Fu Manchu and Stoned Jesus

With a lineup comprised of vocalist Ken Pucci, guitarist Scott Hill, bassist Mark Abshire and drummer Ruben Romano, Fu Manchu originally formed under the moniker Virulence in 1985. Ahead of their debut studio album, bassist Abshire parted ways and was replaced by Greg McCaughey in 1988. A year later the LP “If This Isn’t a Dream…” was issued by Alchemy Records following which lead singer Pucci departed and the vocal reigns were handed to Glenn Chivens. In 1992 following a series of lineup changes the group issued three 7” singles “Senioritis”, “Pick Up Summer”, and “Don’t Bother Knockin’ (If This Vans Rockin’)”. The full-length “No One Ride for Free” was subsequently released on Bong Load Custom Records in 1994 earning positive reviews.

Plagued by lineup alterations once again, for the release of their third album “Daredevil”, Fu Manchu consisted of frontman Scott Hill, drummer Ruben Romano, guitarist Eddie Glass, and bassist Brad Davis. “Daredevil” proved another popular album, which the band supported with lengthy touring with stoner rock darlings Monster Magnet. The tour did wonders for the band's national exposure, however did nothing for Fu Mancu’s tumultuous membership, as after releasing their fourth full-length “In Search Of…” in 1996, Romano and Glass left the group.

During this time Romano, Glass and Abshire combined to form the jam-stoner rock group Nebula, and Fu Manchu cemented their reputation as a prodigious live act touring alongside the Melvins, White Zombie, and Clutch. The full-length “The Action is Go” appeared in 1997 on Mammoth Records, boasting a lineup of Scott Hill, Brad Davis, guitarist Bob Balch and drummer Brant Bjork. “Return to Earth” followed in 1998, a compilation of the band’s existing singles, after which the EP “Eatin’ Dust” was issued to test the water for future releases. Fu Manchu’s sixth album “King of the Road” earned it release in 2000 featuring the Devo cover “Freedom of Choice”, after which they toured extensively before emerging in 2001 to release “California Crossing”. Produced by Matt Hyde, the album’s lead single “Squash That Fly” received regular radio airplay upon its release.

By this point Fu Manchu’s live show was at its peak, which was documented and showcased on the 2003 live album “For for It…Live!”, after which the full-length “Start the Machine” was released in 2004. Following a move to Liquor and Poker Music, Fu Manchu issued their 2007 album “We Must Obey”, followed by “Signs of Infinite Power” in 2009, and “Gigantoid” in 2014.