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Biography
Taking their name from a rock band in a Monty Python sketch, the band formed out of San Marcos High School when their singer and songwriter Glen Phillips was only 16 years old. After making their live debut at a school-sponsored open mic talent contest, the band spent the next three years honing their live act and song-writing skills. In 1989 they were ready, and formed their own label to release their debut album “Bread & Circus”. Despite the fact that the record was almost entirely self-released, their second single “One Little Girl” managed to make the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. This early success meant that while they were recording “Pale”, their second album, the band signed a major label deal with Columbia Records.
After its release in 1990, “Pale” wasn't a chart success but the record's singles found a strong foothold in college radio, meaning that Columbia retained the band for the release of their third album. This proved to be an incredibly good choice as their third album, 1991's “fear”, was an enormous hit. After its second single “All I Want” was a surprise hit, reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, the album was certified Gold just over a year after its release and would go on to be certified Platinum by September 1994. They replicated this level of success with the album's follow up “Dulcinea”, which was another Platinum certified hit. However, all was not well within the band, and the band broke up in 1998, citing creative differences as the reasoning behind their demise.
However, the band still worked together occasionally, either by playing short live sets together or reuniting to work on retrospective releases put together by their label. However, in 2002 they came back together for a charity show and to open for Counting Crows, which lead to a more extensive tour in 2003, but despite the hugely positive reception from both fans and critics, the band still decided to stay broken up for the time being. Their full time reunion came in 2009, and the band have since released a crowd-funded new album called “New Constellations”, and remain an unmissable live act. As one of the greatest acts of the 1990's, Toad The Wet Sprocket come highly recommended.
Live reviews
Toad the Wet Sprocket was in the 90's and continues to be very relative in my music library. Meeting them and bringing my son who is also a huge fane, was a dream come true. They were gracious during the meet and greet. They shared their sense of humor with us-especially Glen and Dean. Hearing Fear from start to finish was more enjoyable than I had anticipated. I have seen Toad perform several times and thought my son might miss out on some their better known hits because they were playing the entire album. Not only was I wrong, I actually was brought back 25 years to when I first purchased Fear and couldn't stop playing it-over and over. It was an excellent experience.We heard most of our favorite songs as well as Amnesty from Glen's latest solo album-which is excellent. I am hopeful a Live Album may be put together from this tour. I suppose it may be too much to ask for these guys to continue touring for years to come. That would be selfish on my part. I am grateful that they came to Charlotte, that my son could see and meet them and that they were as wonderful as they were to all of us there. The magic is there. The poetry is raw and sensitive and lovely and hard hitting. The music is perfectly suited to the lyrics and the guys look and sounded great! Thanks Glen, Dean, Todd and Randy. Love you
julie-barber-knight
I first heard Toad through my kids when they were teenagers. The Dulcinea cd was lying around and J decided to have a listen to what my kids were listening to... Well I have been hooked ever since! I love everything about this band... absolutely everything! Heard them perform live at Casino Rama north of Toronto and met them after their set. Was especially impressed with Randy Guss... what a gentle and humble spirit. Now this is going to sound over the top but, in my opinion, some of their songs are so good I consider them (the songs) to be part of the fabric of the universe. Yes I know that sounds crazy but, meh, at my age what do I care. I guess I'm a fan (in the true sense of the word, haha). Thank you Randy, Todd, Dean and Glen.
liamwtf
What a sweet show... the warm-up Tommy and the High Pilots, also from Santa Barbara, had great energy, vocals, and a rendition of a Beach Boys song you never saw coming! Toad is like a fun, sweet, friend you haven't seen in awhile but has such a great zen and memories for you, that you regret being without him for so long... Loved It! My only complaint is the folks that go to Belly Up for a date or GNO, and Scream/Talk over the band/music throughout the concert(s) - it's happened at a few shows I've been there for. I've conceded that the area in the back, near the bar, is going to be noisy, but more and more it feels like only the core center of the floor right by stage is exempt from this... C'mon people!
aowend
It was a trip down memory lane. Hard to believe it has been almost 25 years when I first heard them. I Was astounded they still sounded the same. I enjoyed every song, taking it in like I was drunk on nostalgia. The opening singer was from Nashville, a country boy with a funny wit who was part of the band. Mr. Boyish charm (lead singer of Toad) mentioned his daughter going to CU-Boulder. I was floored! We were not really that old, were we? The en core was loud and finally I got yo hear my favorite song on cloding. "Walk on the Ocean" favorite line "everything's better"... Spectacular evening! It is great to be reminded of the music we love and those happy moments captured in lyrics and history.
DucatiChic
The concert was absolutely awesome! I love this band! Been going to their concerts every time they are in my neck of the woods {Boston area) which is not nearly enough!! I love the way they interact with the audience! The music and their voices are always spot on! It's not like other bands when you go to their concerts they just don't sound as good as their records. Toad is always spot on! Simply said... I Love This Band and Their Music!!!!
Beth Marroquin
Boston
beth.marroquin1960
Great Music. The band was spot on. A nice mix of new music and old goodies. The Toad was on FIRE.
The crowd however, sucked. A bunch of 40-somethings acting like they were 18 again. Staggering around clumsily after too much $10 a glass wine, talking through the songs, and playing with their phones and themselves.
Jesus, it's like they didn't know to drop some acid and tune in to the music.
Sad really.
shawn.mcguinness
Absolutely amazing show! Glen Phillips is still a master story teller. Couldn’t believe they played All I Want so early in the set. They truly seemed happy to be playing and Glen mentioned how much he loved the venue (due to all of the trees.) Signed up for Sierra Club by texting during the show per their instructions. Wish I could see it again tonight!
melissa-5
Glenn, Todd, Dean and Randy were awesome as usual! Great fan interaction, great energy and they sounded fantastic. HOB N.O. is a quaint venue and it was fun being right up next to the stage. Got to take a pic with each one of the guys after the show. Would love some more tunes from Pale and Bread & Circus, but all in all a great time. Thanks Toad!
chad-herndon
Going to a TTWS show will make you feel better about humanity. The fact that they can get an audience excited, while remaining true to their thoughtful and reflective style is amazing. It was a great trip down nostalgia ave hearing Fear in its entirety. Really admire and recommend the group.
brad-burkett
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