Switchfoot, Lit, et Fuel

Starting in 1996, the band have become known for their alternative rock guitar driven tracks and their ability to mix it up with more slow tempo songs intertwined with elegant string arrangements. With influences ranging from U2 to Bob Dylan and Dave Matthews Band has provided them with universal appeal. Often labelled as ‘an alternative Christian rock band’ as a result of tremendous support from several Christian rock radio stations based on the band’s personal beliefs. In a 2003 interview with Rolling Stone, frontman Jon Foreman spoke up on the categorisation by stating “We’re Christian by faith, not genre”.

In 2002, four Switchfoot tracks (including the hits: “Dare You to Move” and “Learning to Breathe”) featured heavily in the blockbuster “A Walk to Remember” garnering interest with several record labels. Making the decision to sign with Sony BMG, the band released their first major label album “The Beautiful Letdown” in 2003 which helped catapult them into the mainstream allowing them to successful complete the crossover transition. The critically acclaimed album was a huge success, selling over 2.6 million copies and achieving double platinum status.

Experimenting with stylistic nuances meandering through their distinctive sound and incorporating synth elements created another dimension to the band’s musical ingenuity and extending their widespread appeal.

Mirrored by their various successes, throughout their lengthy career Switchfoot have been highly revered by the industry amassing several accolades including: a Grammy Award in 2011 for the album “Hello Hurricane” as Best Rock or Gospel Album, three ASCAP awards and 11 GMA Dove Awards.

As a band who constantly tour their extensive back catalogue, Switchfoot have built up a passionate following and incredible reputation for the energetic and memorable performances.

Formed first as band called Razzle by guitarist Jeremy Popoff, bassist Kevin Baldes, vocalist and drummer A. Jay Popoff and guitarist Sean Holland, the band played their first show at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, California in 1988. In 1989, A. Jay switched from drums to lead vocals, and the band added guitarist Jeremy Popoff and drummer Allen Shellenberger. By 1993 they had completed their demo/ EP entitled “New Vibe Revolution.” Razzle dissolved in 1993 and became Stain in 1994, which had a change in sound, but still the same members. They signed with Malicious Vinyl in 1995 and changed their name to Lit in 1996 due to band owning names already in use.

On 1 April 1997 the band released “Tripping The Light Fantastic” with Malicious Vinyl, however the label went out of business shortly after its release. During their time of being once again unsigned, the band continued to showcase and write new songs, eventually reaching a deal with RCA Records in 1998. A year after signing with RCA, Lit hit their big break with the release of their album, “A Place In The Sun,” which went on to reach platinum status. The band set out on a number of successful tours, and took part in the Vans Warped Tour and Woodstock 1999. They followed up with “Atomic” which contained another widely successful single, “Lipstick and Bruises.”

After being released from their contract with RCA Records in 2002, Lit toured on a smaller scale, and released a self-titled album on 24 June 2004. Additionally that same year, the band put out a DVD of their live performances entitled “All Access.” In 2009 Nathan Walker stepped in as drummer after the unfortunate passing of Allen Shellenberger (due to malignant glioma). Despite several announcements of a new record coming starting in 2010, it wasn’t until 2012 that Lit released “The View From The Bottom.” In 2013 the band celebrated their 15th anniversary show by performing “A Place In The Sun” in its entirety live at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, California.

Formed in Kenton, Tennessee, US, the band came together in 1989, featuring singer/guitarist Brett Scallions, guitarist Carl Bell, bassist Jeff Abercrombie and drummer Kevin Miller. Having established their presence on the local scene, Fuel relocated to Pennsylvania in 1993, hoping to find a more fertile ground for their music to develop.

They made their record debut in 1996with the independently released EP, "Porcelain," which became a local success, bolstered by radio airplay of their single, "Shimmer." Sony's 550 imprint saw the band's potential and signed them to their roster, releasing the "Hazleton" EP in 1997 before then releasing their debut album, "Sunburn," in 1998. 'Shimmer" again became a hit, almost breaking into Billboard's Top 40. Bolstered by three further hit singles, Fuel's debut was certified Platinum, establishing the band on the hard rock scene.

Their second effort, "Something Like Human" was released in 2000, prompting further commercial success, reaching number 12 on the Billboard album charts and selling double-Platinum. 2003's "Natural Selection" continued to find Fuel hits, with the lead single, "Falls on Me," although it failed to muster the same number of sales as previous albums.

After releasing a greatest hits album, lead singer Scallions decided to depart from the band, wishing to pursue other musical interests. Toryn Green became a worthy replacement, making his debut on the band's fourth record, "Angels & Devils." Miller also left the drum stool, with Fuel filling the void with both Tommy Stewart (ex-Godsmack) and John Freese (Nine Inch Nails/A Perfect Circle). The album appeared in 2007, finding moderate chart success.

Scallions returned in 2010, with the band continuing to tour across the US. They returned to the studio in 2012, beginning work on their fifth full-length, enlisting producer Eddie Wohl to work on the album. The record saw an eventual release in March 2014, with the album breaking into the Billboard's album chart's Top 100 at number 77 upon its debut.