Staind
Encyclopedia
Staind is an American rock band that was formed in 1995 in Springfield
, Massachusetts
. For 16 years, the band consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis
, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist Johnny April, and drummer Jon Wysocki (who left in May 2011). To date, the band has recorded seven studio albums: Tormented (1996), Dysfunction
(1999), Break the Cycle
(2001), 14 Shades of Grey
(2003), Chapter V
(2005), The Illusion of Progress
(2008), and their self-titled album (2011). The band has had five chart-topping singles and sold over 15 million records worldwide.
. The band met through friends and started covering KoRn
, Rage Against the Machine
, Pearl Jam
, Tool
, and Alice in Chains
, among others, in smalltime clubs for a year and a half. Staind self-released their debut album, Tormented, in November 1996, citing influences Pantera
and Machine Head
. Until recently, the album was difficult to obtain, as only four thousand copies were originally sold.
During this time, Staind acquired a concert slot with Limp Bizkit
. Shortly prior to the performance, Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst
was appalled by Staind's grotesque album cover and unsuccessfully attempted to remove them from the bill. His perception changed, however, after being impressed with their performance.
on Flip Records
. The album, which was co-produced by Fred Durst
and Terry Date (who also produced acts like Soundgarden
, Deftones
, and Pantera
), received comparisons to metal giants Tool
and Korn
. In particular, Aaron Lewis was lauded for his vocals, which were likened to those of Pearl Jam
's Eddie Vedder
.
The album achieved slow success, with the album reaching the #1 spot on Billboard's Heatseaker Charts almost six months after its debut. In the same week, the album jumped to #74 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Charts. The nine-track LP (with one hidden track, "Excess Baggage") produced three singles, "Just Go
", "Mudshovel
", and "Home
". "Mudshovel" and "Home" both received radio play, cracking the Top 20 of Billboard's Modern Rock and Mainstream Rock charts. In promotion of Dysfunction, Staind went on several tours, including the Family Values Tour with acts like Limp Bizkit
and The Crystal Method
, as well as opening for Sevendust
's headlining tour.
during the fall of 1999, where Aaron Lewis performed their first mainstream hit "Outside" with Fred Durst at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum
. Staind released their third studio album Break the Cycle
on May 22, 2001. Propelled by the success of their first single "It's Been Awhile", the album debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top 200 Album charts, selling 716,000 albums in its first week. The album's first week sales were the second highest of any album that year, a significant achievement for a hard rock band at a time when music charts were largely dominated by hip hop and teen-pop acts.
The album saw the band move away from the nu metal sounds of their previous album and turn to an alternative metal
sound. The album spawned five hit singles: "It's Been Awhile
" (which hit the Billboard Top 10), "Fade
" (which has been featured on a number of movie soundtracks and television shows), "Outside
", "For You", and the acoustic ballad "Epiphany". It also included a track called "Waste", devoted to two teenage fans who committed suicide shortly before the album was released. "It's Been Awhile" spent a total of 16 and 14 weeks on top of the modern and mainstream rock charts, respectively, making it one of the highest joint numbers of all time. On 2001, Break the Cycle sold 4 million copies worldwide making it one of the best selling albums that year. Break the Cycle would go on to sell 7 million copies worldwide, making this Staind's best selling album.
, which sold two million albums and debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200. The fourteen-track collection was the band's most mainstream yet, and showed Aaron Lewis writing songs about his daughter, as well as moving on with his life and forgetting his past, hence the title representing uncertainty for the future and forgiveness. The album provided two mainstream hits: the lead single "Price to Play
", and "So Far Away
" (which spent 14 weeks on top of the rock chart, and was featured on an episode of Smallville
); in addition, two other singles failed to crack the Hot 100—"How About You" and "Zoe Jane"— but "How About You
" was a fairly popular song on modern rock
radio. Their song "Price to Play" was the official theme song of WWE's Vengeance pay-per-view
event in July 2003. As well, their song "So Far Away" was featured on an episode of WWE Raw
as part of a video tribute to hardcore wrestling
legend Mick Foley
. The band's appearance at Reading Festival during the 2003 tour had another impromptu acoustic set, this time due to equipment failure. The singles "So Far Away" and "Price to Play" came with two unreleased tracks, "Novocaine" and "Let It Out", which were released for the special edition of the group's Chapter V
, which came out in late 2005. In 2003, Staind unsuccessfully sued their logo designer Jon Stainbrook in New York Federal Court for attempting to re-use the logo he had sold to the band. They re-opened the case in mid-2005.
, was released on August 9, 2005, and became their third consecutive number one. The album opened to sales of 185,000 and has since been certified platinum in the U.S. The first single "Right Here
" has been the biggest success from the album thus far, garnering much mainstream radio play and peaking at number 1 on the mainstream rock chart. "Falling" (the video of which does not feature the band members at all) was released as the second single, followed by "Everything Changes" and "King of All Excuses
". Staind have been on the road since the album came out doing live shows and promoting it for a full year, including participating in the Fall Brawl tour with P.O.D.
