Misery Loves Company were one of the pioneering bands of new metal music. Acclaimed for their 1994 self-titled debut and 1997 follow up Not Like Them albums, their final effort in 2000 titled Your Vision Was Never Mine To Share demonstrated a distinct shift away from aggressive thrash-based aggression towards industrial music.
Nineteen years later Zero are back, but unlike most bands who return after an extended absence they’re not desperately searching for glory from past albums.
Mark Eitzel
Mark Eitzel is widely respected as one of American Music Club’s premier songwriters, having created 17 albums of music under their label. However, sadness remains an integral element in his works and cannot be avoided in his compositions.
Poet and singer, yet often considered an outcast. He writes beautiful yet bittersweet music for this world – seemingly doomed to remain a tragic figure for eternity.
Mark has not let this deter him from continuing to make records, with Hey Mr Ferryman expected to become his best album to date. Produced by Bernard Butler (of Suede, MacAlmont & Butler fame) the record will be available as vinyl LP with bonus disc, CD and download formats.
After the dissolution of American Music Club in 1994, Eitzel continued making music. He collaborated with acts like M Ward, Lambchop and Calexico to record covers. Additionally, two solo albums were also released during this time. By 2004, Eitzel formed his new band alongside longtime manager Dave Frinier; together they released two full-length albums Love Songs for Patriots and The Golden Age.
Mark had his heart attack while working on his next album in April 2012, leading to its postponement until 2013. Decor & Merge Records eventually released it that same year to critical acclaim.
Mark collaborated with Olivier Award winning playwright Simon Stephens of UK to co-author a musical, Marein Parade. Its premiere at Brighton Festival was followed by release of an acoustic album recorded at Klamath cabin in California titled Klamath.
Mark will release his tenth solo album, Hey Mr Ferryman, in 2017. Produced by Bernard Butler at Merge Records – who has worked with Tricky, Ben Watt, and Bert Jansch before – it will be made available as vinyl LP, limited edition LP with bonus disc, and CD formats.
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen has become a cultural icon as an accomplished singer-songwriter, actor and philanthropist. With several best-selling albums that explore working-class America and chronicle American experience, Springsteen has earned many accolades such as receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom–one of the nation’s highest civilian honors–for his efforts and through the Thrill Hill Foundation which supports antipoverty efforts and human service organizations in New Jersey and Los Angeles.
Springsteen’s childhood struggles with poverty had an enormous effect on his music and public image. These experiences provided fuel for his lyrical themes of resilience and hope that resonated with a wide audience. Although early recordings were hindered by legal issues, his popularity rose with Born to Run (1975) and Darkness on the Edge of Town (1978), followed by Nebraska (1982) and Born in the U.S.A (1984).
After disbanding the E Street Band in 1989, Springsteen continued his musical career by releasing two albums – Human Touch and Lucky Town – without their backing. Springsteen wrote the theme song for Jonathan Demme’s 1993 film Philadelphia which won both an Academy Award and four Grammys; making him the first rock artist ever to take home this prestigious prize for Best Original Song.
In 2011, Springsteen announced his intent to retire from live performances following the completion of his tour in 2014. In 2016, however, he returned for a series of shows starting with one at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City that sold out quickly and went on for 10 more sold-out performances at this venue alone.
Springsteen and Patti Scialpo have three children together – Jessica, Evan James, and Samuel Ryan – whom each has found success in life; Jessica is an international-caliber equestrian while Evan and Sam both become successful musicians. Springsteen’s philanthropy stems directly from his family values – his Thrill Hill Foundation supports local organizations such as Community Food Bank of New Jersey and 1736 Family Crisis Center among many others.
Mike Ness
“Misery loves company” is an idiom which describes the idea that when people who are unhappy or suffering are shared among friends and loved ones, their emotions become lighter. This sentiment has long been observed within support groups for grieving, addiction or chronic illnesses; movies and television shows also frequently use this expression.
Mike Ness is a veteran member of Orange County punk rock scene, known for his songs which explore both personal and political themes. A talented musician known for his unique style and raw emotions. Mike leads Social Distortion band’s lead singer-guitarist-songwriter position; additionally he has released two solo albums.
Moe Bandy and Ronnie Milsap have covered his songs. One such track, Cowboys Ain’t Supposed to Cry, featured in Cowgirls Never Get the Blues film is about rancher’s struggles as part of family unit.
Mike Ness and his bandmates in Social Distortion formed a punk rock group in Fullerton, California during the 1970s. Influenced by music such as Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Johnny Cash (which they all listened to growing up), their musical styles were largely shaped by these groups’ music. Sporting ripped jeans and long hair, they performed extensively across America.
Social Distortion has long been one of the premier punk bands from Orange County. Each new album would deliver the signature mix of slashing guitars and Mike Ness’ distinctive snarling vocals; their early songs provided a response and challenge against what many perceived to be conservative conformity in Orange County.
Ness has recently explored all facets of his musical influences and created two successful solo records, Cheating at Solitaire and Under the Influences. His music encompasses punk, rockabilly, primitive rock and roll and country genres and his lyrics are filled with human emotion that have won him loyal followers from across ages.
Mary Flower
Mary Flower is an extraordinary acoustic string artist. Her love for traditional music runs deep, while her creativity adds new vitality. Mary has made headlines at numerous folk festivals, teaching seminars, concert stages and national programs, such as Merlefest, Kerrville King Biscuit Festivals and A Prairie Home Companion Show among others.
As a young girl in the Midwest, she was inspired by musicians such as Yank Rachell to pursue music professionally by her high school band director. Soon, she flourished into an accomplished guitarist performing across various venues; after making it into the top-3 at both National Fingerpicking Guitar Championships 2000 and 2002 she founded Mother Folkers with Katy Moffatt, Randy Handley and Pat Donohue in Denver.
Mary relocated to Portland in 2004 for its vibrant cultural life and quickly found a place on both concert stages and classrooms. Her 10 recordings, such as those released through Memphis Yellow Dog Records – Bywater Dance, Instrumental Breakdown, Bridges and Misery Loves Company – showcase her profound understanding of traditional folk and blues music as well as an expressive vocal ability.
Misery Loves Company marks Mary’s most recent musical endeavor as she blends styles with some of Portland’s top musicians. Her incredible finger picking and lap slide prowess, combined with honey-and-whiskey vocals, create a mesmerizing combination that won her the 2011 Portland Muddy Award and multiple nominations for Blues Foundation Blues Music Awards; an impressive addition to her catalog! Mary is also an experienced educator bringing knowledge and enthusiasm into classroom settings.