"SpOnGe" is an extreme band full of much and many surprises. These Detroit Rockers all originated from where else, but Michigan. Forming in 1992 these 5 guys started out with nothing, not knowning that when they met they would produce a platinum-selling album [Rotting Piņata] that ran at the top of the charts with a 1995 hit single "Plowed" debuting on tv's & radio's everywhere. Still today, with their love for Candy Corn (can you tell?), the band is amazed at their fast blown success...even with their great 1996 release Wax Estatic, they are still in the fight to, "...make more records, sell much more music..." (quote from vinnie).
Members in SPONGE include the drummer tourned frontman, Vinnie Dombroski, who's profession had led it short to be known as only Vinnie, is the lead of the band. At age 33, with his hand movements about, his relentless, powerful voice, chipped tooth replaced in gold, and changing like his personality, hair color...Vinnie puts on a show every time. Born & lived in Detroit, Vinnie, at 15 met Janie Nichols, later becoming his wife. At 19, the two were raising their new son, Jason (who's now 14). Five years later they had a second son, Steven Ray (who's now 9). Then by Vinnie's strange drinking behavior earlier in life, it wasn't until 6 yrs ago that the two married.
Then at age 35, there is Joey Mazzola . Rising from the ashes of Joey and Vinnie's previous band, Loudhouse in 1993, his skills mastered as the sounds of his guitar echoed throughout music history. From his unique strings on "Wax Estatic", to his ever so soft sound on "Have You Seen Mary", Joey has a one of a kind talent. Also being a parent, Joey has a 13 year old daughter, Rosalyn.
Next up in the band is the demen on the drums, Charlie Grover . Joining SPONGE in December of '94, Charlie began a long life family with the other members. After replacing Sponge's first official drummer, Vinnie (tourned to "lead vocals" by singing the demos, as the rest of the band then realized of his vocal talent, promoted him to the lead); then replacing their non-cool drummer, Jimmy Paluzzi, Charlie became a shoe-in to the now spotted drummer. After also being in a band previous of Sponge, he truely gets his recognation through Sponge. His skills on drums have been categorized as "hard and heavy, with an easy solo project available" (that is if he quit Sponge....but he better not!). Charlie is also blessed with a now 7 year old girl.
MIKE (above)
TIM (above)
Then last (but of coarse NEVER least) is the two brothers included in
SPONGE. Mike Cross ,
the awesome bassit, and
Tim Cross ,
another awesome guitarist. Mike
is now 32 and seems to "be the favorite among the ladies..." (quote from
Joey & Vinnie). He has a cool
bass sound in every song on both their cd's, and he always leaves his
special mark on each song. (listen carfully on Rotting Piņata to hear
his cool sounds). Mike
and his brother,
Tim, joined with the band in August
of '93, never looking back.
Tim's style
is rarely heard in SPONGE'S songs but without it, would
never be the same. He really makes a mark in songs like "Neenah Menasha",
"Miles", & "Fields" off of Rotting Piņata, and on "I am Anastasia",
"Silence Is Their Drug", & "My Baby Said" off of Wax Estatic.
These two brothers seem to fit perfect in closing of the band's
zig zagging life puzzle.
Pretty Kewl Huh? I thought so....
( Click On Underlined Names To View PHOTOS Of That Person... )