, Taproot
and Flyleaf
, a solo tour across Europe and a mini-promotional tour in Australia for the first time. Recent live shows have included a cover of Pantera
's "This Love
", a tribute to Dimebag Darrell
. Staind appeared on The Howard Stern Show on August 10, 2005, to promote their new album Chapter V. They performed acoustic
renditions of the single "Right Here" and Beetlejuice
's song "This is Beetle". Their rendition of "Beetle" is immensely popular with fans and listeners alike and became a staple of the show. Staind also performed a version of "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd. Kevin Lofton, who does all the animation for the Howard Stern website, created a black-and-white animated video for the song. During a January 2006 episode of WWE RAW, a tribute video to then WWE Champion
Edge featured the band's song "Right Here". In early November 2005, Staind released the limited edition 2-CD/DVD set of Chapter V. The set included several rarities and fan favorites— music videos; a complete, 36-page booklet with exclusive artwork; an audio disc with an acoustic rendition of "This is Beetle"; the original, melodic rendition of "Reply"; the previously released B-side singles "Novocaine" and "Let It Out"; and live versions of "It's Been Awhile" and "Falling", among many others.
's "Sober", Pink Floyd
's "Comfortably Numb
" and Alice in Chains
's "Nutshell
".
The title was later renamed to The Singles and finally The Singles: 1996–2006. The album had most of Staind's singles (including "Everything Changes" which was recorded at the New York show), the three covers performed at the New York show and a remastered version of "Come Again", from Staind's first independent release Tormented. It was released on November 14, 2006.
. A limited edition of the album was also made available to fans, which included 3 bonus tracks and a year membership in the Staind Fan Club, along with other items (the first 200 fans who pre-ordered the album through Atlantic Records
received a signed copy of the album by the band). Prior to the album's release, the track "This Is It" was available for download on the iTunes
store, as well as for Rock Band
. The album debuted at #3 on US Billboard 200, #1 on the Top Modern Rock/Alternative Albums Chart, #1 on the Top Digital Albums Chart, and also #1 on the Top Internet Albums Chart, with first week sales of 91,800 units. The first single on the album, "Believe
", topped Billboard's Top 10 Modern Rock Tracks on September 5, 2008. The band has also been supporting Nickelback
on their 2008 European tour. The second single was "All I Want", and came out on November 24. The video continues the story of first single and was available on Staind's MySpace
on December 12. The single also became Staind's 13th top 20 hit on the rock charts. In Europe the second single was "The Way I Am", released on January 26, 2009. The final single released from the album, "This Is It", was sent to radio stations across the country on May 4, 2009. The single was also included on the successful Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – The Album
released in late June, 2009. Aaron Lewis stated in an interview that he has begun writing for his upcoming solo album later set to be released this year. Staind embarked on a fall tour with the newly reunited Creed
.
stated the band would start working on their seventh studio album by the end of the year.
Lewis had finished recording his country-tinged solo EP and has recently started a nonprofit organization to reopen his daughter's elementary school in Worthington, Massachusetts. Lewis was able to get her school reopened thanks to the benefit concert Aaron Lewis and Friends, which featured performances by Seether
, 3 Doors Down
, Lo-Pro
and more. Guitarist Mike Mushok stated in a recent question and answer session with fans that the band is looking to make a heavy record, but still "explore some of the things we did on the last record and take them somewhere new for us". In a recent webisode posted on the band's website, Lewis stated that eight songs are written and that "every one of them is as heavy or heavier than the heaviest song on the last record".
In December 2010, Staind posted three webisodes from the studio, which feature the band members discussing the writing and recording process of their new album. They announced that as of April 20, the band had completed the recording of their untitled seventh album and will release it later this year.
On May 20, 2011, Staind announced that the band and long-time drummer Jon Wysocki (Currently in the band Soil) had parted ways. Drummer Will Hunt filled in for select dates, but has now been replaced by drummer Sal Giancarelli who will join the band for their upcoming shows. Three days later, it was reported that Staind's new album was originally called Seven, but was renamed Staind. It was released on September 13, 2011. The first single "Not Again" was released to active radio stations on July 18.
A new track titled "The Bottom" appeared on the Transformers: Dark of the Moon soundtrack. On June 30, Staind released a song called "Eyes Wide Open" from their new record. A track list for the album has also been released. On July 12, Staind released the first single "Not Again" through YouTube and was officially released/available on July 26.
In November 2011, the band officially announced through their YouTube page that Sal Giancarelli had become their new drummer.
musician Jon Stainbrook in New York Federal Court
over his 1980 trademark of "The Stain". Staind was unsuccessful in their suit prompting Stainbrook to pursue litigation against the band for including false statements in their application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. If Stainbrook's suit was successful, Staind would have had to change their band name and forfeit all trademark claims.
In 2005, guitarist Mike Mushok claimed during a deposition in Toledo, Ohio
that Staind avoided any contact with Stainbrook because they were not made aware of promises a Geffen Records
Executive made to Stainbrook on their behalf during a 1999 licensing negotiation. After several legal confrontations, the parties settled their claims in 2006, partially re-negotiating the 1998 licensing agreement, which allows Stainbrook and Staind the right to use the trademark in certain areas.
was listed in metal magazine Hit Parader
s Heavy Metal's All-Time Top 100 Vocalists list at #49.
