Candlebox
Candlebox is an American rock band from Seattle, Washington. Since its formation in 1990, the group has released eight studio albums, several charting singles, a compilation, and a CD+DVD.
Candlebox
Seattle, Washington
- 1990–2000
- 2006–present
Kevin Martin
Adam Kury
Brian Quinn
Island Styles
BJ Kerwin
Peter Klett
Scott Mercado
Bardi Martin
Robbie Allen
Shannon Larkin
Rob Redick
Mike Leslie
Sean Hennesy
Robin Diaz
Dave Krusen
Candlebox found immediate success with the release of its self-titled debut album in July 1993. Candlebox featured four singles: "Change", "You", "Far Behind" and "Cover Me". "Far Behind" reached the top 20, and the album was certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA.[6] The band's next album, Lucy (1995), was certified gold,[7] and was followed three years later by Happy Pills (1998). After troubles with its record company, Candlebox broke up in 2000. The band reunited in 2006 and they have since released five more studio albums: Into the Sun (2008), Love Stories & Other Musings (2012) Disappearing in Airports (2016), Wolves (2021), and their final album The Long Goodbye released on August 25, 2023.
History[edit]
Rise to fame (1993–2000)[edit]
Candlebox began performing live in 1991. By 1992 the band was playing regularly in some of Seattle's top clubs (including RKCNDY and Farside) to ever increasing audiences.
The band's eight-song EP gained the attention of Maverick Records,[10] with whom the band signed. Candlebox was the first successful act on Maverick Records, which went on to sign Alanis Morissette, Deftones and The Prodigy.
On July 20, 1993, Candlebox released its self-titled debut album. It sold more than four million copies and peaked at No. 7 on Billboard's album charts. Candlebox featured the hit singles "Change", "You", "Far Behind", and "Cover Me". "Far Behind" entered Billboard's top 20 in July 1993, peaked at No. 18, and stayed on the charts until January 1994. The tremendous radio, concert, and television success gained Candlebox an opening slot for Rush on their Counterparts tour and Metallica on their Shit Hits the Sheds Tour, as well as a main-stage slot at Woodstock '94.[11][12][13] They also played with bands like Living Colour, The Offspring, Aerosmith, Radiohead and The Flaming Lips, and by the end of 1994, the band had graduated to headlining their own tours.[14][15] In addition, Candlebox won Metal Edge magazine's 1994 Readers' Choice Award for Best New Band.[16]
Hot off the success of Candlebox, the band was eager to progress and by April 1994 had 36 new songs for a follow-up record.[10] On October 3, 1995, Candlebox released its second album, Lucy. Although it marked the beginning of the band's decline in popularity, Lucy was certified gold thanks to singles such as "Simple Lessons" and "Understanding". Two days after the release of Lucy, Candlebox appeared on Working Class Hero: A Tribute to John Lennon with its cover of "Steel and Glass". After spending the remainder of 1995 and most of 1996 touring behind Lucy (including playing with bands like Our Lady Peace, Sponge, Seaweed, Foo Fighters, Everclear and Stabbing Westward),[17][18] Scott Mercado left the band in 1997 and was replaced by original Pearl Jam drummer Dave Krusen.
On July 21, 1998, Candlebox released its third studio album, Happy Pills. While a return to the simpler sound of its debut, it gained only marginal success. The song "Glowing Soul" was also recorded for the soundtrack to The Waterboy and included at the request of Adam Sandler. Inspired by the film, the song was based on a Bo Diddley rhythm and recorded with vintage equipment.[8]
Krusen departed from Candlebox in 1999 and was replaced by Shannon Larkin of Ugly Kid Joe. Bardi Martin left to attend college and was replaced by Rob Redick, formerly of Dig. By 2000, Candlebox disbanded. According to Martin, the band was unhappy with its record contract and attempted to be freed from Maverick after two years by breaking up. The former Candlebox members would pursue other musical endeavors during the 2000s.
