. - Payable On Death. Jimmy Page 1968 - 1975  Session guitarist turned Yardbirds axeman, Jimmy Page’s legacy was built on his next move, Led Zeppelin. Robert Palmer 1985 - 1988  “Riptide” with “Addicted To Love” catches Robert Palmer at his cool synth-Rock peak. Panic At The Disco 2005 -   Having written three songs, Panic At The Disco recorded two of them and sent the demos to Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz who decided to sign them to his relatively new Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen label. Panic Channel 2006 -   On a happier note, Navarro and two other former Jane’s Addiction members, Chris Chaney (bass), Stephen Perkins (drums), recruited singer-guitarist Steve Isaacs, a former MTV VJ who played the lead in the Broadway incarnation of The Who's Tommy, to form Panic Channel. Pantera   Exchanging glitter for tattoos, Pantera scored their first success with Cowboys From Hell in ‘90 featuring Dimebag’s vicious guitar attacks and Anselmo’s blast furnace vocals. Papa Roach 2000 -   Of the four members of Papa Roach (singer Jacoby Shaddix – formerly known as Coby Dick, bassist Tobin Esperance, drummer David Buckner), only guitarist Jerry Horton came from a two-parent family. Paramore   Seeing Paramore perform only once, Fueled By Ramen’s head honcho, John Janick, decided to sign the group. Alan Parsons Project 1980 - 1982  Given his background with thematic productions it was only a matter of time before Alan Parsons teamed up with vocalist Eric Woolfson and a revolving group of musicians, including ex-Hollie Allan Clarke and ex-Zombie Colin Blunstone, to create his own concept albums. Pearl Jam 1991 - 2008  Given their fractured beginning, who would have suspected that Pearl Jam would be the last Grunge band standing? Pennywise 1997 - 2001  Pennywise is politics (liberal) with the standard “don’t mess with us” attitude. Carl Perkins 1956 - 1958  When RCA approached Sun Records owner Sam Philips about buying Elvis Presley 's contact Philips wasn't too concerned about losing his main attraction.  After all, he had another singer under contract who was going to be even bigger. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 1976 - 1982  Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers rolled into view in 1976. Liz Phair 1993 - 2005  Liz Phair made a dramatic debut in '93 with the bare-bones double album Exile In Guyville. Phantom Planet 2004 -   Early on, Phantom Planet was known for having actor Jason Schwartzman on drums. Pink Floyd 1973 - 1975  Named after Bluesmen Pink Anderson and Floyd Council, Pink Floyd was founded by Syd Barrett. Pink Spiders 2006 -   The Pink Spiders were named one of Alternative Press’ 100 Bands You Need To Know In 2006. Pixies 1988 - 1992  Onstage the Pixies were a bit of a spectacle. Plain White T's 2002 -   Plain White T’s sound like Blink 182 but with a pop radiance rather than sneering, sarcastic vocals. Robert Plant 1988 - 1990  When groups disband it's usually the lead singer that has the most prosperous career and while that proved true with Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant it was hardly a slam-dunk. Poe   Born in New York (3/28/68), Annie Danielewski changed her name to Poe at the ripe old age of ten. Poison 1986 - 1990  “Flesh and Blood” appeared like clockwork in ‘90 and contained Poison’s best single “Unskinny Bop.” Police 1978 - 1983  At the beginning of '77, ex-school teacher Gordon Sumner a.k.a. Sting (so named for his fondness for a black and yellow stripped jersey he constantly wore) and Stewart Copeland began the Police with guitarist Henri Padovani. Ponys 2004 - 2005  The Chicago based Ponys came together in late ‘00 when guitarist/singer Jered Gummere convinced girlfriend/bassist Melissa Elias to start a group. Iggy Pop 1969 - 1972  If self abuse were the sole criteria for Rock greatness, Iggy Pop would be king. Posies 1990 - 1998  The Posies' debut was the ironically titled “Failure.” The group moved to Geffen and made their major label debut with Dear 23 in ‘90. Powderfinger   Powderfinger started as a trio in ‘92 taking their name from a Neil Young song. Power Station   Taking a break from Duran Duran, guitarist John Taylor and bassist Andy Taylor formed Power Station in ‘85 with former Chic drummer Tony