Candlebox
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1990 in Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, singles, compilation albums, live albums |
Candlebox is a rock ensemble originating from Seattle, Washington, in the United States. Established in 1990, the band has produced eight studio albums, several singles that charted, a compilation album, and a combined CD+DVD release.
Their breakthrough came swiftly with the launch of their eponymous debut album in July 1993. This initial record included four singles: "Change," "You," "Far Behind," and "Cover Me." Notably, "Far Behind" climbed into the top 20, while the album itself earned a quadruple platinum status from the RIAA. The follow-up, Lucy, arrived in 1995 and achieved gold certification, succeeded by Happy Pills in 1998. Following complications with their record label, Candlebox disbanded in 2000.
Reuniting in 2006, the group has since issued five more studio albums: Into the Sun (2008), Love Stories & Other Musings (2012), Disappearing in Airports (2016), Wolves (2021), culminating with their final release The Long Goodbye on August 25, 2023.
Formation and early years (1990–1992)
Candlebox was established in November 1990 with members Kevin Martin on lead vocals, Peter Klett playing guitar, Bardi Martin handling bass duties, and Scott Mercado on drums.
Commercial breakthrough and initial success (1993–2000)
Beginning live performances in 1991, Candlebox quickly became a fixture in Seattle's prominent music venues by 1992. Their eight-track EP caught the attention of Maverick Records, leading to their signing. Candlebox was Maverick's inaugural successful act, predating artists such as Alanis Morissette and Deftones.
The band's self-titled debut album was released on July 20, 1993, selling over four million copies and reaching number seven on Billboard’s album chart. It produced popular tracks including "Change," "You," "Far Behind," and "Cover Me." The single "Far Behind" peaked at number eighteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the charts through January 1994. They gained further visibility by supporting tours for Rush and Metallica and appeared at Woodstock '94. By late 1994, Candlebox was headlining their own tours and received Metal Edge magazine’s Readers' Choice Award for Best New Band that year.
By April 1994, they had written 36 songs intended for their next record. Their sophomore effort, Lucy, released on October 3, 1995, saw a dip in mainstream appeal but still earned gold certification. Singles like "Simple Lessons" and "Understanding" were featured. Additionally, they contributed a rendition of "Steel and Glass" to the tribute compilation Working Class Hero: A Tribute to John Lennon. Their touring schedule throughout 1995–96 included acts such as Our Lady Peace, Sponge, Foo Fighters, and Everclear. Drummer Scott Mercado exited in 1997 and was replaced by Dave Krusen.
On July 21, 1998, Candlebox brought out their third studio album, Happy Pills, which adopted a more straightforward musical approach but achieved only modest success. The track "Glowing Soul," inspired by the movie The Waterboy upon Adam Sandler’s request, featured vintage gear and incorporated a Bo Diddley beat.
After Krusen left in 1999 to be succeeded by Shannon Larkin from Ugly Kid Joe, bassist Bardi Martin departed to attend college; Rob Redick stepped in as bassist. By the year 2000, due to frustrations with their record deal and attempts to sever ties with Maverick Records, Candlebox dissolved. During the following decade, members engaged in various other musical endeavors.
Reunion and ongoing activities (2006–2022)
In 2006, Rhino Records intended to issue a "Best of" collection, which led to the original members of Candlebox coming back together, with Sean Hennesy added as rhythm guitarist. To support this release, the band embarked on a North American tour from July through October. In 2007, Bardi Martin left to pursue a career in law and was succeeded by Adam Kury. Although without a record label, the group began crafting new songs.
Following some postponements, Candlebox unveiled Into the Sun on July 22 under Silent Majority/ILG Records. The album was produced by Ron Aniello, known for his work with Lifehouse and Barenaked Ladies, and featured drummers Scott Mercado and Dave Krusen. The leading single "Stand" climbed to No. 15 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart. The band kicked off their supporting tour in June 2008.
On July 4, 2008, Candlebox performed at the O'Fallon Heritage and Freedom Fest before an unprecedented audience size. Two months later, they issued the live CD/DVD titled Alive in Seattle. On August 9, 2010, they played for American troops stationed in Kuwait and Iraq.
In 2010, Peter Klett and Scott Mercado established Lotus Crush alongside vocalist Terry McDermott, bassist Johnny Bacolas, and rhythm guitarist John Luzzi.
On April 3, 2012, Candlebox released their fifth studio effort, Love Stories & Other Musings, with production by Ken Andrews (known for Failure and Thousand Foot Krutch).
A planned album for 2015 was delayed after the band parted ways with their label. Founding members Scott Mercado and Peter Klett departed to concentrate on Lotus Crush; Sean Hennesy also exited. Dave Krusen rejoined the lineup along with Mike Leslie on lead guitar and Brian Quinn handling rhythm guitar duties.
Candlebox signed with Pavement Music in August 2015 and began work on a new album that was released in early 2016. Disappearing in Airports was launched on April 22, 2016.
For their second live album, Disappearing Live, Island Styles joined the group alongside former Daughtry drummer Robin Diaz.
In July 2018, the original members reunited for two shows in Seattle celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut release.
Their first studio album in five years, Wolves, came out on September 17, 2021, preceded by the lead single "My Weakness" released six months prior.
The Long Goodbye Tour & album, touring with Bush (2023–2024)
On June 8, 2023, Candlebox announced through an Instagram livestream that their final album, The Long Goodbye, would be released in August 2023 and supported by The Long Goodbye Tour.