Digital albums
Other appearances
Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield is the most populous city in Western New England, and the seat of Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Springfield sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers; the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
. For 16 years, the band consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis
Aaron Lewis
Aaron Lewis, , is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and founding member of the rock group Staind, with whom he has released seven studio albums. He has since ventured into country music with his debut solo album, Town Line...
, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist Johnny April, and drummer Jon Wysocki (who left in May 2011). To date, the band has recorded seven studio albums: Tormented (1996), Dysfunction
Dysfunction (album)
- Personnel :*Johnny April – bass, backing vocals*Gregory Burke – artwork, design, concept*John Burton – mixing assistant*Terry Date – producer, engineer, mixing*Fred Durst – producer*Aaron Lewis – vocals*Roger Lian – mastering...
(1999), Break the Cycle
Break the Cycle
Break the Cycle is the third studio album of the American alternative metal band Staind, released through Elektra Entertainment and Flip Records in 2001. It is Staind's most successful album to date, and was the album that broke them into the mainstream. It was a huge international success for...
(2001), 14 Shades of Grey
14 Shades of Grey
-Personnel:* Aaron Lewis – vocals, rhythm guitar* Mike Mushok – lead guitar* Johnny April – bass guitar* Jon Wysocki – drums-Reception:Initial critical response ranged from mixed to average. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album...
(2003), Chapter V
Chapter V
Chapter V is the fifth studio album from Staind. It was released on August 9, 2005, debuted at number 1 with first week sales of 185,000 copies, and has spawned four moderately successful singles on rock radio...
(2005), The Illusion of Progress
The Illusion of Progress
-Bonus tracks:# "It's Been Awhile" – 4:49 [Limited edition]# "Devil" – 5:18 [Limited edition]...
(2008), and their self-titled album (2011). The band has had five chart-topping singles and sold over 15 million records worldwide.
Early days and Tormented (1995–1998)
Staind formed on September 23, 1995 in Springfield, MassachusettsSpringfield, Massachusetts
Springfield is the most populous city in Western New England, and the seat of Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Springfield sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers; the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern...
. The band met through friends and started covering KoRn
Korn
Korn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
, Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group's line-up consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk...
, Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam is an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Eddie Vedder , Jeff Ament , Stone Gossard , and Mike McCready...
, Tool
Tool (band)
Tool is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1990, the group's line-up has included drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Since 1995, Justin Chancellor has been the band's bassist, replacing their original bassist Paul D'Amour...
, and Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley. The initial lineup was rounded out by drummer Sean Kinney, and bassist Mike Starr...
, among others, in smalltime clubs for a year and a half. Staind self-released their debut album, Tormented, in November 1996, citing influences Pantera
Pantera
Pantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
and Machine Head
Machine Head (band)
Machine Head is an American heavy metal band from Oakland, California. Formed on October 12, 1991, the group was founded by Robb Flynn and Adam Duce. There have been 4 member changes since their inception. The current lineup of the band comprises Flynn , Duce , ex-Vio-Lence guitarist Phil Demmel ,...
. Until recently, the album was difficult to obtain, as only four thousand copies were originally sold.
During this time, Staind acquired a concert slot with Limp Bizkit
Limp Bizkit
Limp Bizkit is an American rock band from Jacksonville, Florida. Formed in 1995, the group's lineup consists of Fred Durst , Wes Borland , Sam Rivers , John Otto and DJ Lethal . The band achieved mainstream success with their second studio album Significant Other, released in 1999...
. Shortly prior to the performance, Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst
Fred Durst
William Frederick "Fred" Durst is an American musician, director, producer and actor, well known as the frontman of the band Limp Bizkit.-Early life:...
was appalled by Staind's grotesque album cover and unsuccessfully attempted to remove them from the bill. His perception changed, however, after being impressed with their performance.
Dysfunction (1999–2000)
On April 13, 1999, Staind released its major label debut DysfunctionDysfunction (album)
- Personnel :*Johnny April – bass, backing vocals*Gregory Burke – artwork, design, concept*John Burton – mixing assistant*Terry Date – producer, engineer, mixing*Fred Durst – producer*Aaron Lewis – vocals*Roger Lian – mastering...
on Flip Records
Flip Records (1994)
Flip Records is a Californian record label, started by Jordan Schur in 1994. Flip had distribution deals with other labels including Epic, Elektra and A&M until Schur was named president of Geffen and issued through Geffen/Interscope...
. The album, which was co-produced by Fred Durst
Fred Durst
William Frederick "Fred" Durst is an American musician, director, producer and actor, well known as the frontman of the band Limp Bizkit.-Early life:...
and Terry Date (who also produced acts like Soundgarden
Soundgarden
Soundgarden is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1984 by singer Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto...
, Deftones
Deftones
Deftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, founded in 1988. The band consists of Chino Moreno , Stephen Carpenter , Chi Cheng , Frank Delgado , and Abe Cunningham . Currently Sergio Vega is standing in on bass while Cheng recovers from a car accident...
, and Pantera
Pantera
Pantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
), received comparisons to metal giants Tool
Tool (band)
Tool is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1990, the group's line-up has included drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Since 1995, Justin Chancellor has been the band's bassist, replacing their original bassist Paul D'Amour...
and Korn
Korn
Korn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
. In particular, Aaron Lewis was lauded for his vocals, which were likened to those of Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam is an American rock band that formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band's line-up has included Eddie Vedder , Jeff Ament , Stone Gossard , and Mike McCready...
