Crumbsuckers are a New York based Hardcore/Metal Crossover band that formed in 1982 on Long Island by bass player Gary Meskil in their home town of Baldwin. In the early days they were a party band and played covers from bands such as Minor Threat, Bad Brains and Kraut.
In June 1983, the band with singer Dave Brady recorded a demo called "The Crumbsucker Cave" at their rehearsal space with five songs, including a cover of Chubby Checker's "The Twist". Songs for their debut album were taking shape. In early 1985 they also added Chuck Lenihan as a second guitarist for a more metal sound. The songs from "Life Of Dreams" were written by Gary Meskil, Dave Wynn, Chuck Lenihan, Dave Brady and 2 songs lyrics by new vocalist Chris Notaro.
In June of 1985 the band recorded a second demo at CBGBs and started looking for a record deal. Included on the demo were "Just Sit There", "Shot Down", "Interlude", "Trapped", "Brainwashed", "Live To Work" and "Prelude". Soon after, vocalist Dave Brady left the band and was replaced with aforementioned vocalist Chris Notaro, a founding member of Long Island Hardcore band named Krakdown. The Crumbsuckers often had Krakdown play shows with them throughout NY. The chemistry was right, and soon after they got a deal with Combat Records. They recorded and released their debut album in 1986 entitled "Life Of Dreams", which today, is called and considered a "Classic" by many. Their sound was riddled by powerful Hardcore vocals, blazing soulful technical riffs by guitarists Chuck Lenihan and Dave Wynn, all backed-up by the solid bass lines from Gary Meskil and furious drumming by the then 16 year old Dan Richardson. The Crumb's sound was unique. That sound was noticed and admired by fellow musicians such as Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, Scott Ian of Anthrax, Phil Anselmo and Dimebag Darrell of Pantera,as well as Biohazzard, Joe Satriani and Metallica. The first half of the "Life of Dreams" album was pumped over the P.A. before Metallica hit the stage at NYC's Felt Forum. At one CBGB's gig, Kirk Hammet of Metallica got on stage and jammed on the tune "HubRun" with the Crumbs, of course that was a time before Metal-Heads and Hardcore fans knew how to co-exist, so it got a bit ugly. Don't forget the Crumbsuckers were at the forefront of the crossover movement with bands such as Agnostic Front, Cromags, and DRI. You can say Crumbsuckers paved the way for the next generation of killer bands.
In the spring of 1987 guitarist Dave Wynn left the band and after a few guitarists came and went Robbie Koebler stepped in to record "Beast On My Back". In early 1988, after the release of the album, the former Carnivore guitarist Marc Piovanetti replaced Koebler. The Crumbsuckers did a full US tour in support of B.O.M.B gaining many fans throughout the country, playing along side bands such as Discharge, Bad Brains, GBH, Sacred Reich and many others. Some highlights of their career were opening for such acts as Megadeth at NYC's Ritz and Lamours as well as opening for Anthrax. In 1989 the band finally broke up due to musical differences and disagreements as to which direction the band should go. Chris Notaro left the band as he felt his hardcore vocal style was no longer accepted by his band mates. The band embarked on their first European tour with a more metalish, melodic singer, the fans response sealed the bands fate. The Crumbsuckers disbanded.
Gary Meskil formed a band called Heavy Rain in 1990. Some sources claim that this band played progressive metal similar to bands like Queensrche and Fates Warning but according to Gary Meskil it was more like old Soundgarden. Gary Meskil and his drummer Dan Richardson then disbanded Heavy Rain and formed Pro-Pain in 1991, which have had many good years and are still going strong, particularly in Europe. Dan had left Propain after a few years to join up with Life Of Agony, who had much success, until singer Keith Caputo left the band. Dan then played with Stereomud which has since disbanded. Chuck aka Chains had an 8 year run with Tampa based Genitorturers and is currently leading his band Glitter Guns in a Brit-popish rock direction. Enter the year 2006 and the Crumb's are enjoying each others friendship and looking forward to a reunion show at BB Kings in NYC on August 3rd 2006! We look forward to seeing all of our "old" fans/friends...for a good OL" Crumbsuckers gig! Our shows always had a good vibe and we can't wait to welcome new fans to the world of CRUMB-ROCK! Till then, may your life of dreams come true.
Your friends the CRUMBSUCKERS.
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