The American Plague

underconstruction

The American Plague is a three-piece American rock band formed in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2001.

The American Plague was started by singer / guitarist James "Jaw" Alexander during his tenure with NYC horror-punk group The Undead. Alexander had previously played guitar in street-punk group The Malignmen, which had gained a loyal following in the Southeastern U.S. Due to creative differences, Alexander left The Undead and began circulating a demo cassette titled "The American Plague," which contained four tracks: three original compositions written by Alexander and one cover of David Bowie's "Suffragette City." The tracks were recorded and performed by Alexander and the tape was used to recruit other members. A solid lineup (featuring bassist Dave Dammit, drummer B.J. Fontana and Alexander on vocals and guitars) was formed and performing by January 2001.

Due to objections with touring, drummer B.J. Fontana left the group in 2004 and was replaced by Tilmon Navare. Other than the brief aquisition and departure of lead guitarist Scott Oxendine (featured on God Bless the American Plague), the lineup has remained stable.

The American Plague has been linked to several independent record labels, including Antidote Records, Long Live Crime, Dr. Cyclops Records, Pal-Tone Records, Feedback Symphony Music and Plague Records, the latter of which was owned and operated by Alexander.

The American Plague has perfomed with several notable acts including Buckcherry, Nashville Pussy, George Thorogood, The Cramps and The New York Dolls.

On Valentine's Day 2008, The American Plague released its third full-length album, Heart Attack. Heart Attack was produced and recorded by Ryan "Tater" Johnson of the alternative rock band 10 Years. Although he did not play on the album, Johnson occasionally appears live with The American Plague as rhythm guitarist.

The American Plague has released three official videos, the most recent being a video for the title track to the album "Heart Attack." The video depicts the band perfoming in a "party truck" being driven by actor David Keith. Other videos include "Highwayman" and "War Song," both tracks from "God Bless the American Plague."

The American Plague recently completed a tour with 10 Years, Saving Abel and Fair to Midland and will appear at Bonnaroo 2008 in Manchester, Tennessee. They are currently back in Knoxville, Tennnessee, writing material for their next album. No title has been released at present.

Band Members

James "Jaw" Alexander - vocals, guitar
Dave Dammit - bass
Tilmon Navare - drums

Former Members:

B.J. Fontana - drums
Scott Oxendine - lead guitar

Albums

2001: The American Plague EP
2004: The American Plague
2005: God Bless the American Plague
2008: Heart Attack

External Links

American Plague Sites

[http://www.americanplague.com The American Plague official site]
[http://www.myspace.com/americanplague The American Plague at MySpace]
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dUf41awfwk Video for Heart Attack]

Other Sites

[http://www.feedbacksymphonymusic.com Feedback Symphony official site]
[http://www.myspace.com/feedbacksymphony Feedback Symphony at MySpace]
[http://www.antidoterecords.net @ntidote Records official site]
[http://longlivecrimerecords.com Long Live Crime official site]
[http://drcyclopsrecords.net Dr. Cyclops Records official site]