Todd Poole, former lead singer of Roxy Blue and original drummer for Saliva, is the vocalist and founder of Rail, which formed in 1998.
After many attempts to locate like minded musicians for his new band, he came across Vince Hood, a drummer who had been involved around Memphis in many musical acts outside of the "heavy rock" format. Bringing in a style that was powerful and based on blues, jazz, an early rock, Vince quickly established himself in the heavier format quickly, and uniquely.
Next was Michael Spann, otherwise known as Spann by his band mates. Spann had found success in his previous band to the point that they were being flown to New York and were in the process of a record deal. Soon after, matters both musical and personal led to his departure. Todd, having known Spann from working together in a local music store decided to give it a shot writing their own songs together and liked what they had and Spann decided to join Rail.
Next to join was Patrick Francis. Patrick had been in a very highly successful band Tora Tora, and had toured the world a few times in his former band. Known as one of the best rock bassists around, it was a no-brainer to the guys who they wanted. After their bassist at the time left, Patrick was called and added to what was already a solid line-up.
Shawn Fitzgerald was the last to join. A singer in several other bands, Collide Over Me, and Soak Lucy, Shawn had also been a guitarist and was looking to establish himself as such. After being suggested by Rail's current producer, and a phone call from Shawn (for an entirely different subject), Shawn was invited to come out and hear what was going on. Admittedly being blown away by the songs, Shawn dissolved his then current project Collide Over Me to join as the final piece of Rail. After three weeks of Shawn's arrival, Rail was showcasing to labels and garnering more attention to an already popular band.
Rail went on to record the Jason Latshaw-produced six song demo that included the local radio hits "Black" and "Seven" and went on to open for bands such as Disturbed, Chevelle, Taproot, Unloco, Seether, Echo 7, Shinedown, Breaking Point, and several other signed acts.
In late 2003 the act dissolved due to the usual internal conflicts that plague many bands that are either well established or well on their way. The guys remain friends to this day and this page is more of a homage to something that is very special to us all and hopefully to the fans that stood tall behind one of the greatest bands to ever come out of Memphis, Tennessee. Will there ever be a reunion...never say never!!!!
Read Todd Poole's 20 Questions with Metal Sludge here
Read Patrick Francis' 20 Questions with Metal Sludge here
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