Slackdaddy

Infobox musical artist
Name = Slackdaddy

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Origin = Athens, Georgia, USA Flagicon|USA
Country = United States
Genre =
Years_active = 1995 - Present
Label = [http://roundtablerecords.com/ Roundtable Records]
Associated_acts = The Police, Radiohead
URL = [http://slackdaddy.com Official Website]
Current_members = Andrew McCain (Guitar/Lead Vocals)
Bryan J. Howard (Bass)
Ian Werden (Drums)

Slackdaddy is a three-piece Rock/Alternative/Indy bandfrom Athens, Georgia. The band consists of Andrew McCain on Guitar/Vocals, Bryan J. Howard on Bass, and Ian Werden on Drums.

Early years

The origins of the band began in Alexandria, VA, a suburb of Washington, DC in the late 1980s. Andrew McCain and Bryan Howard had been friends since early childhood and played together in the Mt. Vernon Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, which Bryan led. Later, while attending West Potomac High School, Bryan befriended Ian Werden who had recently moved to Alexandria from Detroit. The two played together in several short-lived bands, notably The Clockmen and Frankly Scarlett with guitarist Alex Lane. In 1989, Bryan and Ian joined St. Stephens students Andrew McCain and Luke Taylor to form The Moorish Idylls. The band frequently played the "Open Mike Coffeehouse", a monthly gathering at the Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church which featured local acoustic bands and soloists. The Moorish Idylls were the first band to play "electric" at the Coffeehouse. After the four band members had graduated from high school and attended separate universities, The Moorish Idylls played only a few shows. One notable gig was the first Cecilfest on July 10, 1993 where several new songs were debuted, indicating a new musical direction for the band.

In the autumn of 1994, Bryan's stepfather Harvard told him about his good friend from his 1950s Army days whose nickname was "Slackdaddy." Slackdaddy was known to be quite flirtatious and popular with women, yet as a married man, he never committed adultery. During an argument with his wife, who was convinced that he had cheated, she shot him dead. Bryan was so moved by this "patron saint of misunderstood men" that he decided to rename the band Slackdaddy. It was also around this time that rhythm guitarist Luke Taylor left the band, leaving Slackdaddy as a power-trio.

During the summer of 1995, the band played several shows in the Washington area, including several at Jenkin's Hill, a basement bar near the U.S. Capitol on Pennsylvania Ave. On December 31, 1995 Slackdaddy played the Laughing Lizard in Old Town Alexandria.

Career

In 1996, the band decided to move to Athens, Georgia, noted for its lively underground scene. Playing many well-known clubs in the area, the group gained enough popularity to tour. For two years, 1996-1998, they toured the southeast, touting their first album, "Is" released in February 1998. This success eventually lead to a 1999 nationwide tour. In 2001, their second album, "Supercell", was released to anxious fans. Slackdaddy then released its apparent last album, "Karmageddon", which is available as a free download on the [http://www.slackdaddy.com/ Slackdaddy website] .

Current Status

The band has been on hiatus since 2003, when Andrew left to finish his masters degree. This eventually led to his marriage, and a child. The future of the band is unknown at this time. The band has played just a few shows since 2003. On March 12, 2004 the band played Caledonia Lounge in Athens, GA which was captured on video and can be viewed on the [http://www.slackdaddy.com/video/index.html video page] of the [http://www.slackdaddy.com website] .

Bryan J. Howard now leads a band called [http://www.myspace.com/gaheap The HEAP]

Albums

Major releases

*"Is"
*"Supercell"
*"Karmageddon"

Compilations

*"Athfest 1999"
*"Loving the Ailen"
*"Athfest 2001"
*"Yearbook"
*"All About Numbers"

Band members

*Andrew McCain on Guitar/Vocals
*Bryan J. Howard on Bass
*Ian Verden on drums