Fountains of Wayne
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | Chris Collingwood, Adam Schlesinger |
| Defunct | 2013 (initial disbandment) |
| Fate | Disbanded in 2013; reunited virtually in 2020 and resumed live shows in 2025 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, live performances |
Fountains of Wayne is a rock ensemble originating from New York City, established in 1995. The original lineup featured founding members Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger, with Jody Porter and Brian Young joining subsequent to their first album. The group gained widespread recognition for their Grammy-nominated track "Stacy's Mom" and produced six studio albums from 1996 until 2011 before officially disbanding in 2013.
On April 1, 2020, Schlesinger passed away due to complications related to COVID-19. In response, the surviving members reunited virtually for a tribute concert that same month and later resumed live shows in 2025.
1995–2001: Formation and early development
Adam Schlesinger, hailing from Montclair, and Chris Collingwood, from Sellersville, met as freshmen at Williams College and played in several bands prior to establishing Fountains of Wayne in the mid-1990s. The band's name was inspired by a defunct lawn ornament store located in Wayne, New Jersey, which also made an appearance on an episode of The Sopranos. Although initially hesitant, Collingwood eventually embraced the name. Prior to settling on Fountains of Wayne, the group performed under names such as Wallflowers and Woolly Mammoth. After recording a demo, they secured a contract with Atlantic Records and added guitarist Jody Porter and drummer Brian Young to the lineup.
While songwriting credits were shared between Schlesinger and Collingwood, they composed their material independently to prevent conflicts over individual contributions. Collingwood noted that this method helped preserve the band's unified identity rather than focusing on personal accolades.
In 1996, the band released their self-titled debut album, which included singles like "Radiation Vibe" and "Sink to the Bottom". They supported the release with extensive tours alongside acts such as the Smashing Pumpkins and the Lemonheads. That same year, Schlesinger penned the title track for That Thing You Do!, which earned an Academy Award nomination and achieved RIAA gold certification.
Their follow-up album in 1999, Utopia Parkway, named after a street in Queens, was a concept album centered around suburban themes and received critical praise, including being named album of the week by People magazine. Despite favorable reviews and continued touring, disputes with Atlantic Records culminated in the band being dropped later that year.
During this period of inactivity, Collingwood faced emotional challenges and financial difficulties following their separation from the label. He later acknowledged the necessity of taking time off to recover after years of intense work with limited commercial success.
Meanwhile, Schlesinger broadened his professional scope by co-writing for the soundtrack of Josie and the Pussycats, producing for artists such as Verve Pipe and They Might Be Giants, and releasing additional material with his band Ivy. Collingwood formed a pop-country group called Gay Potatoes based in Northampton, Massachusetts, which he eventually disbanded in 2010. Guitarist Jody Porter pursued work with his New York City-based band The Astrojet alongside producer Gordon Raphael, while drummer Brian Young moved to Los Angeles to engage in session work with various musicians including Ivy and Greg Dulli.
The group came back together in 2001 to record a rendition of the Kinks' "Better Things" for the tribute compilation This Is Where I Belong: Songs of Ray Davies and the Kinks. This reunion sparked intentions to produce a new studio album. In 2003, they unveiled Welcome Interstate Managers, which included the popular track "Stacy's Mom". Adam Schlesinger noted that this song was an homage to the Cars. Although it initially struggled to gain traction on US alternative radio, MTV President Judy McGrath advocated for its music video, contributing to its gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America and earning a nomination for Best Vocal Pop Performance at the 2004 Grammy Awards. Additionally, the song "All Kinds of Time" was featured in NFL promotional material during the 2005 season.
In 2005, the band released Out-of-State Plates, a collection comprising B-sides alongside two fresh tracks, promoted by the single "Maureen". They supported this release with a limited tour across the US that included acoustic performances and appearances on PBS's Soundstage and at Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series. This album also contained a 1999 cover version of Britney Spears’ "...Baby One More Time".
That year, Robbie Fulks paid tribute with his release titled "Fountains of Wayne Hotline".
During their 2006 tour in Tokyo, Collingwood faced a significant mental health episode that forced cancellations of several shows and required hospitalization upon their return to the United States.
