For Squirrels

For Squirrels

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1992
Headquarters	Gainesville, Florida , United States
Products	Alternative rock music
Website	forsquirrels.net

For Squirrels was an alternative rock group originating from Gainesville, Florida, established in 1992.

Their 1995 track "Mighty K.C." gained traction on alternative rock radio soon after a tragic accident involving their tour van resulted in the deaths of founding members Jack Vigliatura IV and Bill White, as well as their tour manager Tim Bender, at a moment when the band was beginning to attract nationwide recognition.

The remaining members continued under the new name Subrosa starting in 1996, before ultimately dissolving the group in 2001.

Original lineup (1992–1995)

The band’s initial roster included vocalist Jack Vigliatura, bassist Bill White, guitarist Travis Tooke, and drummer Jay Russell. Their chosen name symbolized their commitment to music—even extending "for squirrels." Musically, they blended jangly alternative rock inspired by R.E.M. with grunge influences akin to Nirvana’s heavier sound.

Before releasing their debut album Baypath Rd. independently in early 1994, drummer Jack Griego replaced Russell. This was followed by the Plymouth EP, which contained five songs from the album. The band was managed by Steven E. Goldman, a Miami-based attorney. After gaining momentum through touring, they secured a deal with Sony/550 Music and recorded Example with producer Nick Launay, recognized for his work with Midnight Oil, Talking Heads, and Kate Bush. The album’s release was set for October 3, 1995.

Tragedy struck on September 8, 1995, when the band’s van crashed while returning from the CMJ Music Marathon in New York City. The accident claimed the lives of Vigliatura, White, and Bender. Griego and Tooke survived but sustained injuries. Despite this loss, the album was released as planned. The single "Mighty K.C.", inspired by Kurt Cobain’s passing, achieved modest success and helped maintain album sales.

After the accident (1995-1996)

In the aftermath of the crash, Tooke and Griego regrouped by adding bassist Andy Lord, a school acquaintance, with Tooke taking over vocal duties. Beginning in February 1996, this new formation performed low-profile shows under the name Revlover, featuring classic For Squirrels songs alongside covers. Shortly thereafter, they reinstated the For Squirrels name and began crafting new material that embraced a heavier grunge sound.

Transition to Subrosa (1996–2001)

By late 1996, the band adopted the name Subrosa. Their only album under this identity, Never Bet the Devil Your Head, was released in summer 1997 through Sony Records. Although it received favorable reviews, commercial performance was underwhelming. A music video was produced for the song "Buzzard." Later on, second guitarist Mike Amish joined the lineup. The band toured as an opening act for Creed. Drummer Griego eventually departed and was succeeded by Rusty Valentine before Subrosa disbanded in 2001.

Subsequent involvement

Tooke, Lord, and Amish have continued contributing to Gainesville’s rock music community. Tooke has pursued solo projects as well as ventures like Helixglow through Indigo Planet Records. Meanwhile, Amish and Lord currently perform with Papercranes.

Studio albums

• Baypath Rd (1994)
• Example (1995)

Extended plays

• Plymouth (1994)

Singles

Compilation of singles

Song Title	Release Year	Highest Chart Rankings	Associated Album
		US Alt.
"Mighty K.C."	1995	15	Example

Band members

• Jack Vigiliatura (deceased) – lead vocals (1992–1995)
• Travis Tooke – guitar, vocals (1992–2001)
• Bill White (deceased) – bass guitar (1992–1995)
• Jay Russell – drums (1992–1993)
• Jack Griego – drums (1993–1999)
• Andy Lord – bass guitar (1995–2001)
• Mike Amish – guitar, keyboards (1997–2001)
• Rusty Valentine – drums (1999–2001)

(1992–1993)	Jack Vigiliatura – lead vocals Travis Tooke – guitar Bill White – bass guitar Jay Russell – drums
(1993–Sep. 1995)	Jack Vigiliatura – lead vocals Travis Tooke – guitar Bill White – bass guitar Jack Griego – drums	Baypath Rd (1994) Plymouth EP (1994) Example (1995)
(1995–1997) known as Revlover in 1996 known as For Squirrels in 1996 known as Subrosa from Dec. 1996 to 1997	Travis Tooke – vocals, guitar Andy Lord – bass guitar Jack Griego – drums	Never Bet the Devil Your Head (1997)
(April 1997 – 1999) under the name Subrosa	Travis Tooke – vocals, guitar Mike Amish – guitar, keyboards Andy Lord – bass guitar Jack Griego – drums
(1999–2001) performing as Subrosa	Travis Tooke – vocals, guitar Mike Amish – guitar, keyboards Andy Lord – bass guitar Rusty Valentine – drums

External links

• Comprehensive Band Biography at ForSquirrels.net
• Complete Discography at ForSquirrels.net
• For Squirrels and Subrosa community on Yahoo! Groups
• Papercranes profile on MySpace
• Rare recording of For Squirrels' track "Van Gogh"