Years active 1983–1986
1990–1993 Active until 1993 | Labels Dischord | |
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Past members Dante Ferrando
Mark Haggerty
John Kirchstein
Steve Niles
Geoff Turner Origin Washington, D.C., United States (1983) Albums Food for Thought/Take It Back, Thog, Footsteps, Food for Thought, Double Seven Inch, Take It Back, Gray Matter Members Steve Niles, Dante Ferrando, Mark Haggerty, Geoff Turner Genres Post-hardcore, Emo, Hardcore punk Similar Fire Party, Embrace, Beefeater, Rites of Spring, One Last Wish | ||
Gray Matter was a post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C., who played in the 1980s and 1990s. They disbanded in 1986, but reformed in 1990.
Contents
Biography
Gray Matter officially formed in the summer of 1983 from the ashes of several Washington, D.C., area punk bands. Geoff Turner, Mark Haggerty and Dante Ferrando had been playing in bands since their early junior high school days. In 1983, Dante and Mark were playing in Iron Cross, but when the band's image began to reflect its violent supporters more than the members themselves, Dante quit. Soon after Mark also left and the two reunited with Geoff and Steve Niles and started playing shows around Washington DC as Gray Matter.
The band's first album Food For Thought, was recorded in Dischord's "house" studio, Inner Ear in November 1984, with Minor Threat's Ian Mackaye assisting with production. It was originally released on R&B Records in 1985 while the members were still in high school. In 1986, Dischord Records released the EP Take It Back. Shortly thereafter Mark left the band to go to college and the band broke up. Dante went on to play drums for Ignition and Geoff, Steve, and Mark reunited and formed the band Three, with Jeff Nelson from Minor Threat. Gray Matter reformed in the spring of 1990 and released a double seven inch in 1991 and the full-length, Thog, in 1992. The band officially disbanded in 1993.
Dischord originally re-issued Food For Thought and Take It Back (DIS 49) onto one CD in 1990.
On September 12, 2008, the band reunited for a one off reunion show to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Black Cat, a night club in Washington DC, partially owned by band member Dante Ferrando. The band played the entirety of its Take It Back EP. They reunited again in 2013 for the 20th Anniversary of the Black Cat to take place on September 13, 2013.
Members
Before Gray Matter, Haggerty and Ferrando played in the DC skinhead band Iron Cross. Niles later gained fame for writing horror comics books, in particular 30 Days of Night. Geoff Turner went on to found WGNS recording studios, and Dante Ferrando is the founder and owner of long running D.C. alternative and punk nightclub the Black Cat.
Albums
EPs and singles
Compilations
Compilation appearances
Covers
Songs
Burn No BridgesTake It Back · 1985
Oscars EyeFood for Thought · 1984
Caffeine BluesFood for Thought · 1984