For Squirrels

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For Squirrels
Origin	Gainesville, Florida
Genre(s)	Alternative rock
Years active	1992–1996
Label(s)	Sony Records
Website	www.forsquirrels.net
Former members
Travis Tooke Jack Griego Jack Vigliatura Bill White Jay Russell Andy Lord

For Squirrels was an alternative rock band based out of Gainesville, Florida, active between the years of 1992-1996 prior to changing their name to Subrosa and releasing an album before disbanding in 1999. Although their 1995 single "Mighty K.C." was a minor radio hit, the band is most remembered for the tragic touring van accident that claimed the lives of founding members Jack Vigliatura IV and Bill White, along with tour manager Tim Bender.

[edit] History

The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist Vigliatura, bassist White, guitarist Travis Tooke, and drummer Jay Russell. Explaining the band's name, Vigliatura once stated, "We always said we'd play music for squirrels."

Baypath Rd. album cover

Drummer Jack Griego eventually replaced Russell; in early 1994, they self-released their first full album, Baypath Rd., followed by the Plymouth EP, which simply re-released five songs directly taken from Baypath Rd. After establishing a following, the band signed with Sony/550 Music released Example on August 3, 1995.

Plymouth album cover

On September 8, 1995, while returning from playing the CMJ Music Marathon in New York City, the band was involved in the auto accident that killed Vigliatura, White, and Bender. Griego and Tooke suffered multiple injuries, but survived the crash. "Mighty K.C.", about the death of Kurt Cobain, was a minor hit and continued to drive album sales after the classic lineup's dissolution.

Example album cover

Shortly after, Tooke and Griego regrouped, with high school friend Andy Lord on bass, and Tooke taking over on vocals. In order to retool their chops, the new lineup began by playing a few low-key shows centered around classic For Squirrels songs and a selection of covers under the pseudonym "Revlover." Eventually, they resurrected the For Squirrels moniker and began writing and performing new, notably more aggressive material.

By 1996, the trio was playing under the name Subrosa. In the summer of 1997, they released their only record under this name, Never Bet The Devil Your Head, on Sony Records, to decent reviews but poor sales. Second guitarist Mike Amish was later added, which was followed by Griego's departure and the band's eventual dissolution.

Tooke, Lord and Amish have remained active in the Gainesville rock scene. Tooke has performed under several monikers and released a solo CD. Amish and Lord now play in the band Papercranes.

Steven E. Goldman, a prominent Miami attorney, served as the band's manager.

[edit] External links and references

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