List of Corrosion of Conformity members

Last updated

COC 1986.jpg
Hellfest2018CorrosionOfConformity 06.jpg
Two lineups of Corrosion of Conformity in 1986 (top) and 2018 (bottom)

Corrosion of Conformity (COC) is an American heavy metal band from Raleigh, North Carolina. Formed in June 1982, the group originally consisted of lead guitarist Woody Weatherman, bassist Mike Dean, drummer Reed Mullin and lead vocalist Benji Shelton. The band's current lineup features Weatherman (the only constant member), bassist Dean (who rejoined in 1993 after leaving in 1987, and was also the lead vocalist from 1984 to 1986 and from 2006 to 2014), rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist Pepper Keenan (from 1989 to 2006, and since 2014), and drummer John Green (since 2020, who first joined as a touring substitute for Mullin in 2018 until his death).

Contents

History

1982–1988

COC was formed in June 1982 by Woody Weatherman, Mike Dean and Reed Mullin. [1] Prior to taking on its final name, the group was known as Barney Fife's Army, the Accused and the Seven Ups. [2] The band's original lead vocalist was Benji Shelton, although he had left within a year of its formation. [3] He was replaced for "about a month and a half" by Robert Stewart, followed on a permanent basis by Eric Eycke. [4] Shortly after the release of the group's debut album Eye for an Eye in 1984, Eycke was fired and the group continued as a trio, with Dean and Mullin handling most vocals. [5]

In early 1986, Simon Bob Sinister (who had performed some backing vocals on Animosity the previous year) took over as COC's lead vocalist, with the EP Technocracy recorded "about six months after" his arrival. [2] Shortly after the EP's 1987 release, Dean left and was replaced by Phil Swisher; speaking about his departure later, Dean has explained that "there was a lot to stress about, and it was kind of a relief to step away", [6] while Sinister has claimed that the bassist "was unhappy with the direction [the band] was going". [2] After the EP's release, Sinister left to return to Ugly Americans and the band went on a hiatus. [7]

1989–2006

COC returned in May 1989 with new frontman Karl Agell. [8] At the same time, the group also added second guitarist Pepper Keenan, who had originally auditioned for the role of lead vocalist but "wasn't really hitting the bill of what we were looking for singing-wise" according to Mullin. [2] The new five-piece lineup released Blind in 1991 and toured extensively; however, during the early stages of production for a follow-up album in summer 1993, Agell was fired and Swisher chose to leave alongside him. [2] Dean subsequently returned and Keenan took over on vocals. [5]

COC's lineup remained constant throughout the rest of the decade, before it was announced at the end of 2000 that Mullin was to be replaced by Jimmy Bower due to a back injury. [9] The new drummer contributed to Live Volume , before he left in mid-2002 to focus on other projects and was replaced by Merritt Partridge. [8] By summer 2004, the group was recording a new album with Galactic drummer Stanton Moore, which was released as In the Arms of God the following year. [10] Due to scheduling conflicts, Moore was replaced by Jason Patterson on tour in 2006. [11]

2006 onwards

Despite reportedly working on material for a new album in November 2006, [12] the group was placed on hiatus for several years as members focused on other projects. [13] In May 2010, the band returned with Mike Dean on lead vocals, alongside Woody Weatherman and Reed Mullin. [14] The group remained a trio for Corrosion of Conformity and IX , before Keenan returned to the lineup in January 2015. [15] During the touring cycle for 2018's No Cross No Crown , Mullin was often replaced by his drum technician John Green due to various health issues. [16] Mullin died on January 27, 2020, [17] and Jon Green became an official member.

In September 2024, Mike Dean left the band. [18] In October 2024, it was announced that Bobby Landgraf would join the band on bass for Headbangers Boat. [19]

Members

Current

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributions
Woody-weatherman.jpg
Woody Weatherman1982–present
  • lead guitar
  • backing vocals
all Corrosion of Conformity releases
CoC @ 70000 tons of metal 05.jpg
Pepper Keenan
  • 1989–2006
  • 2015–present
  • rhythm guitar
  • vocals (lead since 1993, backing until 1993)
John Green2020–present (touring 2018–20)drumsnone to date

