MONSTER MAGNET

'Monster Magnet' is an American rock band. Hailing from Red Bank, New Jersey, the group was founded by Dave Wyndorf (vocals and guitar), John McBain (guitar), Tom Diello (drums), and Tim Cronin (vocals and bass). The band first went under the name "Dog of Mystery" and later "Airport 75" before finally settling on "Monster Magnet," which was chosen because of a 1960s toy made by Wham-O of the same name, which Wyndorf liked when he was a child. Monster Magnet Bio

Contents

History

Influences

World Wrestling Entertainment

Soundtracks

Trivia

Discography

Full-lengths

EPs

Singles

References

External links

History

In 1989, Monster Magnet released two demo cassettes: ''Forget About Life, I'm High on Dope'' and ''I'm Stoned, What Ya Gonna Do About It?''. The band's first "official" release was a self-titled EP from Glitterhouse Records of Germany. In 1991 the band signed with Caroline Records and released their first full length album, the cult classic ''Spine of God'', in 1991. The next release was a bizarre 4 song EP titled ''Tab'' which included, among two other marathon length songs, a 32 minute track called "Tab...". McBain was fired soon after, because of personality conflicts between himself and Dave Wyndorf. He was replaced by Atomic Bitchwax guitarist Ed Mundell; who holds the position to this day.
The year 1993 saw the release of the album ''Superjudge''. While the album was released on a major record label (A&M Records), it did not sell very well. ''Dopes to Infinity'', the follow-up record, was more accessible, and had a hit single in "Negasonic Teenage Warhead", which benefitted from a music video showing Dave Wyndorf travelling through Outer Space that received rotation on MTV. Still, the record was not the success the band had hoped for. Wyndorf moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in order to begin working on ''Powertrip'' (1998), a breakthrough hit that earned a gold certification. ''Powertrip'' saw the band departing from its usual lo-fi, stoner metal fare, and enter into an era with a more hard rock-type sound. Guitarist Phil Cavaino joined the band in 1998. "Space Lord", the first single, was a major radio hit and the band went on tour with bands like Aerosmith, Metallica and Marilyn Manson. Their last album on A&M Records was ''God Says No'' (2000). After this release, Joe Calandra and Jon Kleiman departed the band because of internal conflicts with Wyndorf, and were replaced by Jim Baglino and Bob Pantella respectively. In 2003, Monster Magnet signed to the European label SPV, and in early 2004 released ''Monolithic Baby!'' throughout Europe. The U.S. release followed in May on SPV America. In March 2005 Phil Cavaino departed after 7 years service in a split described as amicable by Wyndorf. A followup to ''Monolithic Baby!'' was expected in March 2006 to coincide with their European Tour, along with rereleases of ''Spine of God'' and ''Tab'', both featuring new artwork and liner notes, however the tour and album release did not go ahead.
On February 27, 2006 Dave Wyndorf overdosed on prescription drugs. His management released the following statement

The battle with one’s inner demons is the most personal fight any of us can undertake. The fight is at times a lonely, confusing journey. On the evening of February 27, Dave Wyndorf suffered a set back in his own fight and was hospitalized due to a drug overdose. His full recovery is expected. We ask that all those he has encountered over the years or simply affected by his music to take a moment to think good thoughts of and for him. With the grace of God and those who love him we are all confident that Dave will rebound from this set back and continue to play and make great rock and roll.

As of April 4, 2007 Monster Magnet are reported to be back in the studio working on their next album which is scheduled for late 2007 or early 2008 release.^[1]

Influences

Monster Magnet's style and material are heavily influenced by 1970s space rock bands such as Hawkwind and Captain Beyond. In addition to arranging covers such as Hawkwind's "Brainstorm" (''Doremi Fasol Latido'', 1972), Wyndorf sometimes incorporates elements of space rock staples into his own songs. For instance, the ''Dopes to Infinity'' title track borrows some of its lyrics from "Lord of Light" (''ibid.''), and ''Superjudge's "Twin Earth" is a reinterpretation of Captain Beyond's "Mesmerization Eclipse" (''Captain Beyond'', 1972). Wyndorf also is a fan on 60's comic books, particularly Jack Kirby. He mentions Kirby in the song "Melt" from ''God Says No''. He also mentions MODOK (on "Baby Götterdämerung" from ''Powertrip'') and Ego the Living Planet (on "Ego, The Living Planet" from ''Dopes to Infinity''), both of which are Marvel Comics creations. Some songs from God Says No seem to sound like they were influenced by Iron Butterfly.

Monster Magnet's live shows occasionally feature Stacia-esque nude dancers, a fact which has landed them in trouble with the law in some American cities.

World Wrestling Entertainment

Monster Magnet have worked for the World Wrestling Entertainment. They play "Live For The Moment", the official theme song of Matt Hardy and "Powertrip" from ''Powertrip'' is the official theme song for WWE No Way Out 2007.

Soundtracks

★ "Crop Circle" from ''Powertrip'' for the movie ''Urban Legend''.

★ "Dopes to Infinity" from ''Dopes to Infinity'' was featured on the soundtrack to the film ''The Girl Next Door''.

★ "Heads Explode" from ''God Says No'' was featured on the soundtrack to the film ''Dracula 2000''. Part of the music video for the song is displayed in the movie as well.

★ "Look To Your Orb For The Warning" from ''Dopes to Infinity'' was featured on the soundtrack to the 1999 film ''The Matrix''.

★ "Master of Light" from ''Monolithic Baby!'' was featured in the movie ''Torque'' in a scene in which Monster Magnet are shown performing the song.

★ An early version of "Negasonic Teenage Warhead" from ''Dopes to Infinity'', which can't be found on the album, was featured on the soundtrack of the 1994 movie ''S.F.W.''.^[2]

★ "Powertrip" from ''Powertrip'' has been featured in two soundtracks.

★
★ It can be heard in the film ''Soldier''

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★ It was also in included in PlayStation 3 2007 release ''Motor Storm''.

★ "Dinosaur Vacume" from ''Superjudge'' was featured in the Electronic Arts video game Road Rash.

★ "See You In Hell" from ''Powertrip'' appears in ''Bride of Chucky''.

★ "Silver Future" from ''God Says No'' was featured in ''Heavy Metal 2000''.

★ "Space Lord" from ''Powertrip'' was featured in the film ''.

Trivia

★ Monster Magnet is mentioned in a Mitch Hedberg joke.

★ Kid Rock's "I Am the Bullgod" is a tribute to Monster Magnet.

★ Bob Pantella had previously been the drummer for Love Among Freaks.

★ John McBain went on to form Hater and Wellwater Conspiracy.

★ There is a Mothers of Invention song on their debut Album "Freak Out!" called "The Return of the Son of Monster Magnet"

★ Monstermagnet is also the name of a popular magnetic mail product used by pizza companies.

Discography

Full-lengths

EPs

Singles

Year	Song	U.S. Modern Rock	U.S. Mainstream Rock	Album
1995	"Negasonic Teenage Warhead"	26	19	''Dopes to Infinity''
1998	"Space Lord"	29	3	''Powertrip''
1998	"Powertrip"	-	20	''Powertrip''
1997	"Temple Of Your Dreams"	-	25	''Powertrip''
2000	"Silver Future"	-	15	''God Says No''
2001	"Heads Explode"	-	26	''God Says No''
2004	"Unbroken (Hotel Baby)"	-	31	''Monolithic Baby!''

References

1.
2. [1].

External links

★ Official website