The Bears (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States |
| Headquarters | Cincinnati , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, live albums, concert DVD, documentary |
| Website | www |
The Bears represent an American power pop ensemble that originated in 1985 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The group is notably recognized for the innovative and experimental guitar style of their leading member, Adrian Belew.
The lineup includes guitarist and vocalist Rob Fetters, drummer and vocalist Chris Arduser, and bassist Bob Nyswonger. These musicians initially performed together as part of the Raisins, a Cincinnati-based band active during the early 1980s. The Raisins achieved regional success with the track "Fear is Never Boring," which was produced by Belew, who had maintained a collaborative relationship with the band prior to his tenure with King Crimson. Although Arista Records showed interest, the Raisins did not break through on a national level.
Following the dissolution of the Raisins in 1985, Fetters and Nyswonger teamed up with Belew to establish the Bears. Drummer Arduser rejoined after Larrie Londin was no longer available. The band secured a contract with Primitive Man Recording Company, a division of I.R.S. Records, and released two albums: The Bears and Rise And Shine. Despite favorable reviews and exposure on MTV, commercial performance was underwhelming. Consequently, the group disbanded after P.M.R.C. ceased operations and Belew gained solo recognition with Mr. Music Head in 1989.
Afterward, Fetters, Nyswonger, and Arduser continued their collaboration under the name psychodots, producing several albums but failing to obtain a major label deal before pausing activities in 1996. Concurrently, Belew focused on solo endeavors and rejoined King Crimson. During this time, psychodots also toured in support of Belew.
In 1997, the Bears reconvened to record at Belew's personal studio, culminating in their 2001 release Car Caught Fire, which was distributed independently and through Pony Canyon in Japan. Their subsequent tours primarily targeted smaller venues across the Midwest and Southern United States. This period also saw the release of the live album The Bears Live, a concert DVD, and a limited-edition documentary titled The Bears: Out Of Hibernation.
Post-2002, Belew devoted his efforts to his solo career with several album releases, while the remaining members revived psychodots for their 2005 album Terminal Blvd.. Each individual also engaged in separate solo projects during this era.
Beginning in 2003, the Bears resumed recording activities that led to the independently issued 2007 album Eureka!, which was supported by a brief touring schedule. Their first two albums were digitally re-released in 2009 after being unavailable for some time.
Studio albums
- The Bears (1987)
- Rise and Shine (1988)
- Car Caught Fire (2001)
- Eureka! (2007)
Live albums
- The Bears Live (2002)
- The Bears Live at Club Cafe (DVD, 2004)
External links
- The Bears – official website
- [www.chriscomerradio.com/bears/bears4-17-2007.htm Radio Interview with Members of THE BEARS, 2007]