Former

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributions
Reed Mullin and Brian Shields.jpg
Reed Mullin
  • 1982–2001
  • 2010–2020 (hiatus 2019–20, until his death)
  • drums
  • vocals (co-lead 1984–86, backing otherwise)
all COC releases from Eye for an Eye (1984) to America's Volume Dealer (2000), and from Your Tomorrow Parts 1 & 2 (2010) to No Cross No Crown (2018)
Mike-dean.jpg
Mike Dean
  • 1982–1987
  • 1993–2024
  • bass
  • keyboards
  • vocals (lead 1984–86 and 2006–15, backing otherwise)
all COC releases, except Blind (1991)
Benji Shelton1982–1983
  • lead vocals
 No Core demo tape (1982)
Robert Stewart1983None
Eric Eycke1983–1984 (died 2017)Eye for an Eye (1984)
Simon Bob Sinister performing with Corrosion of Conformity in 1987.jpg
Simon Bob Sinister1986–1987 [20]
  • Animosity (1985) – guest backing vocals
  • Technocracy (1987)
  • ”Bound” on Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III comp. (1987)
Phil Swisher1989–1993bass
  • "Bound" on Rat Music For Rat People Vol. III comp. (1987)
  • Blind (1991)
Karl Agell in Leadfoot at The Cat's Cradle 2003.jpg
Karl Agell lead vocals Blind (1991)
Hellfest2018EyeHateGod 01.jpg
Jimmy Bower2001–2002
  • drums
  • percussion
 Live Volume (2001)
Merritt Partridge2002–2004none
Stanton Moore GAT 2007.jpg
Stanton Moore 2004–2005In the Arms of God (2005)
Jason Patterson2005–2006none

Touring

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsNotes
Bobby Landgraf.png
Bobby Landgraf2024bassLandgraf will join the band for Headbangers Boat 2024. [19]

Timeline

List of Corrosion of Conformity members

Lineups

PeriodMembersReleases
June 1982 – 1983
  • Woody Weatherman – guitars, backing vocals
  • Mike Dean – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Reed Mullin – drums, backing vocals
  • Benji Shelton – lead vocals
none
1983
  • Woody Weatherman – guitars, backing vocals
  • Mike Dean – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Reed Mullin – drums, backing vocals
  • Robert Stewart – lead vocals
1983–1984
  • Woody Weatherman – guitars, backing vocals
  • Mike Dean – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Reed Mullin – drums, backing vocals
  • Eric Eycke – lead vocals
1984 – early 1986
  • Woody Weatherman – guitars, backing vocals
  • Mike Dean – bass, keyboards, lead and backing vocals
  • Reed Mullin – drums, backing and lead vocals
Early 1986 – Early 1987
  • Woody Weatherman – guitars, backing vocals
  • Mike Dean – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Reed Mullin – drums, backing vocals
  • Simon Bob Sinister – lead vocals
Early 1987–1989
  • Woody Weatherman – guitars, backing vocals
  • Reed Mullin – drums, backing vocals
  • Phil Swisher - bass
  • Simon Bob Sinister – lead vocals
none
May 1989 – summer 1993
  • Woody Weatherman – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Reed Mullin – drums, backing vocals
  • Pepper Keenan – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Karl Agell – lead vocals
  • Phil Swisher – bass
Summer 1993 – December 2000
  • Woody Weatherman – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Reed Mullin – drums, backing vocals
  • Pepper Keenan – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Mike Dean – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
December 2000 – mid-2002
  • Woody Weatherman – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Pepper Keenan – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Mike Dean – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jimmy Bower – drums, percussion
Mid-2002 – summer 2004
  • Woody Weatherman – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Pepper Keenan – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Mike Dean – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Merritt Partridge – drums, percussion
none
Summer 2004 – early 2005
  • Woody Weatherman – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Pepper Keenan – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Mike Dean – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Stanton Moore – drums, percussion
Early 2005 – November 2006
  • Woody Weatherman – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Pepper Keenan – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Mike Dean – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Jason Patterson – drums, percussion
none
Band on hiatus November 2006 – May 2010
May 2010 – January 2015
  • Woody Weatherman – guitars, backing vocals
  • Mike Dean – bass, keyboards, lead vocals
  • Reed Mullin – drums, backing vocals
January 2015 – January 2020
  • Woody Weatherman – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Mike Dean – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Reed Mullin – drums, backing vocals
  • Pepper Keenan – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
January 2020 – present
  • Woody Weatherman – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Mike Dean – bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Pepper Keenan – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • John Green – drums
none to date
September 2024 – present
  • Woody Weatherman – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Pepper Keenan – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • John Green – drums
  • Bobby Landgraf – bass

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corrosion of Conformity</span> American heavy metal band

Corrosion of Conformity is an American heavy metal band from Raleigh, North Carolina, formed in 1982. The band has undergone multiple lineup changes throughout its existence, with lead guitarist Woody Weatherman as the sole constant member. Weatherman, founding bassist Mike Dean, founding drummer Reed Mullin and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Pepper Keenan are widely regarded as its "classic" lineup. After a hiatus in 2006, Corrosion of Conformity returned in 2010 without Keenan, who had been busy touring and recording with Down, but announced their reunion with him in December 2014. More lineup changes have happened since then, with John Green replacing Mullin after his death in 2020 and Dean departing from the band once again in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pepper Keenan</span> American guitarist and singer (born 1967)

Pepper J. Keenan is an American guitarist and vocalist, best known for his work with heavy metal bands Corrosion of Conformity and Down. He joined Corrosion of Conformity in 1989, but did not become the lead singer until the recording of Deliverance in 1994. In 1991, Keenan formed Down with Phil Anselmo of Pantera, Jimmy Bower of Eyehategod, and Kirk Windstein and Todd Strange of Crowbar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Dean (musician)</span> American bassist

Thomas Michael Dean is an American musician, best known as the former bassist and occasional vocalist of heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity. He is also a member of Lightning Born, a four-piece out of Raleigh, North Carolina, formed in 2016.