Thompson and bubbling under singer Robert Palmer. Powerman 5000   Mike with Powerman 5000 incorporated funk and rap elements. In early '89 the 12-inch single Much Evil was released under the MC Spider banner. Presidents Of The United States Of America 1995 - 1996  The Presidents of the United States didn’t stay long but they were fun while they were around. Elvis Presley 1955 - 1958  Elvis Presley was the Rock 'n' Roll prototype. Elvis Presley 1968 - 1972  Elvis was one of the most dynamic, if not the most dynamic, performer of the last century. Elvis Presley (post Army) 1968 - 1972  It wasn't until the movie/soundtrack revenues showed a steep decline that Elvis' manager, Col. Tom Parker, sought another money source. He settled on TV. He signed Presley to appear in a December special on NBC. The Pretenders 1980 - 1986  Had the Pretenders gone no further than their '84 CD Learning To Crawl (which almost happened) they would have accomplished a lot. Prince   The difference between '70s Funk master Rick James and Prince came down to adaptability. Probot   One listen to the tracks Grohl laid down for “Probot” and it’s evident that he's is not only a major enthusiast but he knows exactly what he’s doing. Procol Harum 1967 - 1969  “Whiter Shade of Pale” is what Procol Harum is remembered for. Puddle Of Mudd 2002 -   For '03's Life On Display Puddle Of Mudd kicks it out on several tracks including opener Away From Me.	Rockin'Artist Bios Q R  Artist Prime Years  Queens Of The Stone Age 1997 - 2007  One group that has successfully shifted members, around guitarist/singer Josh Homme, is Queens Of The Stone Age. Queensryche 1983 - 1991  Formed around lead singer Geoff Tate, Queensryche produced a self-financed album in ’83 entitled Queen of the Ryche. Queen 1975 - 1980  After the contracts were signed, the record company exec must have walked away thinking Queen would either make millions or crash big time. Quiet Riot 1983 - 1987  Quiet Riot got together in the mid-70s with vocalist Kevin DuBrow, future Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Randy Rhoads, bassist Kellie Garni and drummer Drew Forsyth. R.E.M. 1982 -   R.E.M. got together in the spring of '80 with University of Georgia students Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Bill Berry and Michael Stipe. REO Speedwagon   REO Speedwagon released several albums before they decided to ride the Rock ballad wave with Keep On Lovin' You & Take It On The Run. Ra Ra Riot 2008 -   Ra Ra Riot is not a riot – in fact, they are closer to Arcade Fire but with a stronger pop leaning. The vocals are plaintive and the violin and cello provide a pensive charm that underscores the lyrics. The Raconteurs 2004 -   The Raconteurs are Jack White, Brendon Benson, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler. Radiohead 1993 - 2003  Radiohead's '93 debut Pablo Honey contained their breakthrough song Creep. Rage Against The Machine 1992 - 2000  Rage Against The Machine originated in Orange County back in '91. Rainbow 1976 - 1981  Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore hung with Rainbow about as long as he did Deep Purple. And while his time with Rainbow had its moments it doesn't compare with his Purple work. Bonnie Raitt 1987 - 1990  In '86, Bonnie Raitt was dropped by her label, Warner Brother's Records, following the completion of her ninth album. Ramones 1974 - 1979  As Rock was taking itself too seriously (happens every now and then and should be avoided at all costs), the Ramones came along with two minute high-energy blasts. Rancid   When Operation Ivy bit the dust, Armstrong and Freeman teamed with drummer Brett Reed to form Rancid. Rare Earth 1970 - 1972  The group was signed to Motown subsidiary Rare Earth and adopted the name. Ratt   Ratt rolled out of L.A. in the early ‘80s, and if they are remembered at all, it’s for “Round and Round.” Ravonettes 2003 -   The Copenhagen duo of Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo used Pro Tools and drew from influences as varied as Buddy Holly, Velvet Underground and Sonic Youth, to create their debut, the eight-track Whip It On. Razorlight 2004 -   Razorlight started in '02 as a partnership of vocalist/guitarist Johnny Borrell and guitarist/vocalist Björn Ågnen (he’s from Sweden, you know). Red Hot