Band History
12 Stones was formed in 2000 in
Mandeville, Louisiana, a suburb north of
New Orleans. The first line-up consisted of Paul McCoy (vocals), Kevin Dorr (bass), Eric Weaver (guitar), and Patrick Quave (drums) who was later replaced by Aaron Gainer.
After performing no more than 12 live shows, the band recorded a
demo and went to
New York City where they performed at an industry showcase, where the band encountered some minor difficulties,:"Here we are, our first few hours in New York City," McCoy recalls, "and Kevin is puking in the bathroom and I'm chasing some guy who stole my wallet just a few hours before we play the showcase. It was crazy."After that, the band was signed up by
Wind-Up Records.
The situation improved once 12 Stones signed with Wind-up and began recording with manager Kenny Vest (3 Doors Down) and producer Jay Baumgardner (Papa Roach, Alien Ant Farm), who helped pump up Eric Weaver’s searing guitar solos in the belief that a new guitar hero might be born. Combined with the propulsive rhythm section of Dorr and drummer Aaron Gainer and McCoy’s distinctive lyrics, the 12 Stones sound conveys real emotion with a visceral punch.
The band's
eponymous debut album was released in 2002, produced by Jay Baumgardner. They gained more fame when vocalist McCoy performed in
Evanescence's song "
Bring Me to Life" opposite
Amy Lee. The song was included in both Evanescence's album,
Fallen
and in the
Daredevil
film soundtrack.
McCoy quotes:"Our songs are about some of the really tough times I went through growing up as a kid," McCoy says. "I really wanted to target subjects in our songs that kids going through tough times can relate to and help them get through tough times. It doesn't mean you can’t be angry and the songs powerful. We just want to stream negative energy in a positive way."
In 2004, Kevin Dorr quit the band and touring guitarist Greg Trammell later became an official member.
Their second album,
Potter's Field
came out in 2004. Both albums were supported with heavy touring. Clint Amereno and then Aaron Hill were brought in to play bass for the shows. After the tour, the band decided to take a break from the band to be with their respective families.
Trammell left prior to the recording of the next album, leaving the band without a second guitarist. After completion of the CD, one of its collaborators, ex-
Breaking Point guitarist Justin Rimer, took over this position. The new lineup was later completed with the addition of former Presence bassist DJ Stange.
Their third album,
Anthem For The Underdog
, was released in 2007. The album is said to be inspired by the effects of
Hurricane Katrina on their hometown.
Shortly after the album's release, Stange quit and was replaced by Shawn Wade, formerly of the band Silence Is Broken.
12 Stones is currently working on a new album which is said to be available in the fall of 2009 and will include a cover of K's Choice "Addict".
Members
;Current
- Paul McCoy – Lead vocals, Primary lyricist (2000-present)
- Eric Weaver – Lead guitar, Backing vocals (2000-present)
- Aaron Gainer – Drums, Percussion, Backing vocals (2000-present)
- Justin Rimer – Rhythm guitar, Primary composer (2007-present)
- Shawn Wade– Bass guitar (2008-present)
;Former
- Kevin Dorr – Bass (2000-2004)
- Pat Quave – Drums
- Stephen Poff – Guitar
- Clint Amereno – Touring Bassist
- Aaron Hill – Touring Bassist
- Brandon "Squirly" Werrell – Touring Guitarist
- Greg Trammell – Guitar
- Cash Melville – Guitar
- DJ Stange – Bass
Discography
Albums
- 12 Stones Demo (EP)
- 12 Stones
(April 23, 2002) #147, 138,818.
- Potter's Field
(August 24, 2004) #29, 415,583
- Anthem for the Underdog
(August 14, 2007) #53, Gold
498,523
Singles
Year
| Song
| U.S. Mainstream Rock
| Album
|
2002
| "Broken"
| -
| 12 Stones
|
2002
| "The Way I Feel"
| -
|
2002
| "Crash"
| -
|
2004
| "Far Away"
| #38
| Potter's Field
|
2004
| "Photograph"
| -
|
2007
| "Lie to Me"
| #24
| Anthem for the Underdog
|
2008
| "Anthem For The Underdog"
| #26
|
2008
| "Adrenaline"
| #23
|
2009
| "Broken Road"
| -
|
Songs in other media
- "Broken" was the theme song for WWE Judgement Day in 2002.
- "My Life" was featured on the The Scorpion King
soundtrack in 2002.
- "Crash" was the theme song for WWE Superstar Al Snow in 2001.
- "Home" was used for the WWE Desire video for Kurt Angle.
- "Running out of Pain" and "Back Up" were used in Cheating Death, Stealing Life - The Eddie Guerrero Story
.
- "Back Up" was also used for the WWE Triple H VS Shawn Michaels Hell In A Cell promo.
- "Let Go" was recorded exclusively for the Daredevil
movie soundtrack.
- "Shadows" was used in a trailer for the film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
.
- "Photograph" appeared on the Elektra
movie soundtrack 2005.
- "Adrenaline" was used in the World's Strongest Man
competition.
- "Anthem For The Underdog" is featured in the films Never Back Down & Never Surrender
.
- "Adrenaline" is used as the Detroit Red Wings 2009 Playoffs song.
References