TICKETS AN DER ABENDKASSE

THE SPUDMONSTERS + BALE

For many who know The Spudmonsters, few know the real history of the band. Founded in 1986 under the name “Joe Gizmo And The Spudmonsters” a punk rock/ crossover sensation was born. Founding members were Chris Andrews, Rick Keihl, Roger “Joe Gizmo” Warmuth, Ian Shipley and Alex Struhall. Through the years there were many line-up changes. Upon the exit of original frontman Joe Gizmo the band shortened the title to “The Spudmonsters” and replaced Gizmo with John Keener on vocals. Jerry Bizon took over on second guitar when Alex left the band and Joe Kilcoyne was Ian’s replacement on bass. The Spudmonsters recorded a classic demo and started to build a strong fan base locally. After a short run of regional success the band hit another pitfall as John and Jerry decided to leave the band to pursue other interests. Don Foose took over on vocals and Scott Roberts on guitar. The new Spudmonsters were now in order and released another demo and various 7” albums on Smog Veil Records generating interest in the music industry. The Spudmonsters signed with Metal Blade Records to be on the Metal Massacre 11 compilation album. As the band was set to record their debut album, Joe and Rick left the band and Steve Swanson took over on bass and Eric Matthews on drums. By now The Spudmonsters were becoming well known for their high energy live shows and stage antics. With the help of former Spuds bassist, Joe Kilcoyne, the Spuds inked a 3 album deal with Massacre Records based out of Stuttgart, Germany. As the band started to tour, their popularity grew at a rapid pace. They toured Europe with such bands as Biohazard, Life Of Agony, Pro-Pain, M.O.D., D.R.I., Clutch and many others covering 18 countries. They had 2 MTV singles and the schedule was full. After their epic rookie release STOP THE MADNESS in 92’ the Spuds toured almost non-stop for 2 years and established a strong following. In 95’ The Spudmonsters entered into the studio in Ithica N.Y. with former Raven drummer Rob “Wacko” Hunter as producer. Their sophomore release entitled NO GUARANTEES had the band back on the road touring at an alarming rate. The Spudmonsters were on a headlining tour in Europe when founding member Chris Andrews decided to leave the band for personal reasons. He encouraged the band to go on without him and they finished the tour as a 4 piece. Upon coming home from that tour The Spudmonsters had a lot to ponder. What was the future of the band? Was there a future for the band? After a somber band meeting the band decided to seek out another guitarist and keep the show on the road. After a long search, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native, Eric Klinger joined the ranks and the band immediately started writing a new album. It was quickly becoming apparent that Klinger was the perfect fit as the band collectively wrote what many consider to be The Spudmonsters signature album MOMENT OF TRUTH that came out on Century Media Records in 97’. Produced by the legendary Tom Soares (New Kids On The Block, Cro-Mags, Sick Of It All, Agnostic Front) the 5 piece was back at it touring worldwide. After a handful of tours the industry was starting to wear on the band and they decided to take time off. It was an unofficial break from what they had been doing for over a decade. In the winter of 98’ The Spudmonsters played a “going out” show in Cleveland at The Odeon. Joe Gizmo and The Spudmonsters shared the stage that night and a chapter in Cleveland music history closed. Years went by and former Spuds members went on to form or join existing bands such as Run Devil Run, Biohazard, Cro-Mags, Pro-Pain and Foose. In 07’ after countless petitions for a reunion The Spudmonsters reunited for a show at Cleveland’s own Peabody’s Concert club. Joe Gizmo and The Spudmonsters also played and the show was a huge success. Since 07’ The Spudmonsters have had an endless stream of friends and fans requesting one more album. To make a long story less long, here it is. This one’s for you! The band took to heart the requests of those who wanted one more album. This album isn’t just thrown together for a payday either. Every song is choc’ full of the blood, sweat and tears that they stand for. There are no “fillers”, just 100% pure Spudrock! Hope you like it!

The Spudmonsters Mgt.

BALE http://www.facebook.com/balemusic