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Melvins are a three piece right now, the current members
are Buzz Osborne (King Buzzo) who plays guitar and sings his given first
name is Roger so I've heard, Dale Crover who plays drums, and Kevin Rutamanis
who plays bass. The Melvins formed in Aberdeen/Montesano, WA in 1984 the
founding members were Buzz, Mike Dillard (drums), and Mudhoney bassist
Matt Lukin. Buzz, Mike, and Matt all went to high school in Montesano.
When Mike couldn't cut it, as rumor has it because the songs were getting
too mathematically complex, Dale was recruited out of the Iron Maiden
cover band he played in at the age of 15. Matt was replaced by Lorax (Shirley
Temple's daughter) when they left Aberdeen for San Francisco. The name
Melvins came from a grocery clerk at the Thriftway in Montesano where
King Buzzo served as clerk and vandal. Melvin was the most hated fellow
employee and they felt it to be an appropriately ridiculous name. The
Melvins have had quite a few bass player changes during their tenure check
out the bassist morgue to
learn more. The Melvins live in Hollywood, CA right now. Check out the
discography section to see the many
releases the Melvins have made. They were on a major label Atlantic Records
for three albums, although most would agree they're not the type of band
that would appeal to a major label. They knew this while they were being
signed and just took advantage of the hullabaloo the record companies
were making out of the Seattle "grunge" sound. Dale filled in
for Nirvana when they were between drummers and he appears on Incesticide
and Bleach as a result of those sessions. Buzz has a side project called
Fantomas with Mike Patton(Faith No More/Mr. Bungle) who is also owner
of Ipecac Recordings
the label the melvins are currently releasing material through. Melvins
have also released music on Boner records, Alchemy Records, Amphetamine
Reptile Records, and numerous others in the manner of 7"s and
whatnot. Dale has a side project called Altamont.
Kevin used to be in the band COWS, he also is in another Mike Patton project
along with Duane Denison of the Jesus Lizard called Tomahawk. I would
completely recommend anything a Melvins member has released. Melvins have
toured with Kiss, White Zombie, NIN, L7, Primus, Tool among others and
were also on the Ozzfest tour in 98. They toured with a second guitarist
at one point David Stone(a great noisician). If you ever get the chance
to see them live be sure to give them gifts, they prefer Cracker Barrel
gift certificates. |
