Econoline Crush
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Vancouver , Canada |
Key people | Trevor Hurst (lead vocalist) |
| Products | Studio albums, EPs, singles |
Econoline Crush is a rock group originating from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, established in 1992. Their discography includes five studio albums and three EPs, featuring notable singles such as "You Don't Know What It's Like", "Home", and "Surefire (Never Enough)". Their 1997 release, The Devil You Know, achieved platinum certification and garnered two Juno Award nominations in 1995 and 1998. Trevor Hurst, the lead vocalist, remains the only permanent member of the ensemble.
Origins, The Purge Demo, Purge, and Affliction (1992–1996)
Econoline Crush came into existence in early 1992 when Trevor Hurst relocated from Seattle to Vancouver after answering an advertisement placed by Chris Meyers and Tom Ferris (formerly of Moev) seeking a singer. The founding members also included guitarist Robbie Morfitt and bassist Dan Yarmeko. Their band name merges "Crush" with "Econoline," inspired by a Ford Econoline van.
In early 1993, they independently released the EP The Purge Demo. Following the departure of Ferris and Meyers, Econoline Crush secured a deal with EMI Music Canada after performing only 26 shows. Shortly thereafter, drummer Gregg Leask and guitarist Mike "Hack" Gallagher joined the lineup.
The band's major label debut came in 1994 with the release of the Purge EP, produced by Dale Penner and Rhys Fulber. Keyboardist Chris Bryant became part of the group shortly after this release. Their single "T.D.M." received limited exposure on music video channels. The band earned its inaugural Juno Award nomination for Purge in 1995.
Prior to launching their full-length album Affliction in March 1995 (released exclusively in Canada), both Bryant and Gallagher exited the band. Produced once more by Fulber, this album included singles such as "Nowhere Now," "Wicked," and "Close," which were supported by an extensive Canadian tour. They also embarked on three European tours alongside bands like The Young Gods and Filter, including a performance at Germany's Popkomm Festival. In early 1996, Affliction was introduced to the US market through Nettwerk Records. During this US tour, guitarist David "Ziggy" Sigmund and keyboardist Adam Percy joined the group.
By late 1996, Econoline Crush had partnered with management firm Bruce Allen Talent and commenced recording sessions at Sound City Studios with producer Sylvia Massy, recognized for her work with artists such as Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Tool.
The Devil You Know and rise to mainstream recognition (1997–2000)
In 1997, Econoline Crush unveiled The Devil You Know and toured alongside prominent acts including KISS, Foo Fighters, and Green Day. For its US release in spring 1998, they transitioned from Nettwerk Records to Restless Records and continued touring with KISS, Stabbing Westward, among others.
Throughout the recording process and subsequent period, the band's lineup underwent numerous changes. Eric "Statik" Anest of Collide briefly replaced Percy on keyboards. Bassist Yaremko temporarily left to join Bif Naked but rejoined later during the tour cycle; during his absence, Don Binns, Ken Fleming, and Thom Christiansen filled bass duties at various times. Drummer Leask departed toward the conclusion of the Affliction tours; he was succeeded sequentially by Marc Villeneuve, Robert Wagner during recording sessions, followed by Nico Quintal and Johnny Haro for touring purposes. Guitarist Morfitt briefly returned alongside Sigmund but left after touring commitments.
Their single "All That You Are (X3)" achieved notable success on charts: reaching No. 18 on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock chart (US), No. 12 on RPM's Hot 100, and No. 9 on RPM's Alternative 30 chart in Canada. Other singles such as "Home" and "Surefire (Never Enough)" attained moderate radio play across both countries. The band received their second Juno nomination in 1998 for this album and performed during the televised awards ceremony. The Devil You Know was certified gold and later platinum.
In December 1999, Econoline Crush contributed "You Don't Know What It's Like" to the Big Shiny Tunes 4 compilation released by MuchMusic. The track peaked at No. 13 on RPM's Alternative 30 chart and No. 29 on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock chart. It was reissued in 2001 to promote their subsequent album.
Several songs from their catalog were featured on television series like Melrose Place and Psi Factor, while the band made a guest appearance on an episode of The Crow: Stairway to Heaven, filmed in Vancouver. Additionally, remixed versions of "Sparkle and Shine", "Nowhere Now", and "Surefire (Never Enough)" were included in the soundtrack for the 1999 Sony PlayStation game Sled Storm.
