Willard (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Willard was a metal group originating from Seattle, Washington, established circa 1989. They played a role in the grunge movement that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
History
Before forming Willard, Mark Spiders, Otis P. Otis, and Darren Peters were members of Sunshine alongside vocalist Faye West and drummer Patty Schemel. Sunshine released the EP Spread the Love in 1989 before disbanding. Schemel went on to join Hole, while Spiders, Otis, and Peters created Willard. The band later added Johnny Clint as lead vocalist and Steve Wied, formerly of Tad, on drums. Otis had previously been part of Napalm Beach, and both Clint and Peters had experience playing in H-Hour.[1]
In 1991, Willard issued a self-titled EP through Green Gel Records. With backing from Jeff Gilbert and Tad Doyle, they secured a contract with Roadrunner Records and released their album Steel Mill in 1992, produced by Jack Endino. Gilbert referred to them as Seattle's "drunkest band" in the publication Rocket. Their touring included performances with acts such as White Zombie, Cannibal Corpse, and the Melvins. Following their appearance at Seattle's "Pain in the Grass" Festival, local officials prohibited them from further shows, inspiring merchandise emblazoned with "Banned by the SPD".
In November 1993, the band recorded eleven tracks before Darren Peters departed, with Tyson Garcia stepping in on bass. Activity slowed down afterward, leading to their breakup in 1995 without releasing those recordings. Later, Stuart Hallerman at Avast! digitized these sessions, which were mixed by Spiders and Aaron Skok. The album Underground was eventually issued by Black Guitar Records in 2018.[1] Subsequently, Otis and Spiders joined Smoke It and See alongside members of Green Apple Quick Step.
Band members
- Johnny Clint – lead vocals (1989–1995)
- Mark Spiders – guitar (1989–1995)
- Otis P. Otis – guitar (1989–1995)
- Steve Wied – drums (1989–1995)
- Darren Peters – bass guitar (1989–1994)
- Tyson Garcia – bass guitar (1994–1995)
Discography
Major releases
- Willard EP (Green Gel Records, 1991)
- Steel Mill (Roadrunner Records, 1992)
- Underground (Black Guitar Records, 2018)
Compilation appearances
- "Sweet Kali" featured on Roadrunner Records Promo PR063 (Roadrunner Records, 1992)
- "Stain" included in Metal Detector CD Metal Monsters (FMBQ, 1992)
- "Fifteen" appeared on Best of Grunge Rock (Priority Records, 1993)
- Demo version of "Larry" from ABV Sessions featured on Seattle Music Scene Volume 2 (Insight Records, 1994)