Avant Garde (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Avant Garde


Img_capt =
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Los Angeles, California, USA
Genre = Progressive metal
Years_active = 1987-1990
Label =
URL =
Current_members =
Past_members = Rivers Cuomo
Kevin Ridel
Justin Fisher
Bryn Mutch
Eric Ridel
Michael Stanton

Avant Garde (later renamed Zoom) was a progressive metal band, most notably as an early musical project of Rivers Cuomo who would later gain world-wide fame as the frontman of the alternative rock band Weezer. At the time, Cuomo performed under the name Peter Kitts.Luerssen D., John. "Rivers' Edge: The Weezer Story". ECW Press, 2004, ISBN 1-55022-619-3 p. 17]

Biography

The band formed when Cuomo was only fifteen years old, along with his high school friend Justin Fisher.Luerssen D., John. "Rivers' Edge: The Weezer Story". ECW Press, 2004, ISBN 1-55022-619-3 p. 17] While they attended E. O. Smith High School. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 15] Eventually, other people joined the band. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 18] They decided on the name Avant Garde because according to Cuomo, " [they] were anything but."Luerssen D., John. "Rivers' Edge: The Weezer Story". ECW Press, 2004, ISBN 1-55022-619-3 p. 17] From late 1986 to early 1987, the members of the band were confident enough in their musical ability where they would regularly make 4-track demos when they weren't rehearsing in various locations. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 21]

By the summer of 1987, Cuomo was accepted to a five-week music program at Berklee School of Music, Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 22] where he met future Avant Garde guitarist Michael Stanton. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 23] On December 12, 13 and 18 the band recorded six new songs at Trod Nossell Studios in Wallingford, Connecticut. within weeks the demo made the WHUS 91.7 heavy metal playlist at the campus radio station of the University of Connecticut. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 26]

In 1988, both Cuomo and Fisher graduated from E. O. Smith High School. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 28] By 1989, the band had departed to Los Angeles in hopes of being discovered on the Sunset Strip. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 31] When they arrived in Los Angeles, the entire band lived in the same apartment. While on the strip, the band didn't have much musical success. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 35] In order to make ends-meet, all members of the band took minimum wage jobs. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 36] The band later changed its name to Zoom in order to make them sound more commercial. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 37] After the continued lack of success, the band split up in the spring of 1990. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 40]

Members

*Kevin Ridel — vocals
*Rivers Cuomo — backing vocals, lead guitar
*Justin Fisher — bass
*Bryn Mutch — percussion
*Eric Ridel — rhythm guitar
*Michael Stanton — rhythm guitar
*Jeff Urbach — percussion

Discography

Avant Garde Demo Tape #1: Untitled (1987)

#"Tongue of Fire"
#"I Must Be Dreaming"
#"Black Rose"

This demo was printed on black-shelled cassettes with plain, light-blue label stickers on one side.cite web | last =Koch | first =Karl | url = http://www.weezer.com/info/recording/WeezRecHist1.htm | title = Weezer Recording History Page 1 | format = | work = | publisher =Weezer.com | accessdate = 2008-01-15] There were probably approximately 100 copies printed.cite web | last =Koch | first =Karl | url = http://www.weezer.com/info/recording/WeezRecHist1.htm | title = Weezer Recording History Page 1 | format = | work = | publisher =Weezer.com | accessdate = 2008-01-15] It was recorded at Trod Nossel Studios in Connecticut. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 26]

Avant Garde Demo Tape #2: Untitled (1988)

#"You Were Just Using Me"
#"Renaissance"
#"Standing In The Paris Rain"
#"Father Time"
#"Never Forget"
#"Free Fall"

This demo was printed on black-shelled cassettes with purple label stickers on one side featuring the Avant Garde logo.cite web | last =Koch | first =Karl | url = http://www.weezer.com/info/recording/WeezRecHist1.htm | title = Weezer Recording History Page 1 | format = | work = | publisher =Weezer.com | accessdate = 2008-01-15] There were approximately 200 copies printed.cite web | last =Koch | first =Karl | url = http://www.weezer.com/info/recording/WeezRecHist1.htm | title = Weezer Recording History Page 1 | format = | work = | publisher =Weezer.com | accessdate = 2008-01-15] It was also recorded at Trod Nossel Studios in Connecticut. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 26]

Avant Garde Demo Tape #3: "Somethin' Different" (1989)

#" Judge And Jury"
#" Bite the Bullet "
#" 21st Century Shogun"
#" You Were Just Using Me"
#" Renaissance"
#" Never Forget"

Like the first two tapes, "Somethin' Different" was recorded in Connecticut at Trod Nossel Studios. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 29] The tape was professionally duped and featured the songs and information printed directly onto the clear cassette, as well as a black and white J-card that had portrait photos of the whole band.cite web | last =Koch | first =Karl | url = http://www.weezer.com/info/recording/WeezRecHist1.htm | title = Weezer Recording History Page 1 | format = | work = | publisher =Weezer.com | accessdate = 2008-01-15] The number of copies made is unknown, but may exceed 200.cite web | last =Koch | first =Karl | url = http://www.weezer.com/info/recording/WeezRecHist1.htm | title = Weezer Recording History Page 1 | format = | work = | publisher =Weezer.com | accessdate = 2008-01-15] The name "Somethin' Different" was applied to the demo later, when it was printed a second time. Luerssen D., John, 2004 p. 29]

References

External links

* [http://www.weezer.com/info/recording/WeezRecHist1.htm Weezer Recording History Page 1]