Brand New History era and hiatus (2001–2005)
The group moved to California to work on their subsequent album alongside producers John Travis, Bob Rock, and DJ Swamp, incorporating contributions from Chris Vrenna (Nine Inch Nails/Die Warzau) and Paul Raven (Killing Joke/Prong). In 2001, they unveiled Brand New History, which experienced moderate commercial performance despite receiving mixed critical feedback. By the end of the album's touring phase, the lineup had solidified with Hurst, Yaremko, Sigmund, Haro, and second guitarist Mark Peterson. The record featured the singles "Make It Right" and "You Don't Know What It's Like," both of which entered music charts.
Supporting Godsmack on a Canadian tour alongside rapper Kardinal Offishall, Econoline Crush encountered challenges winning over the heavy metal fanbase. Around mid-2002, their American label Restless Records was taken over by Rykodisk during a period of organizational changes. Coupled with underwhelming album reception and difficult touring conditions, the band went on an extended break.
During this hiatus, members engaged in other projects: Yaremko returned to perform with Bif Naked’s band before joining punk act D.O.A., Haro established The Dreaming with Christopher Hall from Stabbing Westward, Sigmund pursued a solo path and relocated to California, while Hurst formed a new group with former Collective Soul guitarist Ross Childress. Initially named Early Moses, legal complications prompted a name change to Hurst. Their independent release Wanderlust came out in 2005.
Reformation, Ignite, and The People Have Spoken, Vol. 1 (2006–2011)
Econoline Crush reunited in December 2006 for sporadic performances, retaining only Hurst and Yaremko from earlier lineups. Hurst revealed plans for a new album via his MySpace page as the band toured with Hinder. After several changes in personnel, the lineup stabilized with drummer Brent Fitz, bassist Scott Whalen, guitarist Kai Markus, and Hurst himself. The new material was co-written by Hurst and Markus at Radiostar Studios in California with producer Massy. Released on January 15, 2008, Ignite included singles "Get Out of the Way" and "Dirty," both of which charted on Canada’s RPM Alternative 30; notably, "Dirty" reached No. 13. Throughout 2008, the band toured alongside acts such as Three Days Grace, Seether, 3 Doors Down, Staind, and Hinder, as well as supporting Alice Cooper. In 2009, they appeared at prominent Canadian festivals including Halifax Rocks featuring KISS.
By April 2010, guitarists Morfitt and Sigmund had rejoined for a summer tour supported by drummer Greg Williamson and bassist Steve Vincent from Alberta’s Tupelo Honey. Later that year in December, EMI released Surefire: The Best of Econoline Crush, a compilation spanning tracks from 1994 through 2001.
On April 8, 2011, the band launched the EP The People Have Spoken, Vol. 1, produced by Fulber—their first collaboration since 1995’s Affliction. Shortly after this release, Morfitt left the group once again.
Sigmund's passing, When the Devil Drives, and ongoing endeavors (2012–present)
On September 17, 2017, Econoline Crush took part in Calgary's Rally for Recovery Day, during which Trevor Hurst openly discussed his personal battle with addiction and path to recovery. This event marked the introduction of drummer Dayvid Swart and guitarist Graham Tuson, while original bassist Dan Yaremko made a brief comeback before being succeeded by Troy Zak.
By August 2019, the group revealed plans for new material alongside a documentary focusing on Hurst's nursing profession, entitled Flatlander. In 2020, they unveiled a revamped version of "Get Out of the Way" plus a fresh track called "Fight Like the Devil," initially slated for inclusion on the album When the Devil Drives but ultimately released as individual singles.
Guitarist David "Ziggy" Sigmund passed away unexpectedly on March 8, 2022; no official cause was provided. The band issued "No Quitter" on May 10, 2023, serving as the lead single from When the Devil Drives, followed by subsequent singles "Invincible" and "Locked in Your Stone." The full album debuted on October 13, 2023, featuring performances by Hurst, Swart, Zak, and Dan Garrison. Contributions from Sigmund recorded before his death and guitar work by Tuson were included; Tuson rejoined the lineup around the album’s release, replacing Garrison.
