U.P.O.

Infobox musical artist
Name = U.P.O.


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Origin = USA
Genre = Post-grunge
Years_active = 1998–present
Label = Epic
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Current_members = Shawn Albro
Chris Weber
Ben Shirley
Tommy Holt
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U.P.O. is a post-grunge rock band from Los Angeles, California. They found popularity in the early 2000s and have released two studio albums.

History

Influenced heavily by bands such as The Cult, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam, U.P.O has a sound reminiscent of various groups under the post-grunge and alternative rock categories. Curiously enough, many such bands found popularity in the early-mid 1990s, whereas U.P.O fell under the radar during a time known largely for alternative and nu metal acts.

Chris Weber played in Hollywood Rose with Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin before the latter formed Guns N' Roses.

Albro and Weber both lived in Los Angeles, but first met at England's Reading Festival in the mid-1990s. The pair needed a rhythm section to compliment their work, and after some searching, they recruited Shirley, a friend of Albro's, and later on discovered Holt through newspaper advertisements.

After recording a 4-song demo which attracted major label interest, and only a few short months of self-promoted shows, the band found itself very much on the industry radar. The group was signed to Epic Records and released it's debut album, "No Pleasantries", in 2000.

"No Pleasantries", produced by Rick Parashar, (Pearl Jam, Temple of the Dog, Blind Melon, Nickelback, Default), spawned two Top 40 Mainstream Rock hits. “Godless” climbed to #5 on the Billboard chart and “Feel Alive” reached #25.

After extensive touring with many of today’s rock heavyweights, (Linkin Park, Slipknot, Nickelback, Godsmack, 3 Doors Down) and building soundtrack, TV, and CD compilation credits ("Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows", "Nash Bridges", "MTV2 Return of Rock", "Tattoo The Earth Live" CD, "ECW Anarchy Rocks!", "ESPN Under The Helmet"), in 2002 U.P.O. took a hiatus.

Armed with a brand new record label, U.P.O. exploded back on the rock scene in 2004 with their second album, "The Heavy", (released March 30, 2004 on Nitrus Records). Soon after, there were changes in the line up including Zoltan Bathory on bass, and Philippe Mathys on drums. Philippe is currently playing drums for the band Hydrovibe.

In 2006, it was rumored that the band was going on a "break."

Band members

* Shawn Albro - Vocals
* Chris Weber - Guitar
* Ben Shirley - Bass
* Tommy Holt - Drums

Discography

*"No Pleasantries" - (2000)
*"The Heavy" - (2004)

External links

* [http://www.upomusic.com U.P.O. Music - Official Website]