Chili Peppers 1984 -   Though the Red Hot Chili Peppers' nucleus formed at L.A.'s Fairfax High School in the late '70s, only drummer Jack Irons was a local native. Lou Reed 1971 - 1975  Hailing from Freeport, Long Island, and born with the moniker Louis Firbank, Reed became a founding member of the influential, if not commercially successful, Velvet Underground in ‘65. Relient K 2004 -   Relient K's Five Score & Seven Years Ago, is a tour de force effort ranging from Beach Boys’ harmonies (Plead The Fifth) to jangling ‘70s pop (Must Have Done Something Right) to Alt. acoustic Rock (Faking My Own Suicide) to as close as they come to real Punk (Deviation And Reform). Rembrandts 1991 - 1993  In ‘91, the Rembrandts (Danny Wilde and Phil Solem) had a minor hit with the brooding mid-tempo, “Just The Way It Is, Baby.” Remy Zero 1996 - 2001  Rolling out of Birmingham, AL, Remy Zero released their self-titled debut in '96. The Replacements   Often remembered as Paul Westerberg's group before he embarked on a modest but intriguing solo career, the Replacements were a significant '80s band, though not all that commercially successful. Republica   With a Punk/Rock/Dance sound, Republica hit pay dirt with the single Ready To Go from their self-titled debut album. Paul Revere & The Raiders 1965 - 1967  Paul Revere started out as a barber, but with long hair becoming stylish, he switched to operating a fast food restaurant. It was there that he met Mark Lindsey who delivered the bread. Keith Richards 1969 - 1974  When the Rolling Stones debuted, Keith Richards was often dismissed as a Chuck Berry wannabe. Rilo Kiley 2001 -   Rilo Kiley takes a darker, tougher turn on Under The Blacklight. It’s also the group’s most stylistically diverse effort to date. Rise Against 2001 -   Rise Against began life in ‘99 operating under the name Transistor Revolt. Rock Star Supernova   Rock Star Supernova owes its existence to three dubious elements: corporate Rock, the supergroup concept and American Idol. Rogers Sisters 2002 -   Detroit natives Jennifer (vocals/guitar) and Laura Rogers (drums/backing vocals) moved to New York to advance their music careers. Rogue Wave 2004 -   With each effort, Rogue Wave has kicked up the energy moving from the background to foreground. Rolling Stones 1965 - 1975  The Rolling Stones were called the “World’s Greatest Rock n’ Roll Band” before they actually achieved that status and long after they’d lost it. Henry Rollins Band 1987 - 1990  The Washington, D.C. native started the Henry Rollins Band teaming with Chris Haskett (guitar), Simeon Cain (drums) and Andrew Weiss (bass), who was later replaced by Melvin Gibbs. Romantics   The Romantics were more fun and exciting than many of their Midwest contemporaries (Styx, REO Speedwagon, etc.). Linda Ronstadt 1971 - 1977  Linda Ronstadt's career served dual purposes. She updated and re-popularized some great tunes and she gave exposure to her struggling contemporaries. Rose Hill Drive 2006 -   Rose Hill Drive formed in ’03 with brothers Jacob Sproul (bass guitar and vocals), Daniel Sproul (guitar, backup vocals), and high school friend Nathan Barnes (drums). Gavin Rossdale 2008 -   Gavin Rossdale’s solo debut is “Wanderlust.” David Lee Roth   At an early age Roth was diagnosed as hyperactive. Roxy Music 1976 - 1982  Avalon with the title track, Take A Chance With Me, and the stunning More Than This represents Roxy Music's penultimate work thanks to flawless arrangements and exquisite production. Royal Bangs 2008 -   Don’t let all the electronics and loops distract, the Royal Bangs are a garage band at heart – and a very good one at that. Runaways 1976 - 1979  The Runaways issued five albums and made a dent in ’76 with their single Cherry Bomb (Hello daddy, hello mom, I'm your ch-ch-cherry bomb!) but that was overshadowed by the fact that they were the first all-female Rock group. Rush 1980 -   Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer John Rutsey formed Rush in '69 as a Hard Rock covers band. Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels 1966 - 1967  Detroit's contribution to Rock has been a straightforward and no nonsense. Bob Seger was a perfect example.  Also, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. Formed in '63 by R&B singer William Levise Jr.