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When you think of 80’s and early 90s metal it is easy to see the line of demarcation between metal and grunge. Nirvana killed the hair band. While many of the emerging grunge bands might have had long hair there was a definite change in the look, attitude and music itself about that time. Once Nirvana put Seattle and grunge on the map it seemed as if every new band was dressed in flannel and buried in their depression. While I’m personally not a fan of grunge music there were a few bands or at least a few songs from a few bands that I liked. Candlebox is one of the few that I just flat out loved the entire first album. So, because the songs of Candlebox still resonate today and still stand out from all the other grunge music at the time we’ve chosen them as our vintage spotlight band for the week.
Candlebox, like so many other grunge bands began in Seattle, Washington in 1990. Original members Kevin Martin, Peter Klett, Bardi Martin and Scott Mercado were signed to Madonna’s Maverick records and produced their self titled debut album in 1993. That album featured the iconic "Far Behind" track which was written for and Mother Love Bone vocalist Andrew Wood. Wood passed away from a heroin overdose. Along with this amazing song, the Candlebox album also included hits "Change", "You", and "Cover Me".
The band released their sophomore effort Lucy in 1995, and their third full length album Happy Pills in 1998. The grunge movement was pretty much past at that point and the band officially broke up in 2000. There had been a few lineup changes during their time together and over the years there had been some performances and recording with some of the original members included. The various members of Candlebox had individual projects in the musical world including other bands.However in 2018, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first Candlebox album the original lineup reunited for 2 live shows in Seattle.
While the boys from Poison still do shows together playing all of their big hits, rockin’ arenas and small venues all over the world, they all have their own personal stories as to what they are doing outside of the band. Bret Michaels: While he hasn’t come up with any material since 2013, Bret continues to perform solo at many venues. He also is an advocate for Juvenile Diabetes and the Diabetes Association. He has been a diabetic since he was young kid. Bret also has 2 daughters, Raine and Jorja who keep him busy when he isn’t out and on the road. He has a line of pet clothing and accessories named “Pets Rock” and is exclusively sold at PetSmart. He’s also heavily involved with “Operation Homefront” which is a charity that provides emergency financial and other assistance to families of service members and wounded warriors. Bobby Dall: Bobby has never done a “side” project like Rikki, C.C. & Bret. He said he was lucky enough to be in a band that was successful the first try, but also stated that’s not saying he wouldn’t try it out if the opportunity arose. His life revolves around his children, Zach & Zoe and staying clean and sober, which in itself is a full time job. Rikki Rockett: Rikki has been REALLY busy outside of the band. He’s done solo work, partnered up with Brian Cosivera to build custom drum kits called ‘Chop Shop Custom Drums’. Rockett went on to start a side project with Tracii Guns & Eric Brittingham called “Devil City Angels”. Who wouldn't love a combination of L.A. Guns, Poison and Cinderella? The best of the glam and sleaze 80s! Rikki is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has 2 childen, Lucy & Jude, both names after The Beatle’s songs.In 2015, Rockett announced in December that he had been battling throat cancer. Extensive treatments were implemented and in June of 2016, he announced that he was cancer free. C.C. Deville: Deville has taken on a side project, with Samantha 7 which was a short lived band. Their song, “I Wanna be Famous” can be heard as the theme song for the reality show, ‘The Surreal Life: Fame Games’, of which he was also a cast member. C.C. also was the inspiration behind the rock n’ roll comic, “C.C. Banana”, a twisted homage to Deville. C.C. married his long time girlfriend Shannon Malone and shortly thereafter, they became parents to a son, Vallon Deville Johanneson. After the profound affect of becoming a parent, C.C. went on to find the Lord. ~Misti-Dawn  |
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