Toad the Wet Sprocket

Genres:	Pop / Rock
Descriptive "tags":	alternative • 90s • rock • alternative rock • indie
Decades Active:	1980s • 1990s • 2000s

Biography

This US rock band was formed in the mid-80s at high school in Santa Barbara, California, by friends Dean Dinning (9 June 1967; bass/keyboards), Randy Guss (b. 7 March 1967; drums), Todd Nichols (guitar/vocals) and Glen Phillips (b. 29 December 1970; vocals/guitar/keyboards). The unconventional name came from British television’s cult comedy series Rutland Weekend Television, notably their brilliant satire of The Old Grey Whistle Test. By the time they had established their reputation on the local Santa Barbara club circuit, none of the band had even reached the legal drinking age required for entrance. Despite the irreverence of their name, the band’s lyrics were delivered with intelligence and poise, and addressed social issues and personal relationships. With a budget of just $650, their debut album was recorded in a cramped living room, but still caught the immediacy of their live show. Sold at local stores and gigs, it allowed them to finance the...

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