Candlebox

Early career (1990–1992)

Formed in November 1990, Candlebox originally consisted of lead singer Kevin Martin, guitarist Peter Klett, bassist Bardi Martin, and drummer Scott Mercado.

Rise to fame (1993–2000)

Candlebox began performing live in 1991. By 1992 they were playing regularly in some of Seattle's top clubs, including the now defunct RKCNDY and Farside, to ever increasing audiences.

The band's 8-song EP, which had meanwhile been recorded, gained the attention of Maverick Records. On July 20, 1993, Candlebox released their self-titled debut album. It sold more than 4 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 them a main-stage slot at Woodstock '94 and put Candlebox at the forefront of the 1990s post-grunge scene. Despite the 1993 release of their debut album, Candlebox won Metal Edge magazine's 1994 Readers' Choice Award for Best New Band.

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. On October 3, 1995, Candlebox released their 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 their cover of "Steel and Glass". Scott Mercado left the band in 1997 and was replaced by original Pearl Jam drummer Dave Krusen.

On July 21, 1998, Candlebox released their third studio album, Happy Pills. While a return to the simpler sound of their 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.

Krusen departed from Candlebox in 1999 and was replaced by Shannon Larkin of Ugly Kid Joe. Bardi Martin also 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 their record contract and attempted to be freed from Maverick after 2 years by breaking up.

The former Candlebox members would pursue other musical endeavors during the 2000s; in 2005, Kevin Martin recorded and performed as frontman of The Hiwatts. Peter Klett served as the leader of redlightmusic.

Reunion (2006–present)

In 2006, Rhino Records planned to release a "Best of" compilation of Candlebox, which prompted the original band lineup to reunite for the first time in nearly 10 years (with Sean Hennesy on rhythm guitar). To promote the compilation, Candlebox embarked on a three-month North American tour from July to October of that year. Bardi Martin left the band in 2007 to continue his education to become a lawyer, with Adam Kury as his replacement. During the time, the band would begin writing new material despite having no record label.

After several delays, Candlebox released its first album in 10 years, Into the Sun, on July 22 via Silent Majority/ILG records. The album was produced by Ron Aniello (Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies) and features performances by both Scott Mercado and Dave Krusen on drums. The first single, "Stand," was released to radio in mid-May and Candlebox officially commenced touring in support of the new record in June 2008. "Stand" reached as high as No. 15 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart.

On July 4, 2008 Candlebox performed at the O'Fallon, Missouri Heritage and Freedom Fest in front of a record crowd. Two months later, the band released a live CD/DVD called Alive in Seattle.

In 2009, Kevin Martin and Sean Hennesy formed The Gracious Few with Live members Chad Taylor, Patrick Dahlheimer, and Chad Gracey.

On August 9, 2010 Candlebox kicked off a five-show stint overseas performing for U.S troops at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait and continued on to Iraq.

In 2010, Peter Klett and Scott Mercado formed Lotus Crush, consisting of: Terry McDermott (lead vocals), Peter Klett (lead guitar), Johnny Bacolas (bass), Scott Mercado (drums), and John Luzzi (rhythm guitar).

On April 3, 2012 Candlebox released their 5th studio album, Love Stories & Other Musings produced by Ken Andrews (Failure/Thousand Foot Krutch/Lostprophets).

Although the band had originally planned to put out a new album in 2015, those plans were postponed after Candlebox parted ways with their record label at the time. Around that time in 2015, founding members Scott Mercado and Peter Klett announced that they were leaving the band to focus on Lotus Crush, although the split was amicable, with Kevin Martin saying, "I wish them the best." Sean Hennesy left the band shortly thereafter. Former drummer Dave Krusen rejoined the band, along with new members Mike Leslie (lead guitar) and Brian Quinn (rhythm guitar).

That same year, Kevin Martin formed Le Projet, consisting of: Kevin Martin, Morgan Rose, Adam Kury, Lenny Cerzosie, and Brian Quinn. In addition Kevin Martin also performed some solo shows.

It was then announced in August 2015 that Candlebox had inked a record deal through Pavement Music and that they were working on a new record for an early 2016 release. Lead singer Kevin Martin confirmed and elaborated on plans for the new record in an interview with The Gentlemen's Show podcast on August 27, 2015, stating that the targeted release date was March 11, 2016. The album, titled Disappearing in Airports, was released on April 22, 2016.

Musical style

Candlebox's musical style, while predominately hard rock, has a wide range of influences. Some of their songs have strong references to blues, jazz, grunge, rock and even glam metal. Despite various aforementioned classic roots, their music is considered contemporary.

Band members

Discography