American rock band Everclear formed in 1991 in Portland, Oregon, by singer-songwriter and guitarist Art Alexakis. They gained mainstream success in the late 90s and early 2000s with hits like “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” and “Wonderful” blending alternative rock and post-grunge influences. American rock duo Local H formed in 1987 in Zion, Illinois, known for their grunge-influenced sound and high-energy live performances. Led by vocalist/guitarist Scott Lucas, they gained mainstream attention with their 1996 album As Good as Dead, featuring the hit “Bound for the Floor.” American alternative rock band Sponge formed in 1991 in Detroit, Michigan and gained popularity with their debut album Rotting Piñata (1994), which featured hits like “Plowed” and “Molly (16 Candles Down the Drain). Frontman Vinnie Dombroski remains the band’s core member, keeping their legacy alive in the alternative and post-grunge scenes. Part of Cleveland Clinic Rock Series.
Sponge has proven to be one of the Motor City’s heaviest hitters after gaining international notoriety with their debut album “Rotting Piñata” (Sony). Emerging from Detroit with hits like “Plowed” and “Molly (16 Candles)” Sponge received massive airplay on radio stations from coast to coast and were in heavy rotation on MTV. Both “Plowed” and “Molly” hit #5 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Charts, catapulting “Rotting Piñata” to Gold, and ultimately Platinum status.
Sponge’s follow up CD, the critically lauded “Wax Ecstatic” (Columbia) scored additional top ten Billboard hits including “Wax Ecstatic” and “Have You Seen Mary?” The band’s music was also featured in popular movies “The Craft,” “Chasing Amy,” “Mall Rats” and “Empire Records.” Sponge’s star continued to rise with network appearances on “The Late Show with David Letterman” and the “Conan O’Brien Show.”
Sponge’s subsequent releases “New Pop Sunday,” “For All The Drugs in The World,” “The Man,” “Galore Galore,” and “Destroy the Boy,” showcased the band’s swirling sonic attack, rooted in 70’s glam and of course, the Motor City influences of The Stooges, The MC5 and Motown-but still sounding distinctly like no one else.
“Plowed” continues to be the band’s signature rock track, having been spotlighted on Guitar Hero’s “Warriors of Rock – 90’s Rock Track Pack” – and on the Paper Jamz Guitar Series 2, in addition to the soundtrack for the Gerard Butler surf movie “Chasing Mavericks.”