<i>Deliverance</i> (Corrosion of Conformity album) 1994 studio album by Corrosion of Conformity

Deliverance is the fourth album by Corrosion of Conformity, and the first on which Pepper Keenan was lead singer. It was also their first recording on Columbia Records. Kerrang! described Deliverance as a "true 90s classic". The song "Mano de Mono" is heard in the movie The Fan. The song "Albatross" is playable in the video game Guitar Hero: Metallica and Guitar Hero Live.

<i>Blind</i> (Corrosion of Conformity album) 1991 studio album by Corrosion of Conformity

Blind is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity, released on November 5, 1991 via Relativity Records. The album saw the band change their crossover thrash sound of the 1980s to a more straightforward metal sound.

<i>Technocracy</i> (EP) 1987 EP by Corrosion of Conformity

Technocracy is an EP by American heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity. It was released in 1987 on Metal Blade Records and re-released in 1992 via Relativity Records with four additional songs, including three demo versions of songs from the EP with bassist Mike Dean singing.

<i>Wiseblood</i> (Corrosion of Conformity album) 1996 studio album by Corrosion of Conformity

Wiseblood is the fifth studio album by American heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity. It was released on October 15, 1996 by Columbia Records, the band's second and final album for the label. Its name comes from the novel Wise Blood, written by Southern Gothic author Flannery O'Connor. Metallica's lead vocalist James Hetfield provides backing vocals on "Man or Ash". The song "Drowning in a Daydream" was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 40th Grammy Awards ceremony. The album had sold 130,000 copies by 1999, selling less than Blind and Deliverance.

<i>Americas Volume Dealer</i> 2000 studio album by Corrosion of Conformity

America's Volume Dealer is the sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity, released on September 26, 2000. It was the last album to feature longtime drummer Reed Mullin for nine years until his return in 2010.

<i>In the Arms of God</i> 2005 studio album by Corrosion of Conformity

In the Arms of God is the seventh studio album by American heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity, released on April 5, 2005. It is the only album of the band to not feature drummer Reed Mullin and the last to feature Pepper Keenan on vocals and guitar until 2018's No Cross No Crown; although he rejoined the band in 2014. Stanton Moore of the band Galactic played drums on this album.

<i>Animosity</i> (Corrosion of Conformity album) 1985 studio album by Corrosion of Conformity

Animosity is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity. It was released on October 25, 1985. The album cover art was done by artist Pushead.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reed Mullin</span> American heavy metal drummer (1966–2020)

William Reed Mullin was an American musician from Raleigh, North Carolina, best known as the co-founder and drummer of heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity.

<i>Eye for an Eye</i> (Corrosion of Conformity album) 1984 studio album by Corrosion of Conformity

Eye for an Eye is the debut studio album by American heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity, released in 1984. CD releases have had the entire Six Songs with Mike Singing EP included as bonus tracks.

Snake Nation was an American rock band consisting of Corrosion of Conformity members Mike Dean and Woody Weatherman, along with comic artist Brian Walsby on drums. While COC was on hiatus in 1989, Snake Nation released one self-titled album via Caroline Records. It features a cover of Blue Cheer's song "Babylon".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karl Agell</span> Canadian heavy metal singer (born 1966)

Karl Agell is a Canadian heavy metal singer. He is best known for being the fifth recording lead vocalist of Corrosion of Conformity from 1989 until his departure in 1993, as well as being a founding member of Leadfoot. He has also formed a project called Blind.

<i>Corrosion of Conformity</i> (album) 2012 studio album by Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity is the eighth studio album by American heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity, released on February 28, 2012 by Candlelight Records. It is the band's first album since In the Arms of God (2005), their longest gap to date between studio albums. It is also their first album with Reed Mullin on drums since 2000's America's Volume Dealer and the first to not feature Pepper Keenan on vocals or guitar since 1987's Technocracy.

