The Lemonheads

Biography

Originally composed of Jesse Peretz (bass), Ben Deily (vocals/guitar), and Evan Dando (vocals/guitar), The Lemonheads was formed by lead singer/songwriter, Evan Dando, in 1986. Since then the lineup has changed numerous times, with Evan being the only constant. That summer they they put out thier first self-released record "Laughing All The Way To The Cleaners", which had a harsh sound, heavily influenced by British New Wave. The band then headed off to College, though Evan drpopped out, and mananged to get a record deal for The Lemonheads with the Independent Boston Based Taang! Records. With the releases of Hate your friends (1987), Creator (1988), and Lick (1989), The Lemonheads slowly established themselves on the US College circuit. Dando gradually moved to center stage, both in performance and songwriting, which resulted in Ben and Evan becoming bitter rivals. Deily left the group in 1989.

Lick had already begun to move towards the softer sound that the band is known for today, including a cover of Susan Vega's "Luka", which was furthered on thier debut on Atlantic Records, Lovey (1990). When "Luka" was released as a single it drew promising press coverage, but Evan's frustration over a creative dry patch led to a temporary band split. With help, Evan recorded a not so hot solo EP called Favorite Spanish Dishes (1990), feauturing a cover of the New Kids On The Block's hit Step By Step.

After spending some time in Austrailia, Evan re-formed the band, with David Ryan on drums, and Juliana Hatfield on bass for It's A Shame About Ray (1992). Recorded In LA with many guest appearances, this was a snappy country-tinged record that stemmed from Dando's affection for the mellow Austrailian music scene. Evan's relaxed approach shown through the on the album's songs, many of which were co-written with Tom Morgan. Nic Dalton soon joined the band on bass.

Despite good reviews Atlantic failed to push the record, hovering in the low 60's on the US and UK charts. Within month's of it's release the label issued an enjoyable cover of Simon and Garfunkle's "Mrs. Robinson", which landed on the charts worldwide, a renewed the band's fourtunes. Evan, with his hippish good looks had made him both a teen pin-up and the media's favorite "slacker". He hung out with Hollywood stars, appeared in the movie Reality Bites, and contributed to the Sweet Relief (1993) chairity album.

The Lemonheads next album, Come On Feel The Lemonheads (1993), was delayed when Evan's crack problen began to worsen. Commercial sucess in Britian, where the "Into Your Arms" became thier biggest hit single, was counterbalanced by poor sales in the US. Dando was seen as a "bubblegrunge" star, a label which infuriated him. As his narcotics abuse continued to worsen, the group's future was cast into doubt. Dando cleaned up his act by the end of the year, and played a solo acoustic tour of the US while writing new material.

Bassist Nic Dalton left the band in early 1995, while Dando spent most of his time following Oasis around the festival circuit. Several visits to various Rehab's followed.

Evan's accumulated experiences shaped The Lemonheads latest effort, Car Button Cloth (1996). The album illustrates the many miles of road that he's walked through since the happy pop days of It's A Shame About Ray.

06/09/99 02:27 PM