's Eddie Vedder
Eddie Vedder
Eddie Vedder is an American musician and singer-songwriter who is best known for being the lead singer and one of three guitarists of the alternative rock band Pearl Jam. He is widely considered a cultural icon of alternative rock.He is also involved in soundtrack work and contributes to albums...
.
The album achieved slow success, with the album reaching the #1 spot on Billboard's Heatseaker Charts almost six months after its debut. In the same week, the album jumped to #74 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Charts. The nine-track LP (with one hidden track, "Excess Baggage") produced three singles, "Just Go
Just Go (Staind song)
"Just Go" is the first single released by Staind from the album Dysfunction. The song reached #24 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. A music video was made for the song and was directed by Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst.- Track listing :...
", "Mudshovel
Mudshovel
"Mudshovel" is a song by American heavy metal band Staind. It was the second single from their 1999 studio album, Dysfunction, and served as a breakout hit. "Mudshovel" song reached #14 on the Modern Rock Charts and #10 on the Mainstream Rock charts. It was originally on Staind's first album...
", and "Home
Home (Staind song)
"Home" is a single by Staind, it is the third and final single from the album Dysfunction. It reached #17 on the Modern Rock charts and to #11 on the Mainstream Rock charts. The song was included on the Staind MTV Unplugged DVD and was put on The Singles: 1996-2006....
". "Mudshovel" and "Home" both received radio play, cracking the Top 20 of Billboard's Modern Rock and Mainstream Rock charts. In promotion of Dysfunction, Staind went on several tours, including the Family Values Tour with acts like Limp Bizkit
Limp Bizkit
Limp Bizkit is an American rock band from Jacksonville, Florida. Formed in 1995, the group's lineup consists of Fred Durst , Wes Borland , Sam Rivers , John Otto and DJ Lethal . The band achieved mainstream success with their second studio album Significant Other, released in 1999...
and The Crystal Method
The Crystal Method
The Crystal Method is an American electronic music duo that was created in Los Angeles, California by Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland in the early 1990s. The Crystal Method's music has appeared in numerous TV shows, films, video games, and advertisements. The most prominent is the US television...
, as well as opening for Sevendust
Sevendust
Sevendust is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1994 by bassist Vince Hornsby, drummer Morgan Rose and guitarist John Connolly. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon and guitarist Clint Lowery joined the group...
's headlining tour.
Break the Cycle (2001–2002)
Staind toured with Limp Bizkit for the Family Values TourFamily Values Tour
The Family Values Tour was created by the band Korn in 1998 to be an annual rock & rap tour.The tour began in 1998 and would take the year off in 2000, due to heavy competition from other tours, such as the Anger Management Tour and the Summer Sanitarium Tour. After a four year hiatus, the Family...
during the fall of 1999, where Aaron Lewis performed their first mainstream hit "Outside" with Fred Durst at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Mississippi Coast Coliseum
The Mississippi Coast Coliseum is a 11,500 reserved seating, 15,000 festival seating, multi-purpose arena in Biloxi, Mississippi. It was built in 1977. It hosted WCW Beach Blast 1993 and the Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball tournament in 1992 and 1993...
. Staind released their third studio album Break the Cycle
Break the Cycle
Break the Cycle is the third studio album of the American alternative metal band Staind, released through Elektra Entertainment and Flip Records in 2001. It is Staind's most successful album to date, and was the album that broke them into the mainstream. It was a huge international success for...
on May 22, 2001. Propelled by the success of their first single "It's Been Awhile", the album debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top 200 Album charts, selling 716,000 albums in its first week. The album's first week sales were the second highest of any album that year, a significant achievement for a hard rock band at a time when music charts were largely dominated by hip hop and teen-pop acts.
The album saw the band move away from the nu metal sounds of their previous album and turn to an alternative metal
Alternative metal
Alternative metal is a genre of alternative rock and heavy metal that gained popularity in the early 1990s. Most notably, alternative metal bands are characterized by heavy guitar riffs and experimental approaches to heavy music.-Origins:...
sound. The album spawned five hit singles: "It's Been Awhile
It's Been Awhile
"It's Been Awhile" is a single from 2001 off the album Break the Cycle by the alternative metal band Staind.The song is probably the band's best-known song, becoming a #5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, their only song to reach the pop Top 10...
" (which hit the Billboard Top 10), "Fade
Fade (Staind song)
"Fade" is a song by Staind from their 2001 album Break the Cycle, released as the third single from the album in late 2001.- Chart performance :...
" (which has been featured on a number of movie soundtracks and television shows), "Outside
Outside (Staind song)
"Outside" is a single by the alternative metal band Staind. It is the first single released off their 2001 album Break the Cycle.-Background:...
", "For You", and the acoustic ballad "Epiphany". It also included a track called "Waste", devoted to two teenage fans who committed suicide shortly before the album was released. "It's Been Awhile" spent a total of 16 and 14 weeks on top of the modern and mainstream rock charts, respectively, making it one of the highest joint numbers of all time. On 2001, Break the Cycle sold 4 million copies worldwide making it one of the best selling albums that year. Break the Cycle would go on to sell 7 million copies worldwide, making this Staind's best selling album.
