Super 8 (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Defunct | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Super 8 was a rock ensemble originating from Los Angeles, California, active during the period from 1993 until 1997. Their only full-length record was issued under the Hollywood Records label.
History
The group came together in Los Angeles in 1993, fronted by vocalist Bob Khaleel, who had previously pursued a career in hip hop and was involved in the Los Angeles punk-funk circuit since 1990. With encouragement from acquaintances in the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Khaleel collaborated with guitarist John O'Brien to compose material, eventually recruiting Heming Borthne on bass, Joel Shearer on guitar, and John Steward handling drums. In 1995, they secured a contract with Disney's Hollywood Records. That same year, their rendition of "Well, Well, Well" was featured on the Hollywood Records compilation album Working Class Hero: A Tribute to John Lennon. Khaleel acknowledged the Beatles as a significant source of inspiration.
Their debut album, titled Super 8, was produced by Rick Parashar at London Bridge Studios in Seattle. Just prior to these sessions, guitarist Joel Shearer contributed to Alanis Morissette's acclaimed Jagged Little Pill, which rose to prominence during Super 8's recording phase. Released in May 1996, the album included the single "King of the World" which received radio airplay. To support the release, Super 8 toured alongside acts such as AC/DC and Deftones, the latter being managed by Khaleel's manager Guy Oseary.
From April through June 1997, Super 8 served as the opening act for former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante during his Nuttstalk tour. The band dissolved shortly after this period.
Following the breakup, Khaleel produced a solo album for Hollywood Records in 1998, while Joel Shearer developed a successful career as a session guitarist after his involvement with Jagged Little Pill.
Musical style
AllMusic describes their debut as a fusion of retro-rock infused with soul elements reminiscent of Lenny Kravitz, combined with the grunge influences characteristic of Seattle bands like Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots. Certain songs incorporate psychedelic nuances—particularly "Railroad" and "Going Nowhere"—yet the production by Rick Parashar alongside John O'Brien's guitar playing anchors the sound firmly within '90s alternative rock.
Members
- Bob Khaleel – lead vocals (1993–1997)
- Joel Shearer – guitar (1993–1997)
- John O'Brien – guitar (1993–1997)
- Heming Borthne – bass guitar (1993–1997)
- John Steward – drums (1993–1997)
Super 8
| Release Date | Territory | Format | Record Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 7, 1996 | North America | CD | Hollywood |
| March 1997 | Europe | CD featuring bonus track | Hollywood |
| March 2020 | Worldwide | Digital release | Hollywood |
Singles
- "King of the World" (1995)
- "Natural" (1996)
Music videos
- "King of the World" (1996)
Appearances
- "Well, Well, Well" (Working Class Hero: A Tribute to John Lennon, 1995)
- "Early Walk" (Schooloaf (Everything But The Crust), 1997)
- "Pain" (Nightwatch, 1997)
- "King of the World" (featured in Daria, Season 2 Episode 11, 1998)