Warship (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2008 in Long Island, New York, United States |
| Founder | Francis Mark, Rob Lauritsen |
| Defunct | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Long Island , United States |
Key people | Francis Mark, Rob Lauritsen, Tom Tierney, Sean Auer, Darren Simoes, Greg March |
| Products | Music albums |
Warship was a post-hardcore group established in Long Island in 2008 by ex-members of From Autumn to Ashes, Francis Mark (vocals, drums) and Rob Lauritsen (guitar, bass), following the indefinite hiatus announced by From Autumn to Ashes on June 9, 2008. The band's name, Warship, was inspired by a 2007 moment when Mark was painting on worship candles and contemplated the juxtaposition between "worship" and "warships."
History
Shortly after forming, Warship released two tracks, "Toil" and "Wounded Paw," on their Myspace profile. They recorded their first album in New York with producer Andrew Schneider. Their debut record, Supply and Depend, was issued by Vagrant Records on November 4, 2008, with the tracklist and album art provided through the label.
On June 26, Warship announced a North American tour scheduled from August 20 (beginning in Orlando, FL) through September 14 (ending in Philadelphia, PA), sharing the stage with Reggie and the Full Effect. The lineup at that time included Francis Mark on vocals, Rob Lauritsen handling guitar duties, Darren Simoes (The Bled) on bass, and Greg March on drums.
On March 10, 2009, Francis Mark declared that his partnership with Rob Lauritsen had ended. Subsequently, Warship continued as a three-piece featuring Tom Tierney on guitar and Sean Auer on bass; Lauritsen no longer participated in studio sessions or tours. Mark also announced plans for a European tour commencing May 28, covering locations in Scotland, England, the Netherlands, and Germany.
On December 30, 2009, Mark provided an update regarding Warship's status via their Myspace blog:
What is happening with Warship?
Hello,
Many have inquired whether Warship remains active. To be honest, I’m uncertain if we ever truly functioned as a conventional band. We completed four tours amidst numerous lineup changes—four bassists, three drummers, three guitarists. Rob and I recorded the full-length album before embarking on live performances in hopes of solidifying the group afterward; however, that did not come to fruition. Although we had the opportunity to collaborate with skilled musicians, maintaining stability proved difficult.
Several issues impeded progress. When tour schedules conflicted with Rob’s availability, I placed excessive expectations on him, which strained our friendship. After Rob’s departure in early 2009, I endeavored to continue until summer but encountered personal hardships—including my father’s near-fatal motorcycle accident—that redirected my priorities away from music.
To put it plainly: No, Warship is unlikely to resume touring activities.
Will we create music again? Possibly. I enjoy recording immensely and would do so continuously if financially supported. But don’t hold your breath. Regardless of future endeavors, I am proud of Supply and Depend—it represents something enduring.
Peace in the new decade,
FM
Final lineup
- Francis Mark – lead vocals, drums (2008–2009)
- Tom Tierney – guitar (2009)
- Sean Auer – bass (2009)
Previous members
- Rob Lauritsen – guitar, bass (2008–2009)
- Darren Simoes – bass (2008)
- Greg March – drums (2008)
Discography
| Year | Album | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| November 4, 2008 | Supply and Depend | Vagrant Records |