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Biography
The members of Sugar Ray grew up in Orange County, California, US, but initially pursued differing musical paths. Rodney Sheppard the band’s principal guitarist had played in several reggae band’s and had even collaborated with Dean Butterworth (the drummer of Good Charlotte). Later on Sheppard formed the band the Tories with future Sugar Ray drummer Stan Frazier. With the addition of bassist Murphy Karges and vocalist Mark McGrath, the group changed its name to Shrinky Dinx, but eventually settled on the name Sugar Ray.
Though the origins of the band date back to the mid 80s the group’s debut album “Lemonade and Brownies” did not come out until 1995. The album did not produce a hit single; however, it did grab the attention of several critics and acted as a platform on which the band showcased their unique blend of hip-hop, funk, and metal.
The group struck gold with their next album “Floored”. This release featured songs written in a similar vein of their previous material; however, their single “Fly” went in an entirely different direction and went on to be the band’s most successful song to date. The song reached No.1 on the Billboard’s Airplay List and pushed album sales to double platinum status. The hype surrounding this single also landed the band a cameo in the Billy Crystal and Robin Williams’ movie “Father’s Day”.
The group released their sarcastically titled follow up “14:59” in 1999. The album’s title was a statement against the criticism of those labeling the group as a one hit wonder. It was a hint that their 15 minutes of fame had not yet expired. The band’s assessment seemed to be spot on. The album debuted at No. 20 on the Billboard 200 and contained two standout singles “Every Morning”, which entered the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart at No. 3 and “Someday” which entered at No. 7.
Sugar Ray started off the turn of the millennium recording a cover of John Cale and Brian Eno’s “Spinning Away” for the Danny Boyle dystopian film “The Beach”. They also made another appearance in the 2002 film “Scooby-Doo”, but before that they released their 2001 self-titled album that rose to commercial success thanks due to the hit single “When It’s Over”.
In 2003 the band issued their album “In the Pursuit of Leisure”, which featured a cover of Joe Jackson’s “Is She Really Going Out with Him” . In 2005 they put out a greatest hits album that contained previously unreleased material.
Following the release of their greatest hits album the band took a break from recording and touring. They were also released from their contract with Atlantic Records during this time. The group broke this period of inactivity with the release of “Into Yesterday” which was specifically written for the “Surf’s Up” soundtrack and they also went on a small tour in Asia. Sugar Ray put out their long awaited follow up “Music For Cougars” in 2009 and subsequently did a round of nostalgic tours with artists such as Smash Mouth and the Spin Doctors.
Live reviews
I have had the pleasure of seeing Sugar Ray in concert several times since the 1990s and most recently saw them at Coachella.
They are truly a band that is best experienced live because they lose a lot of their luster on the radio. During their live performance they bounce around the stage, interact with the audience, and infuse the crowd with an energy to just jump around and be happy.
You would never believe that Mark McGrath is almost 50. He still has the energy and stage presence of a much younger man. He was dancing and running all over the stage at Coachella. The Sugar Ray shows that I have seen have kept it simple on stage. It is usually just the band, some lights, and maybe a few fog machines.
Every time I have seen them they mixed in fan favorites like “Fly,” “Someday” and, of course, “Every Morning” with their more recent music, as well as a few covers. The line-up that I saw at Coachella was not entirely the same as it has been in the past, but the music is basic and enjoyable, and Mark McGrath is still writing and singing the songs, so nothing has really changed.
Every time that I have saw them they have also performed for at least an hour or two, unless time was limited by a festival schedule. Sugar Ray is just a classic band that is guaranteed to give you a good, entertaining show, no matter what.
Sugar Ray always kills it!! Last night was no deviation from that. All of the bands (Eve 6, Better Than Ezra, Uncle Kracker) were all hands down part of one of the better shows I have seen all year.
The Ascend Amphitheater is a great venue, aesthetically and seating wise. However; the prices for items should have included KY. $15 for a can of beer is utterly absurd. Parking was $30. My advice, eat first and find transportation.
chaplain11
Mark did an awesome job. Always energetic and committed to his music and the crowd can feel it loud and clear. I took my wife of 28 years and two daughters 27 and 19. Even they enjoyed it as much as we did. This was part of our San Diego vacation and would do it again next year. Thanks!
awazus