Frontman Kevin Martin disclosed on YouTube on October 11, 2023, that the tour would extend into 2024 and would include their inaugural performances in Australia.
On January 16, 2024, Candlebox revealed plans to open for Bush during their summer 2024 Loaded: The Greatest Hits tour alongside Jerry Cantrell.
On February 12, 2025, the band confirmed the return of original guitarist Peter Klett after a nine-year absence; guitarist Brian Quinn departed but was recognized for his significant contributions over the last decade. The band emphasized ongoing activity with the statement: "This is just the beginning!"
Musical style
Candlebox’s musical approach is primarily based in hard rock, incorporating elements from blues, grunge, rock, and glam metal. While drawing on traditional influences, their sound maintains a modern edge.
Current line-up
- Kevin Martin – lead vocals and occasional guitar (1990–2000, 2006–present)
- Peter Klett – lead guitar and backing vocals (1990–2000, 2006–2015, 2025–present)
- Adam Kury – bass guitar and backing vocals (2007–present)
- Island Styles – rhythm guitar and backing vocals (2016–present)
- BJ Kerwin – drums (2021–present)
Former members
- Scott Mercado – drums (1990–1997, 2006–2015)
- Bardi Martin – bass guitar and backing vocals (1990–1999, 2006–2007)
- Dave Krusen – drums (1997–1999, 2015–2016)
- Robbie Allen – rhythm guitar (1998–2000)
- Shannon Larkin – drums (1999–2000)
- Rob Redick – bass guitar (1999–2000)
- Sean Hennesy – rhythm guitar (2006–2015)
- Mike Leslie – lead guitar (2015–2016)
- Robin Diaz – drums (2016–2021)
- Brian Quinn – rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals (2015–2025)
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Highest chart rankings | Sales figures | Certifications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US Ind. | ||||
| Candlebox |
|
7 | — | Over 3.8 million in the US | |
| Lucy |
|
11 | — | Exceeding 466,000 US sales |
|
| Happy Pills |
|
65 | — | More than 224,000 copies sold in US | |
| Into the Sun |
|
32 | 4 | ||
| Love Stories & Other Musings |
|
82 | 12 | ||
| Disappearing in Airports |
|
112 | — | ||
| Wolves |
|
— | — | ||
| The Long Goodbye |
|
— | — | ||
Compilation albums
- The Best of Candlebox (Released May 23, 2006)
Live albums
- Alive in Seattle CD+DVD (Released September 2, 2008)
- Disappearing Live CD (Released April 8, 2017)
- Live at The Neptune CD (Released June 23, 2023)
Additional recordings
- "Pull Away" – B-side on the "You" CD single (1993)
- "Far Behind/Voodoo Child" (Slight Return) [Live Medley] – B-side on the "Far Behind" CD single (1994)
- "Can't Give In" – featured on the Airheads Soundtrack (1994)
- "Featherweight" – B-side on the "Simple Lessons" CD single (1995)
- "Steel and Glass" – included in Working Class Hero: A Tribute to John Lennon (1995)
- "Glowing Soul" – part of The Waterboy Soundtrack (1998)
- "The Answer" – exclusive bonus track available on iTunes from Into the Sun (2008)
Singles
| Year | Title | Highest chart rankings | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US Alternative | US Mainstream Rock | |||
| 1993 | "Change" | — | — | 18 | Candlebox |
| 1994 | "You" | 78 | — | 6 | |
| "Far Behind" | 18 | 7 | 4 | ||
| "Cover Me" | — | 23 | 8 | ||
| 1995 | "Simple Lessons" | — | 12 | 5 | Lucy |
| "Understanding" | — | — | 19 | ||
| "Best Friend" | — | — | — | ||
| 1998 | "It's Alright" | — | 32 | 2 | Happy Pills |
| "10,000 Horses" | — | — | 13 | ||
| 1999 | "Happy Pills" | — | — | 17 | |
| 2008 | "Stand" | — | — | 15 | Into the Sun |
| "Miss You" | — | — | — | ||
| 2009 | "A Kiss Before" | — | — | — | |
| 2012 | "Believe in It" | — | — | — | Love Stories & Other Musings |
| 2016 | "Vexatious" | — | — | 33 | Disappearing in Airports |
| 2020 | "Let Me Down Easy" | — | — | — | Wolves |
| 2021 | "My Weakness" | ||||
| "Punks" |
rowspan=2| The Long Goodbye | ||||
| "What Do You Need?" | |||||
Music videos
- "Change"
- "You"
- "Far Behind"
- "Cover Me"
- "Simple Lessons"
- "Understanding"
- "Best Friend"
- "It's Alright"
- "Stand"
- "Miss You"
- "Vexatious"
- "Supernova"
- "All Down Hill From Here"
- "Riptide"
- "This Time Tomorrow 14"
- "Punks"
See also
References
- Foege, Alec (January 27, 1994). "New faces: Candlebox". Rolling Stone (674): 24.
External links
- Articles with short description
- Candlebox
- 1990 establishments in Washington (state)
- Alternative rock groups from Washington (state)
- American musical quintets
- American post-grunge musical groups
- Hard rock musical groups from Washington (state)
- Maverick Records artists
- Musical groups established in 1990
- Musical groups disestablished in 2000
- Musical groups reestablished in 2006
- Musical groups from Seattle
- Heavy metal musical groups from Washington (state)
- American grunge groups