 311 was formed in 1990 in Omaha, Nebraska by five
self-described "friends for life" (singer/guitarist
Nick Hexum, singer S.A. Martinez, guitarist Tim Mahoney,
drummer Chad Sexton and the bassist known only as
P-Nut), whose common link was a passion for both music
and life that eventually brought them together to make music
with a positive message behind it. After gigging locally
(and by all reports quickly conquering the local music scene
there), the quintet moved to Los Angeles, where they signed
with Capricorn Records in 1991.
Since that time,
311 have released several albums, including 1992's
Music, 1993's Grassroots, and 1995's 311 (aka the "Blue"
album), the latter reaching number 12 on the album chart,
selling three million copies worldwide, and sporting the
tracks "All Mixed Up" and "Down."
In 1996, following a non-stop year of touring, the band
released Enlarged to Show Detail, a home video of live
performances taken from amphitheater shows in Kansas City
and Denver, as well behind-the-scenes looks at life on the
road. That the video has been certified platinum in sales is
strong testament to the unique relationship the band has
with its fans. In 1997, Transistor, a double album of new
songs on one CD, was released, and the group mounted its
most ambitious tour yet, a worldwide stretch of concerts
intended to enlarge the band's already large and loyal fan
base. "When we first started the band, we were always sure
something good was going to happen," says drummer Chad
Sexton, "and we've never gone backwards in any way since."
Live followed in 1998, and a year later,
311 returned with Soundsystem. The band jumped to
Volcano for From Chaos, which appeared in summer 2001, and
followed that with Evolver two years later. By now 311 had
been together over ten years, and they celebrated with a
Greatest Hits comp. Released in July 2004, it included all
of their hit singles, a few new tracks, and the band's
gracefully-reggaeing cover of the Cure's "Love Song,"
originally from the soundtrack to Adam Sandler and Drew
Barrymore's 50 First Dates. 311 came back with new material
in August 2005 with the Don't Tread on Me LP. ~ Cub Koda,
All Music Guide
Contact Grabow for more
information or to book
311 for your next corporate or private event.
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