Current members
- Trevor Hurst – lead vocals (1992–2002, 2006–present)
- Dayvid Swart – drums (2017–present)
- Graham Tuson – guitar (2017–2020, 2023–present)
- Troy Zak – bass guitar (2019–present)
Former members
- Tom Ferris – keyboards, guitar, programming (1992–1993)
- Chris Meyers – drums, keyboards, programming (1992–1993)
- Dan Yaremko – bass guitar, programming (1992–1997, 1998–2002, 2006–2007, 2017–2019)
- Robbie Morfitt – guitar (1992–1999, 2010–2015)
- Mike "Hack" Gallagher – guitar (1993–1994)
- Gregg Leask – drums (1993–1996)
- Chris Bryant – keyboards, programming (1994)
- David "Ziggy" Sigmund – guitar (1996–2002, 2010–2022; died 2022)
- Adam Percy – keyboards (1996, 2009)
- Marc Villeneuve – drums (1996)
- Robert Wagner – drums (1996–1997)
- Don Binns – bass guitar, guitar (1997)
- Eric "Statik" Anest – keyboards, programming (1997)
- Ken Fleming – bass guitar (1997)
- Thom Christiansen – bass guitar (1997–1998)
- Nico Quintal – drums (1997–1999)
- Johnny Haro – drums (1999–2002)
- Mark Peterson – guitar (2001–2002)
- Jay Benison – drums (2006–2007)
- Dave Heese – guitar (2006–2007)
- Mark Gomulinski – bass guitar (2007)
- Harvey Warren – drums (2007)
- Brent Fitz – drums (2007–2009)
- Kai Markus – guitar, keyboards, programming (2007–2009)
- Scott Whalen – bass guitar (2007–2010)
- Sean McKay – keyboards (2009)
- Nik Pesut – drums (2009)
- Ron Chamberlain – guitar (2009–2010)
- Steve Vincent – bass guitar (2010–2015)
- Greg Williamson – drums (2010–2017)
- Alex Varughese – bass guitar (2015–2017)
- Kyle Shaw – keyboards, guitar (2015–2017)
- Aaron Skiba – guitar (2015–2017)
- Dan Garrison – guitar (2020–2023)
- Ben Yardley – guitar (2022)
Timeline
Colors indicate primary live performance roles.
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Chart Positions | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAN | CAN | ||
| 1995 | Affliction
|
– | |
| 1997 | The Devil You Know
|
47 | Platinum |
| 2001 | Brand New History
|
17 | |
| 2008 | Ignite
|
– | |
| 2023 | When the Devil Drives
|
– |
EPs
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | The Purge Demo
|
H.M.G. |
| 1994 | Purge
|
EMI Music Canada |
| 2011 | The People Have Spoken, Vol. 1
|
ECX3 Productions |
Compilation albums
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Surefire: The Best of Econoline Crush | EMI Music Canada |
Singles
rowspan=4 |2001 rowspan=2 |2008 rowspan=2 |2020- "Fight Like the Devil"
- "– "
- "– "
- "– "
- "– "
- "No Quitter"
- "– "
- "– "
- "– "
- "– "
- "Invincible"
- "– "
- "– "
- "– "
- "Locked in Your Stone"
- "– "
- "– "
- "– "
| Year | Single | Chart positions | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAN | CAN Rock/Alt. | US Alt. | US Main | |||
| 1994 | "T.D.M." | — | — | — | — | 'Purge' (EP) |
| 1995 | "Nowhere Now" | — | — | — | — | 'Affliction' |
| "Wicked" | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1996 | "Close" | — | — | — | — | |
| 1997 | "Home" | — | 23 | — | 35 | 'The Devil You Know' |
| "All That You Are (X3)" | "12" | "9" | "28" | "18" | ||
| 1998 | "Sparkle and Shine" | "—" | "—" | "—" | "—" | |
| "Surefire (Never Enough)" | "75" | "—" | "—" | "18" | ||
| "Razorblades and Bandaides" | "—" | "—" | "—" | "—" | ||
| "2000" | "You Don't Know What It's Like" | "—" | "13" | "—" | "29" | 'Brand New History' |
| "Make It Right" | "—" | "10" | "—" | "21" | ||
| "Trash" | "—" | "—" | "—" | "—" | ||
| "May I Go" | "28" | "—" | "—" | "—" | ||
| "Dirty" | "—" | "13" | "—" | "—" | 'Ignite' | |
| "Get Out of the Way" | "—" | "41"
|
'Ignite' | |||
"Get Out of the Way (Gold Heart)"
| ||||||
| 'When the Devil Drives' | ||||||
See also
- List of alternative music artists
- Music of Canada
- Music of Manitoba
- Canadian rock
- List of Canadian musicians
- List of bands from Canada
- Category:Canadian musical groups
References
External links
- Articles with short description
- Musical groups established in 1992
- Musical groups disestablished in 2001
- Musical groups reestablished in 2007
- Canadian industrial music groups
- Industrial rock musical groups
- Musical groups from Seattle
- Musical groups from Vancouver
- Canadian alternative rock groups
- Canadian post-grunge groups
- 1992 establishments in British Columbia
- 2001 disestablishments in British Columbia
- 2007 establishments in British Columbia
- Restless Records artists
- Nettwerk Music Group artists