14 Shades of Grey (2003–2004)
In early 2003, Staind embarked on a worldwide tour to promote the release of the follow-up to Break the Cycle, 14 Shades of Grey14 Shades of Grey
-Personnel:* Aaron Lewis – vocals, rhythm guitar* Mike Mushok – lead guitar* Johnny April – bass guitar* Jon Wysocki – drums-Reception:Initial critical response ranged from mixed to average. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album...
, which sold two million albums and debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200. The fourteen-track collection was the band's most mainstream yet, and showed Aaron Lewis writing songs about his daughter, as well as moving on with his life and forgetting his past, hence the title representing uncertainty for the future and forgiveness. The album provided two mainstream hits: the lead single "Price to Play
Price To Play
"Price to Play" is a song by American rock band Staind. It was the lead single from their fourth album, 14 Shades of Grey. "Price to Play" was released in advance and became a hit, charting high on both rock charts and peaking within the top 100 of the Billboard Hot 100 at number 66...
", and "So Far Away
So Far Away (Staind song)
"So Far Away" was the second single released off American band Staind's fourth album 14 Shades of Grey. It was released in late 2003 and its momentum carried over into 2004...
" (which spent 14 weeks on top of the rock chart, and was featured on an episode of Smallville
Smallville
Smallville is the hometown of Superman in comic books published by DC Comics. While growing up in Smallville, the young Clark Kent attended Smallville High with best friends Lana Lang, Chloe Sullivan and Pete Ross...
); in addition, two other singles failed to crack the Hot 100—"How About You" and "Zoe Jane"— but "How About You
How About You (Staind song)
"How About You" is the third single released from American post-grunge band Staind. The song was released on December 23, 2003, from the band's fourth album 14 Shades Of Grey. The song reached #10 on Billboard's Modern Rock and Mainstream Rock charts...
" was a fairly popular song on modern rock
Modern rock
Modern rock is a rock format commonly found on commercial radio; the format consists primarily of the alternative rock genre...
radio. Their song "Price to Play" was the official theme song of WWE's Vengeance pay-per-view
Pay-per-view
Pay-per-view provides a service by which a television audience can purchase events to view via private telecast. The broadcaster shows the event at the same time to everyone ordering it...
event in July 2003. As well, their song "So Far Away" was featured on an episode of WWE Raw
WWE RAW
WWE Raw ) is a sports entertainment television program for WWE that currently airs on the USA Network in the United States...
as part of a video tribute to hardcore wrestling
Hardcore wrestling
Hardcore wrestling is a form of professional wrestling that eschews traditional concepts of match rules in favor of matches that take place in unusual environments, using foreign objects that are not normally permitted...
legend Mick Foley
Mick Foley
Michael Francis "Mick" Foley, Sr. is an American semi-retired professional wrestler, author, comedian, actor, voice actor and former color commentator. He has worked for many wrestling promotions, including WWE, WCW, ECW and TNA. He is often referred to as "The Hardcore Legend", a nickname he...
. The band's appearance at Reading Festival during the 2003 tour had another impromptu acoustic set, this time due to equipment failure. The singles "So Far Away" and "Price to Play" came with two unreleased tracks, "Novocaine" and "Let It Out", which were released for the special edition of the group's Chapter V
Chapter V
Chapter V is the fifth studio album from Staind. It was released on August 9, 2005, debuted at number 1 with first week sales of 185,000 copies, and has spawned four moderately successful singles on rock radio...
, which came out in late 2005. In 2003, Staind unsuccessfully sued their logo designer Jon Stainbrook in New York Federal Court for attempting to re-use the logo he had sold to the band. They re-opened the case in mid-2005.
Chapter V (2005–2006)
After extensive promotions, including an appearance on Fuse TV's 7th Avenue Drop, Staind's newest album, titled Chapter VChapter V
Chapter V is the fifth studio album from Staind. It was released on August 9, 2005, debuted at number 1 with first week sales of 185,000 copies, and has spawned four moderately successful singles on rock radio...
, was released on August 9, 2005, and became their third consecutive number one. The album opened to sales of 185,000 and has since been certified platinum in the U.S. The first single "Right Here
Right Here (Staind song)
"Right Here" is the first single from Staind's fifth album Chapter V in 2005."Right Here" has been Staind's third-most successful single chartwise , peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, as the previous two singles had also done...
" has been the biggest success from the album thus far, garnering much mainstream radio play and peaking at number 1 on the mainstream rock chart. "Falling" (the video of which does not feature the band members at all) was released as the second single, followed by "Everything Changes" and "King of All Excuses
King of All Excuses
"King of All Excuses" is the fourth and final single to be released from American alternative metal band Staind's fifth studio album Chapter V.- Lyrical meaning :The exact meaning behind "King of All Excuses" is unknown...
". Staind have been on the road since the album came out doing live shows and promoting it for a full year, including participating in the Fall Brawl tour with P.O.D.
P.O.D.
