Ugly Kid Joe: A Brief History and Discography
Formation and Rise to Fame
Ugly Kid Joe was formed in Isla Vista, California, in 1989. The band’s unique blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and funk gained international fame in the early 1990s with their double-platinum debut album, America’s Least Wanted. The album featured hits such as "Everything About You" and a cover of Harry Chapin’s "Cat’s in the Cradle". The band’s irreverent style and catchy tunes captured the attention of both critics and fans, propelling them to notable chart success.
Band Members
Whitfield Crane
Whitfield Crane is the lead vocalist and one of the founding members of Ugly Kid Joe. Known for his distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence, Crane has been a constant figure throughout the band’s history. He performed on all of Ugly Kid Joe’s albums, including America’s Least Wanted and subsequent albums Menace to Sobriety and Motel California. After the band’s initial breakup, Crane was involved in other musical projects, including a stint as the lead vocalist for Life of Agony and another project called Another Animal. Upon the band’s reunion, Crane returned as frontman, contributing significantly to their latest works, such as Uglier Than They Used Ta Be.
Klaus Eichstadt
Klaus Eichstadt joined Ugly Kid Joe as a guitarist shortly after its formation. Eichstadt has been crucial in crafting the band’s sound, contributing riff-heavy guitar work that complements their rock and funk fusion. He has played on all the band’s major releases and is known for his songwriting skills alongside his guitar duties. Eichstadt remained with the band through its initial run and returned for the reunion, continuing to record and perform with them to this day.
Cordell Crockett
Cordell Crockett is the bassist for Ugly Kid Joe, joining the band just before they gained major label attention. Crockett’s bass playing was featured on their most popular albums, including America’s Least Wanted. His energetic playing style and backing vocals add depth to the band’s sound. Like his bandmates, Crockett was involved in other music projects during the band’s hiatus and returned to Ugly Kid Joe for their reunion and subsequent albums.
Dave Fortman
Dave Fortman played guitar for Ugly Kid Joe during their peak years in the 1990s. Besides his contributions as a guitarist, Fortman is perhaps even better known for his work as a producer. After his time with Ugly Kid Joe, Fortman went on to produce albums for prominent bands such as Slipknot, Evanescence, and Simple Plan, making significant impacts on their sounds and careers. His production work has garnered critical acclaim and several awards, underscoring his talent and influence in the music industry.
Zac Morris
Zac Morris joined Ugly Kid Joe as the drummer after the band reunited in 2010. While not present during the band’s initial rise to fame, Morris brought a fresh energy to the group. His drumming features on the band’s more recent releases, helping to shape their revived sound. Morris’s integration into the band has been seamless, supporting their tours and new music projects with his robust drumming skills.
Eric Phillips
Eric Phillips was a guitarist for Ugly Kid Joe during one of the band’s transitional periods. He joined after the initial mainstream success and contributed to later albums and tours. While Eric’s time with the band was relatively brief compared to founding members, his guitar work helped maintain the band’s signature sound during live performances and studio recordings. After his stint with Ugly Kid Joe, Phillips continued his career in the music industry, participating in various projects that leveraged his guitar skills.
Roger Lahr
Roger Lahr originally joined Ugly Kid Joe as a guitarist in the early days of the band’s formation. His involvement was crucial during the initial phase when the band was developing its identity and musical style. Lahr’s contributions during the early songwriting sessions helped shape the foundational sound that would eventually bring Ugly Kid Joe into the spotlight. After leaving the band, Roger pursued other music endeavors, although he kept a relatively low profile compared to some of his former bandmates.
Phil Hilgaertner
Phil Hilgaertner played a key role in Ugly Kid Joe as a bass guitarist. Joining the band during its early stages, Phil’s contributions are noted in some of the band’s preliminary works and during formative live performances. His rhythm section work provided the necessary groundwork for the band’s funky and energetic rock style. Like many musicians who pass through bands that find later fame, Hilgaertner’s contributions set the stage for later successes, though he did not remain with the band through their peak years.
Jonathan Spaulding
Jonathan Spaulding was another early member of Ugly Kid Joe, serving as a drummer. His time with the band was marked by contributions to the development of their rhythmic and dynamic live performances. Spaulding’s drumming during the band’s developmental gigs helped establish their energetic performance style, which would become a hallmark of Ugly Kid Joe concerts. After his departure, Jonathan continued to engage in various musical projects, applying his drumming talents across multiple genres.
Mark Davis
Mark Davis was the original drummer for Ugly Kid Joe, joining at the band’s inception and contributing significantly to their early sound and success. Davis played on Ugly Kid Joe’s debut album, America’s Least Wanted, which includes their most famous tracks, such as "Everything About You" and the cover of "Cat’s in the Cradle". His drumming style was crucial for the band’s energetic and engaging performances. Davis remained with the band through several albums before departing. His work laid the foundation for the band’s rhythm section, which was pivotal in their initial commercial breakthrough.
Bob Fernandez
Bob Fernandez was a drummer who played with Ugly Kid Joe during a period of transition. Although not as prominently featured as other members, Fernandez contributed to the band’s tour cycles and was involved in some recording sessions. His time with the band was brief, and details about his contributions are less documented compared to longer-standing members. After his time with Ugly Kid Joe, Fernandez continued to work in the music industry, playing for various groups and engaging in session work.
Conclusion
Ugly Kid Joe’s unique blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and funk has captivated fans around the world. With a diverse range of talented musicians contributing to their sound over the years, the band has established themselves as a staple of the rock music genre. From their early days in Isla Vista, California, to their current revival, Ugly Kid Joe continues to produce music that is both energetic and memorable.
FAQs
- What is Ugly Kid Joe’s most popular album?
- America’s Least Wanted, released in 1992, is their most popular album, featuring hits like "Everything About You" and "Cat’s in the Cradle".
- Who is the lead vocalist of Ugly Kid Joe?
- Whitfield Crane is the lead vocalist and one of the founding members of Ugly Kid Joe.
- What is the band’s current lineup?
- The current lineup consists of Whitfield Crane, Klaus Eichstadt, Cordell Crockett, Zac Morris, and Eric Phillips.
- What is Dave Fortman’s notable work?
- Besides his work with Ugly Kid Joe, Fortman is also known for producing albums for prominent bands such as Slipknot, Evanescence, and Simple Plan.
- How long was Ugly Kid Joe together before disbanding?
- The band was together for about eight years before disbanding in 1997.
