Spacehog

Spacehog mixed glam rock influences, including David Bowie and T. Rex, into their wall-of-distorted-guitars sound, a combination that helped the band make a modest dent in the late-'90s alternative rock scene. The quartet formed in New York City in 1993, following British drummer Jonny Cragg's move from Leeds to the Big Apple. He landed a job killing rats in the basement of an espresso bar, and although the work was less than desirable, he managed to meet guitarist (and fellow U.K. native) Antony Langdon at the shop. The two soon decided to visit topless bars and jam together. Langdon's brother Royston joined the group as a vocalist, and the musicians added guitarist Richard Steel to round out the lineup. Almost immediately after the lineup coalesced, Spacehog attracted the attention of Sire Records' president, Seymour Stein, and their debut album, Resident Alien, was released by the label in 1995. "In the Meantime" became the band's first hit, attracting audiences in several countries while becoming a number one rock single in America. Less than a year after Resident Alien's release, the album had sold over 500,000 copies, earning gold status. The Chinese Album followed in 1998, featuring a cameo appearance by Michael Stipe and an artier sound overall. Three years later, Spacehog (now sporting a new deal with Artemis Records) issued a third effort, entitled The Hogyssey. After joining the Black Crowes and Oasis on the road, the band split up, with several members going on to form the band Arckid. ~ Steve Huey