Payable on Death is an American Christian metal band formed in 1992. The band's line-up consists of vocalist Sonny Sandoval, drummer Wuv Bernardo, guitarist Marcos Curiel, and bassist Traa Daniels. Their Christian faith is an important part of their music.They have released seven studio albums and...
, Taproot
Taproot (band)
Taproot is a four-piece rock group from Ann Arbor, Michigan. They are most known for their hit single "Poem" , as well as a number of other singles from 2000 to the present.-Pre-formation:...
and Flyleaf
Flyleaf
Flyleaf is an American alternative metal band, formed in the Belton and Temple, Texas regions in 2000. The band has charted on mainstream rock, Christian pop and Christian metal genres. They performed around the United States in 2003 until releasing their eponymous debut album, Flyleaf, in 2005....
, a solo tour across Europe and a mini-promotional tour in Australia for the first time. Recent live shows have included a cover of Pantera
Pantera
Pantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
's "This Love
This Love (Pantera song)
"This Love" is a popular song by the heavy metal band Pantera. It was first released on the band's best selling album, Vulgar Display of Power, and later on the band's compilation album, The Best of Pantera: Far Beyond the Great Southern Cowboys' Vulgar Hits!...
", a tribute to Dimebag Darrell
Dimebag Darrell
Darrell Lance Abbott , also known as Diamond Darrell and Dimebag Darrell, was an American guitarist. He was best known as a founding member of the heavy metal bands Pantera and Damageplan. Abbott also contributed to the album Rebel Meets Rebel, a collaboration between Pantera and David Allan Coe...
. Staind appeared on The Howard Stern Show on August 10, 2005, to promote their new album Chapter V. They performed acoustic
Acoustic music
Acoustic music comprises music that solely or primarily uses instruments which produce sound through entirely acoustic means, as opposed to electric or electronic means...
renditions of the single "Right Here" and Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice (entertainer)
Lester Napoleon Green , known legally as Beetlejuice , is a frequent guest on The Howard Stern Show and a member of Stern's Wack Pack. He has appeared in feature films as well as performed voice-over work...
's song "This is Beetle". Their rendition of "Beetle" is immensely popular with fans and listeners alike and became a staple of the show. Staind also performed a version of "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd. Kevin Lofton, who does all the animation for the Howard Stern website, created a black-and-white animated video for the song. During a January 2006 episode of WWE RAW, a tribute video to then WWE Champion
WWE Championship
The WWE Championship is a professional wrestling world heavyweight championship in WWE. It is the world title of the Raw brand and one of two in WWE, complementing the World Heavyweight Championship of the SmackDown brand. It was established under the then WWWF in 1963...
Edge featured the band's song "Right Here". In early November 2005, Staind released the limited edition 2-CD/DVD set of Chapter V. The set included several rarities and fan favorites— music videos; a complete, 36-page booklet with exclusive artwork; an audio disc with an acoustic rendition of "This is Beetle"; the original, melodic rendition of "Reply"; the previously released B-side singles "Novocaine" and "Let It Out"; and live versions of "It's Been Awhile" and "Falling", among many others.
The Singles: 1996–2006 (2006–2007)
In 2006, Staind performed an acoustic show in the Hiro Ballroom, New York City on September 6 and the songs played were recorded for their "Greatest Hits" album. They played sixteen songs including three covers: ToolTool (band)
Tool is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1990, the group's line-up has included drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Since 1995, Justin Chancellor has been the band's bassist, replacing their original bassist Paul D'Amour...
's "Sober", Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
's "Comfortably Numb
Comfortably Numb
"Comfortably Numb" is a song by the English rock band Pink Floyd, which first appears on the 1979 double album, The Wall. It was also released as a single in the same year with "Hey You" as the B-side. It is one of only three songs on the album for which writing credits are shared between Roger...
" and Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley. The initial lineup was rounded out by drummer Sean Kinney, and bassist Mike Starr...
's "Nutshell
Nutshell (song)
"Nutshell" is a song by Seattle grunge band Alice in Chains which originally appeared on their 1994, critically acclaimed extended play, Jar of Flies. "Nutshell" is also known for having opened the band's performance on MTV Unplugged in 1996...
".
The title was later renamed to The Singles and finally The Singles: 1996–2006. The album had most of Staind's singles (including "Everything Changes" which was recorded at the New York show), the three covers performed at the New York show and a remastered version of "Come Again", from Staind's first independent release Tormented. It was released on November 14, 2006.
The Illusion of Progress (2008–2009)
On August 19, 2008, Staind released their sixth album, The Illusion of ProgressThe Illusion of Progress
-Bonus tracks:# "It's Been Awhile" – 4:49 [Limited edition]# "Devil" – 5:18 [Limited edition]...
. A limited edition of the album was also made available to fans, which included 3 bonus tracks and a year membership in the Staind Fan Club, along with other items (the first 200 fans who pre-ordered the album through Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
received a signed copy of the album by the band). Prior to the album's release, the track "This Is It" was available for download on the iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
store, as well as for Rock Band
Rock Band
Rock Band is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems, published by MTV Games and Electronic Arts. It is the first title in the Rock Band series. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were released in the United States on November 20, 2007, while the PlayStation 2 version was...