Teenage Time Killers is a rock/punk supergroup formed in February 2014 by My Ruin guitarist Mick Murphy and Corrosion of Conformity drummer Reed Mullin. Guests include Dave Grohl, Stephen O'Malley )) and Burning Witch), Corey Taylor, Nick Oliveri, Jello Biafra, Matt Skiba and Randy Blythe. The band's name refers to the Rudimentary Peni song of the same name. Their debut album, titled Teenage Time Killers: Greatest Hits Vol. 1, was recorded at Grohl's Studio 606, and was released July 28, 2015. through Rise Records, with whom the group signed in December 2014. The album contains a version of John Cleese's poem "Ode to Hannity," sung by Biafra. Mullin has stated that he isn't sure whether the group will tour, but that they are considering a live appearance on a show such as Jimmy Kimmel Live!, possibly with "three or four singers [coming] out at a time".

<i>IX</i> (Corrosion of Conformity album) 2014 studio album by Corrosion of Conformity

IX is the ninth studio album by the American heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity, released on July 1, 2014, by Candlelight Records.

<i>No Cross No Crown</i> (album) 2018 studio album by Corrosion of Conformity

No Cross No Crown is the tenth studio album by American heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity, released on January 12, 2018 by Nuclear Blast. This is the only album to feature the "classic" lineup of Woody Weatherman, Mike Dean, Reed Mullin and Pepper Keenan since America's Volume Dealer (2000). It is also the last album to feature Mullin, who died in early 2020, and the last to feature founding bassist Mike Dean, who exited the band in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Albatross (Corrosion of Conformity song)</span> 1994 single by Corrosion of Conformity

"Albatross" is a song by American heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity. It was released as the lead single from the band's fourth studio album, Deliverance. Written by vocalist/guitarist Pepper Keenan and drummer Reed Mullin, "Albatross" was a hit on rock radio, peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The song is the band's highest charting single along with "Clean My Wounds", which also peaked at No. 19.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clean My Wounds</span> 1995 single by Corrosion of Conformity

"Clean My Wounds" is a song by American heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity. It was released as the third single from the band's fourth studio album Deliverance. Written by lead vocalist/guitarist Pepper Keenan, "Clean My Wounds" was a hit on rock radio, peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, the band's highest charting single along with "Albatross".

References

  1. ↑ "Corrosion Of Conformity Interview". Thrasher . Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Reed, Bryan C. (February 29, 2012). "Corrosion of Conformity: An oral history of 30 years". Indy Week . Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  3. ↑ Shteamer, Hank (January 28, 2020). "Reed Mullin, Corrosion of Conformity Drummer, Dead at 53". Rolling Stone . Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  4. ↑ Lifton, Dave (September 23, 2017). "Eric Eycke, Former Corrosion of Conformity Singer, Dies". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  5. 1 2 Dome, Malcolm (December 1, 2016). "The story behind Deliverance by Corrosion Of Conformity". Metal Hammer . Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  6. ↑ Stewart, Allison (March 1, 2012). "Corrosion of Conformity's Mike Dean talks about three decades of metal and getting back to basics". Washington Post . Archived from the original on March 2, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  7. ↑ Gitter, Mike (April 28, 1990). "Coc Rock Shock!". Kerrang! . No. 287. pp. 8–9.
  8. 1 2 Sharpe-Young, Garry (November 2005). New Wave of American Heavy Metal. New Plymouth, New Zealand: Zonda Books. p. 93. ISBN   978-0958268400 . Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  9. ↑ Spaulding, Laura (December 2000). "News From The Pit". Louisville Music News. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  10. ↑ "Corrosion Of Conformity: Galactic Drummer To Guest On New Album". Blabbermouth.net. August 8, 2004. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  11. ↑ "Motörhead And Corrosion Of Conformity Officially Announce Joint U.S. Tour". Blabbermouth.net. February 9, 2005. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Corrosion Of Conformity: 'Doing Some Writing And Jamming The Tunes A Little'". Blabbermouth.net. January 2, 2007. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  13. ↑ Huey, Steve. "Corrosion of Conformity: Biography & History". AllMusic . Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  14. ↑ "Confirmed: Corrosion Of Conformity's 'Animosity' Lineup Reunited". Blabbermouth.net. May 12, 2010. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  15. ↑ "Corrosion Of Conformity Featuring Pepper Keenan To Begin Work On New Album In January". Blabbermouth.net. December 17, 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  16. ↑ "Corrosion Of Conformity Guitarist Woody Weatherman: 'We've Never Jumped On Any Bandwagons'". Blabbermouth.net. November 10, 2018. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  17. ↑ Kaufman, Gil (January 29, 2020). "Corrosion of Conformity Drummer Reed Mullin Dies at 53". Billboard . Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  18. ↑ "MIKE DEAN Announces Departure From CORROSION OF CONFORMITY". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 2024-09-20. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
  19. 1 2 "CORROSION OF CONFORMITY Names BOBBY LANDGRAF As Bassist For Band On Headbangers Boat 2024". bravewords.com. October 27, 2024. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
  20. ↑ Gitter, Mike (April 28, 1990). "Coc Rock Shock!". Kerrang! . No. 287. pp. 8–9.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.