Their 2007 album Traffic and Weather featured the track "I-95", which was ranked number 54 on Rolling Stone's list of top 100 songs that year. Collingwood’s involvement in this album was limited due to his battles with depression and alcoholism.
In 2008, Porter debuted his solo album Close to the Sun, consisting of compositions created during breaks between Fountains of Wayne projects.
The band released No Better Place: Live In Chicago in 2009, a live DVD showcasing acoustic renditions, and conducted acoustic concerts previewing songs from their forthcoming album.
Work commenced on their fifth studio album in 2010, drawing inspiration from recent acoustic tours. Porter characterized this record as more reflective and less reliant on electric guitar than earlier efforts.
Released in 2011, Sky Full of Holes came out through Warner Music Japan in Japan, Lojinx in Europe, and Yep Roc Records in the United States. Having achieved sobriety, Collingwood reengaged creatively despite a challenging production process marked by internal tensions.
The band embarked on an extensive touring schedule throughout 2012. Following a break from performing, they returned to live shows in late 2013 alongside Soul Asylum and Evan Dando, releasing one final new composition titled "Trucks" for Sandra Boynton’s children’s album Frog Trouble. Their last concert took place in Minneapolis on October 19, 2013.
2013–2020: Post-breakup
Although no formal breakup was declared, by 2016 members referred to Fountains of Wayne as a past endeavor. Both Schlesinger and Collingwood expressed openness to a reunion but regarded it as improbable. Collingwood reflected on the difficulty of replicating their prior experience together.
In 2016, Collingwood issued a solo project under the moniker Look Park. He explained that during the creation of Traffic and Weather, his diminished role allowed Schlesinger to take greater leadership. After overcoming personal issues, returning to equal creative collaboration proved challenging.
Porter and Young worked alongside Schlesinger on The Monkees’ albums Good Times! (2016) and Christmas Party (2018), with Schlesinger serving as producer and songwriter. Meanwhile, Schlesinger and Collingwood drifted apart; by 2019, Collingwood admitted he was unaware of Schlesinger’s whereabouts.
2020–present: Death of Schlesinger and reunions
Adam Schlesinger passed away due to complications from COVID-19 on April 1, 2020.
On April 22, 2020, the remaining members reunited for a charity livestream supporting the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund. Sharon Van Etten filled in on bass guitar as a tribute to Schlesinger.
On February 12, 2025, Fountains of Wayne announced their comeback at Milwaukee's Summerfest scheduled for July 4, 2025. Max Collins from Eve 6 joined as bassist. The reunion received approval from Schlesinger’s family and included longtime touring keyboardist Steven M. Gold.
On May 23, Joe Guese from The Click Five was introduced as guitarist for summer performances, substituting for Jody Porter. The band’s first reunion concert occurred on May 24 in Boca Raton, Florida, featuring selections from their initial three albums.
Musical style
Andrew Leahey of AllMusic characterized Fountains of Wayne as "one of America’s premier power pop groups," merging British-inspired pop melodies with lo-fi production techniques and clever lyrics centered on everyday life experiences.
Band members
Current
- Chris Collingwood – lead vocals (1995–2013, 2020, 2025–present); rhythm guitar (1997–2013, 2020, 2025–present); keyboards (1995–1999, 2011–2013); lead guitar (1995–1997)
- Brian Young – drums and percussion (1997–2013, 2020, 2025–present)
Former
- Adam Schlesinger – bass guitar (1997–2013); keyboards, backing vocals and occasional lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1995–2013); drums (1995–1997); died 2020
- Jody Porter – lead guitar and backing vocals (1997–2013, 2020)
Touring
- Steven M. Gold – keyboards and backing vocals
- Max Collins – bass guitar and backing vocals (2025–present)
- Joe Guese – guitar (2025–present)
Timeline
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External links
- Articles with short description
- 1995 establishments in New York City
- 2013 disestablishments in New York (state)
- Musical groups formed in 1995
- Musical groups disbanded in 2013
- American power pop bands
- Quartets from New York (state)
- Alternative rock bands based in New York (state)
- Lojinx recording artists
- S-Curve Records recording artists
- Virgin Records recording artists
- Yep Roc Records recording artists
- Musical groups reunited in 2020
- Musical groups reunited in 2025
- Musical groups disestablished in 2013