. The album debuted at #3 on US Billboard 200, #1 on the Top Modern Rock/Alternative Albums Chart, #1 on the Top Digital Albums Chart, and also #1 on the Top Internet Albums Chart, with first week sales of 91,800 units. The first single on the album, "Believe
Believe (Staind song)
"Believe" is a single by Staind, the first from their sixth studio album, The Illusion of Progress.Despite only peaking at #83 on the Billboard Hot 100, the single was a success on the rock charts, peaking at #4 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks, and becoming their fourth #1 hit on the Modern Rock...
", topped Billboard's Top 10 Modern Rock Tracks on September 5, 2008. The band has also been supporting Nickelback
Nickelback
Nickelback is a Canadian rock band from Hanna, Alberta. Since 1995 the band has included guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, guitarist and back-up vocalist Ryan Peake and bassist Mike Kroeger.. The band's current drummer and percussionist is Daniel Adair who has been with the band since 2005....
on their 2008 European tour. The second single was "All I Want", and came out on November 24. The video continues the story of first single and was available on Staind's MySpace
MySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
on December 12. The single also became Staind's 13th top 20 hit on the rock charts. In Europe the second single was "The Way I Am", released on January 26, 2009. The final single released from the album, "This Is It", was sent to radio stations across the country on May 4, 2009. The single was also included on the successful Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – The Album
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – The Album
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – The Album is a compilation album of various artists music from the 2009 live-action Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The official single is "New Divide" by Linkin Park. It was rumored that Dead by Sunrise would be releasing a track called "Crawl Back In"...
released in late June, 2009. Aaron Lewis stated in an interview that he has begun writing for his upcoming solo album later set to be released this year. Staind embarked on a fall tour with the newly reunited Creed
Creed (band)
Creed is an American rock band formed in 1995 in Tallahassee, Florida. Becoming popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the band has released three consecutive multi-platinum albums, one of which has been certified diamond, and has sold over 28 million records in the United States, with an...
.
Staind and departure of Jon Wysocki (2010–present)
In March 2010, Aaron LewisAaron Lewis
Aaron Lewis, , is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and founding member of the rock group Staind, with whom he has released seven studio albums. He has since ventured into country music with his debut solo album, Town Line...
stated the band would start working on their seventh studio album by the end of the year.
Lewis had finished recording his country-tinged solo EP and has recently started a nonprofit organization to reopen his daughter's elementary school in Worthington, Massachusetts. Lewis was able to get her school reopened thanks to the benefit concert Aaron Lewis and Friends, which featured performances by Seether
Seether
Seether is a post-grunge/alternative metal band from Pretoria, South Africa, formed in 1999. The band is currently signed to Wind-up Records...
, 3 Doors Down
3 Doors Down
3 Doors Down is an American rock band from Escatawpa formed in 1996. The band consists of Brad Arnold , Matt Roberts , Todd Harrell , Chris Henderson , and Greg Upchurch ....
, Lo-Pro
Lo-Pro
Lo-Pro is an American five-piece hard rock band. They released a self-titled album in 2003. However, after touring in support of the album, they were dropped from the Geffen record label. The band then spent years working on new material, and streaming many new songs on their Myspace...
and more. Guitarist Mike Mushok stated in a recent question and answer session with fans that the band is looking to make a heavy record, but still "explore some of the things we did on the last record and take them somewhere new for us". In a recent webisode posted on the band's website, Lewis stated that eight songs are written and that "every one of them is as heavy or heavier than the heaviest song on the last record".
In December 2010, Staind posted three webisodes from the studio, which feature the band members discussing the writing and recording process of their new album. They announced that as of April 20, the band had completed the recording of their untitled seventh album and will release it later this year.
On May 20, 2011, Staind announced that the band and long-time drummer Jon Wysocki (Currently in the band Soil) had parted ways. Drummer Will Hunt filled in for select dates, but has now been replaced by drummer Sal Giancarelli who will join the band for their upcoming shows. Three days later, it was reported that Staind's new album was originally called Seven, but was renamed Staind. It was released on September 13, 2011. The first single "Not Again" was released to active radio stations on July 18.
A new track titled "The Bottom" appeared on the Transformers: Dark of the Moon soundtrack. On June 30, Staind released a song called "Eyes Wide Open" from their new record. A track list for the album has also been released. On July 12, Staind released the first single "Not Again" through YouTube and was officially released/available on July 26.
In November 2011, the band officially announced through their YouTube page that Sal Giancarelli had become their new drummer.
Trademark infringement
In November 2003 Staind attempted to sue OhioOhio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
musician Jon Stainbrook in New York Federal Court
United States district court
The United States district courts are the general trial courts of the United States federal court system. Both civil and criminal cases are filed in the district court, which is a court of law, equity, and admiralty. There is a United States bankruptcy court associated with each United States...
over his 1980 trademark of "The Stain". Staind was unsuccessful in their suit prompting Stainbrook to pursue litigation against the band for including false statements in their application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. If Stainbrook's suit was successful, Staind would have had to change their band name and forfeit all trademark claims.
