Mushroomhead

Biography

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Mushroomhead (1993-present): a Industrial Metal band from Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

merican heavy metal band Mushroomhead rose from Cleveland, Ohio in 1993. The band became known for their avant-garde sound including influences from heavy metal, art rock and electro-industrial combined with their imagery featuring masks and costumes as well as their unique live shows usually performed at smaller venues. Mushroomhead started as a side project. To differentiate itself from the members' existing bands and to dispel any misconceptions about the group's sound and musical content, Mushroomhead utilized costumes, masks, and pseudonyms. A few short days after their first show in 1993, Mushroomhead found itself on stage alongside established masked act GWAR. In 1995, Mushroomhead released a self-financed self-titled debut album under the guise of their own record label, 'Filthy Hands Co.' under the original membership of Joe "Mr. Murdernickel" Kilcoyne (bass (1993-1996)), Joe "DJ Virus" Lenkey (turntables, samples (1993-1997)), Richie "Dinner" Moore (guitars (1993-2000)), John "JJ Righteous" Sekula (guitars (1993-2001; R.I.P. 2010)) and Jason "J Mann" Popson (rapping vocals/harsh vocals (1993-)).

After the independent releases of Superbuick (1996) and M3 (1999), 2000 saw Mushroomhead acquired a record deal with independent label 'Eclipse Records' to release their first ever label-released album; the compilation XX, which contained remixed/remastered versions of select songs from their first three albums. Later in the year, after quickly selling almost 40,000 copies in just 3 months, the band signed with major label 'Universal Records' and the compilation was re-released internationally.

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After an extensive world tour, vocalist J Mann announced he was leaving the band in August 2004, citing exhaustion and to take care of his sick father. He was replaced by Three Quarters Dead singer, Waylon.

In 2005, Bronson announced that he was leaving the band to further his studies. Rather than recruiting another guitarist, the band decided to let Gravy do all the guitar parts for their new album.

Savior Sorrow (2006) debuted at 45 on the Billboard 200 charts. The position was later adjusted to 50 after a dispute with SoundScan who had mistakenly discounted sales from the Best Buy retail chain that effectively doubled the album's sales but lowered the chart position overall. Also in 2006, Daniel Fox (Lil' Dan) joined the band as a touring drummer.

When Beautiful Stories for Ugly Children (2010) was released, within the first week of its release, it became the number 1 best selling heavy metal album on iTunes.

In October 2010, following the death of ex bandmate JJ Righteous, J Mann appeared on stage with the band during their Halloween show, performing vocals for two songs alongside both Jeffrey Nothing and Waylon.

In February 2012, it was announced that guitarist Gravy and bassist Pig Benis would be replaced by Tommy Church and Ryan Farrell respectively. In April 2012, Dave "Gravy" Felton stated publicly on his Facebook fan page that he was "kicked out of the band". In May 2012, Daniel "Lil Dan" Fox left to work for another band. It was rumored that he is working as a drum technician for Marilyn Manson.

On August 16, Jason Popson confirmed his return to the band via Facebook.

The next album, The Righteous & the Butterfly (2014) would be the only album to feature three vocalists. This album also marked the return of J Mann.

As of October 5, 2015, vocalist Waylon Reavis announced via his Facebook page that he had parted ways with Mushroomhead, citing "irreconcilable differences with band ownership" and stating he had "severed all ties with Mushroomhead and Filthy Hands Company."

On April 4, 2019, Mushroomhead announced that they had signed with 'Napalm Records'.

A Wonderful Life (2020) would follow with the membership of Steve "Skinny" Felton (drums), Jason "J Mann" (rapping vocals/harsh vocals), Rick "St1tch" Thomas (samples, electronics/keyboards/additional percussion/turntables), Ryan "Dr. F" Farrell (bass/keyboards), Robbie "Roberto Diablo" Godsey (additional percussion), Steve Rauckhorst (clean and harsh vocals/bass), Tommy "Tankx" Shaffner (guitars) and Jackie LaPonza (female vocals).

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