Music:
Member Since: 1/10/2008
Band Members:
We're Turning Japanese
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Vice Grip started just like any other band. A group of world class musicians willing to sacrifice even the most basic integrity in the age-old pursuit of fame and wealth. Izzy, Felix, Verizon Star, and Jeff first came together in the summer of 2005 with the goal of creating a song that would inspire an entire generation of musicians. "Mr. Robot" was this track, and it was hastily recorded in the summer of 2005. A world tour followed shortly thereafter, but the group found life on the road to be somewhat cumbersome in the small confines of a $300,000 tour bus (with a full bar and kitchen staff).
Ashley would join the band next in the summer of 2006, bringing with him a cold heart, a bad attitude, and Toni Gobble by Christmas of that year (also called VG Day in Japan). This group recorded and released "The Very Best Of..." in December 2006 to a massive crowd in their native Rochester, NY. Fans and critics alike enjoyed the release, which Rolling Stone raved was "the...album of the year".
Not satisfied with their first release being a "Best Of..." record though, the Fab Five sought out Ashley's fraternal twin and keyboardist Cucci Mathers, who had been "clearing his head" in the Adirondack Mountains for quite some time. Cucci joined the band and they immediately headed back into the studio to record "Defiance of Science at Science Island", a concept album dealing with the persecution of 18th century scientists by religious leaders.
It was at that point that the group decided that money and fame were above all else, even the most sacred of friendships. This declaration, which came in December of 2007 saw both Verizon Star and Felix Leiter depart the band, with Mr. Star being hastily replaced by the spastic and unpredictable Manfred Bonehawk. Bonehawk brought a long winded approach to the group which had not been present before. Manfred Bonehawk has left the band.
It was during this time that the group inked deals with Major Label Records in the United States and Fabtone Records in Japan. Heading back into the studio for a third time, the group wa paired with super-producer Dan Armbruster, who was able to mold the group's signature generic sound into something that The Daily Chorus would rave was "more of the same".
A stint on the 2008 Vans Warped Tour would follow alongside acts such as Forever The Sickest Kids, We The Kings, Gym Class Heroes, and U2. The boys were the highest selling act of the entire tour before their bus broke down in Monroe, Michigan. The hardships of the "new world" as Harry Truman had so accurately called it some 3,000 years earlier proved to be too much for the band, and they returned home with their tails between their legs.
July 2008 saw the official release of their new album "If You Show Me Yours..." digitally in the United States, and in December 2008 the band's full length followed suit nationwide in Japan. In December the group moved to Japan, where they now eat sesame chicken, hang out at "The Great Wall", and visit the site of the 2008 Olympic Games every day. Their record is available at Tower Records as well as other fine music retailers nationwide. People in the United States can purchase the Japanese release via BestBuy.com and CircuitCity.com for $35. Go ahead and check. I'll wait.
5.11.09 Jeff Mogley out of the band.
We have decided to kick Jeff Mogley out of the band. Money is a precious thing, and when you're making millions it's difficult to justify splitting that five ways. Best of luck to Jeff and his family.
4.12.09 Album Now Available Nationwide
We're pleased to announce that our hit EP "If You Show Me Yours" is now available nationwide in the USA exclusively at Circuit City locations. We however, are still in Japan. Take a picture for us!
3.8.09 Jeff Mogley is in Dubai!
Read his blog updates all week long on our page! Also, check out the new video on the left as we audition drummers in his absence.
1.20.09 The Future Is Now
Welcome to our new Myspace. Read the blog for tons of new and exciting things
Forward all inquiries to:
[email protected]
Label
Major Label Records (USA)/Fabotone Records (Japan)
Q:Are you guys really in Japan?
A:Yes. We're in Japan 75% of the time.
Q:Where can I buy your CD?
A:Due to the current global economic "situation", Major Label Records has decided to release our new album "If You Show Me Yours" exclusively through Smartpunk and iTunes. It is not available in stores. In Japan however, the album is available at Tower Records, and every other major music retailer
Q:I live in Texas and I really want to see you guys live! Will you come here?
A:Unfortuantely, you live in the United States. We play there roughly twice a year, and both shows take place in Rochester, NY. Plane tickets aren't really THAT expensive right now though, especially with the rapidly decreasing cost of jet fuel. The shows generally sell out in ten minutes, so I would make sure I got my tickets to the show first.
Q:My parents love me soooooo much. Last year, they bought me a cheetah for my birthday. Will you play my party?
A:Yes. We charge 1,000,000 JPY plus travel expenses for private events, or $15,000 USD plus travel expenses for events in the US.
Q:What happened to Manfred Bonehawk?
A:Who?
Q:My friend says he used to be in Vice Grip. Is that true?
A:Probably. We kick people out all the time. Jeff is probably next. If you see him don't tell him.
Q:My mom and I just started a record label in my bedroom. It's called "Forever Your Dick Hole Records". Can I sign you?
A:Stop.
Q:Today I was in English class discussing "A Separate Peace" with my classmates when it hit me; I should manage bands. Can I be your manager?
A:Please stop.
Q:My name is Chad Kroeger, and I'm trying to book a tour for my band _________ right now. We're playing at The Penny Arcade in Rochester on July 24th. Will you guys open for us?
A:Seriously Chad? Good luck with your "tour"
Q:Will you check out my webcam pics? Myspace won't let me post them so I had to post them on Flickstr.
A:Wow! Thanks for reaching out! We love getting personal messages like this that young females have taken the time to write! These pictures are great! I can't believe you took them just for us! You're going in our top friends!
Q:Wait a second...The Maine is my favorite band...are you guys making fun of them!?
A:NO!
Q:You guys are the worst, least original, most pretentious piece of crap band I've ever heard.
A:That's not a question :)
Influences:
Type of Label: Major