In 2005, guitarist Mike Mushok claimed during a deposition in Toledo, Ohio
Toledo, Ohio
Toledo is the fourth most populous city in the U.S. state of Ohio and is the county seat of Lucas County. Toledo is in northwest Ohio, on the western end of Lake Erie, and borders the State of Michigan...
that Staind avoided any contact with Stainbrook because they were not made aware of promises a Geffen Records
Geffen Records
Geffen Records is an American record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label group.-Beginnings:...
Executive made to Stainbrook on their behalf during a 1999 licensing negotiation. After several legal confrontations, the parties settled their claims in 2006, partially re-negotiating the 1998 licensing agreement, which allows Stainbrook and Staind the right to use the trademark in certain areas.
Recognition
In 2006, frontman Aaron LewisAaron Lewis
Aaron Lewis, , is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and founding member of the rock group Staind, with whom he has released seven studio albums. He has since ventured into country music with his debut solo album, Town Line...
was listed in metal magazine Hit Parader
Hit Parader
Hit Parader is an American music magazine focusing on the genres of hard rock, pop, and heavy metal.The magazine was originally started as a pop song lyric magazine by Charlton Publications in 1942. Charlton sold off the magazine before the company went under in 1991...
s Heavy Metal's All-Time Top 100 Vocalists list at #49.
Current members
- Aaron LewisAaron LewisAaron Lewis, , is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and founding member of the rock group Staind, with whom he has released seven studio albums. He has since ventured into country music with his debut solo album, Town Line...
– lead vocalsLead vocalistThe lead vocalist is the member of a band who sings the main vocal portions of a song. They may also play one or more instruments. Lead vocalists are sometimes referred to as the frontman or frontwoman, and as such, are usually considered to be the "leader" of the groups they perform in, often the...
, rhythm guitarRhythm guitarRhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
(1995–present) - Mike Mushok – lead guitarLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure...
(1995–present) - Johnny April – bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, backing vocalsBacking vocalistA backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
(1995–present) - Sal GiancarelliScott Harris ProjectFounded in 2004, the Scott Harris Project is a musical group from New York. The songwriter and primary member of the band, Scott Harris, first teamed up with bassist Pat Castania and drummer Sal Giancarelli in 2004 to write and perform songs live. Guitarist Tyler Anselmo was added the following...
– drums, percussion (2011-present)
Former members
- Jon Wysocki – drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, percussionPercussion instrumentA percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...
(1995–2011)
Discography
Studio albums- Tormented (1996)
- DysfunctionDysfunction (album)- Personnel :*Johnny April – bass, backing vocals*Gregory Burke – artwork, design, concept*John Burton – mixing assistant*Terry Date – producer, engineer, mixing*Fred Durst – producer*Aaron Lewis – vocals*Roger Lian – mastering...
(1999) - Break the CycleBreak the CycleBreak the Cycle is the third studio album of the American alternative metal band Staind, released through Elektra Entertainment and Flip Records in 2001. It is Staind's most successful album to date, and was the album that broke them into the mainstream. It was a huge international success for...
(2001) - 14 Shades of Grey14 Shades of Grey-Personnel:* Aaron Lewis – vocals, rhythm guitar* Mike Mushok – lead guitar* Johnny April – bass guitar* Jon Wysocki – drums-Reception:Initial critical response ranged from mixed to average. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album...
(2003) - Chapter V (2005)
- The Illusion of ProgressThe Illusion of Progress-Bonus tracks:# "It's Been Awhile" – 4:49 [Limited edition]# "Devil" – 5:18 [Limited edition]...
(2008) - StaindStaind (album)Staind is the eponymous seventh studio album by rock band of the same name, released on September 13, 2011. The album marks the return to Staind's heavier sound that was predominate on the earlier albums Tormented, Dysfunction, and Break the Cycle...
(2011)
Digital albums
- iTunes Originals (2008)
Other appearances
- Take a Bite Outta Rhyme: A Rock Tribute to RapTake a Bite Outta Rhyme: A Rock Tribute to RapTake a Bite Outta Rhyme: A Rock Tribute to Rap is a rap rock compilation album that includes covers of well known hip hop songs by popular rock musicians. The album was released by Republic on October 24, 2000. The album consists of such popular names as Dynamite Hack, Staind and Fun Lovin'...
(2000) - Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – The AlbumTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen – The AlbumTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen – The Album is a compilation album of various artists music from the 2009 live-action Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The official single is "New Divide" by Linkin Park. It was rumored that Dead by Sunrise would be releasing a track called "Crawl Back In"...
(2009) - Transformers: Dark of the Moon – The AlbumTransformers: Dark of the Moon – The AlbumTransformers: Dark of the Moon – The Album is a compilation album of various artists music from the 2011 live-action Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie. The first official single from the album is "Iridescent" by Linkin Park...
(2011)
DVDs
- MTV UnpluggedMTV Unplugged (Staind DVD)MTV Unplugged is a DVD, released in 2002 by the band Staind. The DVD's main feature is Staind's unplugged performance, recorded at MTV studios at Times Square, New York. The show was recorded just before the band's third album, Break the Cycle, was released. The show was unique as it showcased how...
(2002) - The VideosStaind: The VideosStaind: The Videos is a DVD by the alternative metal band Staind. It was released by Atlantic Records on November 14, 2006. A companion singles collection, called The Singles: 1996-2006, was released on the same date...
(2006)