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Early History

Candlebox is a Rock band from Bellevue, Washington. Formed in November of 1990, the band originally went by the name Uncle Duke; they later changed their name purportedly as a tribute to a Midnight Oil song of the same name.

Rise to Fame

Candlebox were occasionally looked down upon by elitist members of the Grunge movement; they criticized Candlebox's style and image as being derivative of Grunge. One of these early detractors was Kurt Cobain of Nirvana.^[1] However, these detractors' assumptions were untrue; Candlebox were a no-frills Rock & Roll band. Candlebox were regarded by promoters, fans, and record label executives as one of the few workhorse bands of the Seattle Scene; the band toured relentlessly and played the Seattle club circuit alongside many of their detractors who initially shunned them. Candlebox had the vigorous support of promoters and fans, and the band's persistence paid off when their self-titled debut was released in 1993. Candlebox sold more than 4 million copies of their debut which, after many months of gaining momentum, peaked at number 7 on Billboard's album charts. Their follow-up album, Lucy, was certified gold in 1996. Candlebox was the first successful act on Madonna's Maverick Records, which went on to sign Alanis Morissette, Deftones, and The Prodigy.

Live Performances, Albums, & Reunion

Candlebox is known for an explosive live show and throughout their career, they have toured with such bands as Living Colour, The Flaming Lips, Our Lady Peace, Rush, Henry Rollins, Aerosmith, Godsmack, and Metallica. They were also a featured band on the main-stage at Woodstock '94 and made repeat live performances on the David Letterman show.

Drummer Scott Mercado left the band in 1997 and was replaced by former Pearl Jam member Dave Krusen. Krusen left the band in 1999 and was replaced by Shannon Larkin of Ugly Kid Joe. Bardi Martin also left the band that year and was replaced by Rob Redick (formerly of Dig).

They are best known for the singles "Change," "You," "Far Behind," and "Simple Lessons." "Far Behind" entered Billboard's Top 20 in July of 1993, peaked at #18, and didn't drop off the charts until January of 1994. The videos for "Far Behind" and "You" were in seemingly perpetual rotation on MTV and became two of the most requested videos of 1993. The video for their song "Understanding" was directed by Gus Van Sant and is memorable for a long shot of the lead singer lip synching underwater.

In 2005, Kevin Martin was recording and performing as the leader of The Hiwatts. Peter Klett was recording and performing as the leader of redlightmusic.

In 2006, Candlebox reunited with their original line-up and embarked on a three-month North American tour from July to October of that year. Candlebox released a "Best Of" album on May 23, 2006. July 22, 2008 saw the band release their latest album "Into The Sun.". This marks the first collaboration of the original lineup since 1996.

Candlebox has released a live CD/DVD called "Alive in Seattle" on September 2, 2008 [1].

According to Billboard.com, "Candlebox will release its first album in 10 years, Into the Sun, on July 22 via Silent Majority/ILG records." The new album was produced by Ron Aniello (Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies) and will feature performances by both Scott Mercado and Dave Krusen on drums. The first single, "Stand" was released to Radio in mid-May and Candlebox officially commences their tour in support of the new record in June 2008. Into the Sun will be Candlebox's first studio album since 1998's Happy Pills. The First single "Stand" has reached as high as number 12 on the national rock air play chart.

On May 2, 2008 Candlebox attended the "Schaefer Eye Center Crawfish Boil" in Birmingham, AL, at which Seether and 3 Doors Down also played. On June 29, 2008 Candlebox performed outdoors at the "Stars & Stripes Fest" in Mt Clemens, MI. The setlist included new songs from their upcoming CD as well as all of their hits. On July 4, 2008 Candlebox performed at the O'Fallon MO Heritage and Freedom Fest in front of a record crowd for this event.

On September 16, 2008 Candlebox performed in Newburgh, NY at the Orange County Choppers Showroom. The show was a free show and was open to the public. A Hudson Valley Radio station, WRRV (96.9 FM) put on the show.

On Sunday, November 9, 2008, Candlebox performed before a live audience at the Phoenix International Raceway prior to the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500. Kevin Martin also sang the National Anthem prior to the start of the race.

Band Members

Current Members

• Kevin Martin - vocals, guitar
• Peter Klett - guitar
• Scott Mercado - drums (1991-1997, 2006-present)
• Adam Kury - bass (2007-present)
• Sean Hennesey - rhythm guitar - (2006-present)

Former Members

• Dave Krusen - drums (1997-1999)
• Shannon Larkin - drums (1999-2000)
• Rob Redick - bass (1999-2000)
• Bardi Martin - bass (1994-1999, 2006-2007)
• Rob Zombie - banjo (1991-1994)

Discography

Studio Albums

• Candlebox (July 20, 1993) US #7, 4x Platinum
• Lucy (October 3, 1995) US #11, Gold
• Happy Pills (July 21, 1998) US #65
• Into the Sun (July 22, 2008) US #32

Compilation Albums

• The Best of Candlebox (May 23, 2006)

Live Albums

• Alive In Seattle Cd+DVD (September 2, 2008)

Other Recordings

• "Pull Away" - Cd Single B-Side for "You" (1993)
• "Far Behind/Voodoo Child" (Slight Return) [Live Medley] - Cd Single B-Side for "Far Behind" (1994)
• "Can't Give In" - Airheads Soundtrack (1994)
• "Featherweight" - Cd Single B-Side for "Simple Lessons" (1995)
• "Steel and Glass" - Working Class Hero: A Tribute to John Lennon (1995)
• "Glowing Soul" - The Waterboy Soundtrack (1998)
• "The Answer" - iTunes Only Bonus Track from Into the Sun (2008)

Singles

See also

• List of alternative music artists

External links

• Official Candlebox Website
• Allmusic entry for Candlebox
• Candlebox at MySpace
• Kevin Martin & Hiwatts Website
• redlightmusic Website