The Virus (band)
| Company type | Punk band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia , United States |
| Products | Punk rock music, albums, live performances, tours |
The Virus is a street punk group originating from Philadelphia, USA, established in 1998. After regrouping in 2013, the lineup currently features Paul Sorrels on vocals, Zach Kolodziejski handling lead guitar, Fat Dave on rhythm guitar, Josh Howard playing bass, and Tyler Capone on drums. The Virus remains actively engaged in live performances and touring.
History
The band came together in February 1998 with members Mike Virus (vocals), Chris (lead guitar), Fat Dave (guitar), Jarrod (drums), and Geoff (bass). Their debut performance took place a month later, primarily at venues in Philadelphia and New York City.
In July 1998, they recorded two tracks for a split CD shared with New York’s The Manix; this release was limited to just 130 copies. Original bassist Geoff was succeeded by Paul, who had been a close friend of Fat Dave for many years.
By February 1999, The Virus had laid down five songs for their initial 7" record titled Global Crisis, which was issued by Charged Records. After Chris departed in May, the band operated as a four-piece until September when Mike Authority from No Authority joined as guitarist.
March 2000 marked the recording of their debut full-length album, Still Fighting For A Future, also released on Charged Records. Soon after this session, Mike Virus exited the band, with Paul stepping up as vocalist; Tim from The Oi! Scouts was added on guitar.
Throughout 2000, the band embarked on an extensive tour schedule including a six-week US tour alongside The Casualties. They also appeared at notable festivals such as Promote Chaos in Atlanta and Holidays In The Sun in England, performing alongside influential punk groups. During a five-month hiatus dedicated to writing and recording their sophomore album, Fat Dave left the band.
In early 2002, The Virus recorded Nowhere To Hide under Punk Core Records. Drew joined as bassist while Josh transitioned to guitar duties. The band resumed frequent performances across the East Coast and international festivals. A highlight included Wattie Buchan of The Exploited joining them on stage at Holidays In The Sun.
The year 2003 saw the release of the ‘Benefits Of War’ 7" via Dirty Punk Records and a fifth-anniversary show featuring original vocalist Mike Virus returning temporarily. Mid-year brought Paul’s departure and Jasper from The Vigilantes stepping in as the third vocalist. Tours followed across the US and Canada with Blind Society, as well as a show in Puerto Rico before Josh left the lineup.
Early 2004 involved a tour with The Unseen; during this period drummer Jarrod was replaced mid-tour by Black Jon. They recorded material that was never officially released and undertook a ten-week tour with Clit 45 and Complete Control. Unfortunately, a severe van accident injured Black Jon but despite this setback the tour continued until the band's dissolution in September 2004.
Following the breakup, members engaged in various musical projects: Dave joined Tight Fits! and Nighttime Dealers; Paul co-founded Kamikaze Zero and operates 717 Tattoo; Jasper formed The Hunt; Josh performed with The Lookies and The Line; Black Jon continued with Clit 45 among other bands; Mike Virus created Cheap Sex and Evacuate.
In spring 2013, The Virus reformed through social media announcements about reunion concerts and an East Coast tour spanning thirteen cities that received enthusiastic support from fans. In April 2014 they toured the West Coast alongside Bad Engrish and Evacuate, followed by performances with Who Killed Spikey Jacket? and headlining the FYWROK punk rock festival.
After participating in Northeast Upstart Fest in October 2014, Mike Authority departed; Zach Kolodziejski then assumed lead guitar responsibilities. Early 2015 included shows with Who Killed Spikey Jacket?, The Bad Engrish, Ravagers, along with plans for a Europe/Russia tour. They returned to FYWROK in 2015 and scheduled a Midwest tour as well.
Following strong reception during the Midwest tour, Tyler Capone joined as drummer. Their first appearance with this lineup took place in Philadelphia supporting Peter and the Test-Tube Babies. Focus shifted toward composing new songs which led to recording their full-length album System Failure at MDW Productions Studio in April 2016.
In June 2016, The Virus headlined a club event at Punk Rock Bowling held in Asbury Park, New Jersey. September featured a sold-out show at The Observatory in Los Angeles. Additional concerts were held across the East Coast and Midwest alongside bands such as WKSJ? and The Casualties.
System Failure was officially released on February 14, 2017 through Voltage Records in Europe and Evacuate Records in the United States. To promote the album, they embarked on a Southwestern US tour during March 2017.
Discography
- Global Crisis 7" (1999, Charged Records)
- Still Fighting for a Future (2000, Charged Records)
- Singles and Rarities (2001, Punkcore Records)
- Nowhere to Hide (2002, Punkcore Records)
- Benefits of War 7" (2003, Dirty Punk Records)
- System Failure (2017)
Members
- Paul Sorrels – Vocals, Bass (Nov 1998–May 2003; May 2013–present)
- Josh Howard – Rhythm Guitar, Bass (Dec 2000–Oct 2003; May 2013–present)
- Fat Dave – Rhythm Guitar (Feb 1998–Feb 2002; May 2013–present)
- Zach Kolodziejski – Lead Guitar (Nov 2014–present)
- Tyler Capone – Drums (Nov 2015–present)
- Mike Authority – Lead Guitar (Sep 1999–Sep 2004; May 2013–Nov 2014)
- Drew – Bass (Feb 2002–Sep 2004)
- Jasper – Vocals (May 2003–Sep 2004)
- Jarrod – Drums (Feb 1998–Feb 2004)
- Black Jon – Drums (Feb 2004–Sep 2004; May 2013–Sep 2015)
- Mike Virus – Vocals (Feb 1998–Mar 2000)
- Chris Expulsion – Lead Guitar (Feb 1998–May 1999)
- Geoff – Bass (Feb 1998–Aug 1998)
- Mark Liberty – Bass (Aug 1998–Nov 1998)
- Tim – Bass (Mar 2000–Dec 2000)