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Band Timeline
1995
Formation of Chevelle in Grayslake, Illinois
Chevelle was formed in 1995 in Grayslake, Illinois, by brothers Pete Loeffler (lead vocals and guitar) and Sam Loeffler (drums and percussion), along with bassist Matt Scott. The band members taught themselves to play their instruments and started playing small outdoor concerts and clubs around Chicago. The band's name was inspired by the Chevrolet Chevelle car, admired by their father and reflecting their passion for fast cars.
1996
Lineup change with Joe Loeffler joining as bassist
In 1996, Matt Scott was replaced by the youngest Loeffler brother, Joe Loeffler, who became the band's bassist and backing vocalist. Joe was only 14 years old at the time, adding new dynamic to the band. This lineup of the three brothers would drive the band's early creative direction and performances during their formative years.
1998
Release of The Blue Album demo
Chevelle recorded and released a seven-track demo known as The Blue Album in 1998. This demo helped the band gain recognition and led to minor concert opportunities. It captured the raw sound and developing style of the band as they worked to build their presence in the rock scene.
1999
Debut studio album Point #1 release
Chevelle released their first full-length studio album Point #1 in 1999 through Squint Entertainment, a small contemporary Christian music label. Recorded with producer Steve Albini, the album spawned singles like "Point #1" and "Mia," which won GMA Dove Awards. The album showcased a heavy yet melodic rock style, gathering critical attention and establishing their fan base despite label challenges.
2001
Squint Entertainment label closes and band faces uncertainty
Squint Entertainment underwent legal troubles and eventually closed in 2001, creating uncertainty for Chevelle's future. This period saw the band uncertain about their direction with no label support. Despite this, they continued playing concerts and sought new label opportunities to sustain and grow their career.
2002
Breakthrough with Wonder What's Next album
Chevelle signed with Epic Records and released their second album Wonder What's Next in 2002. The album debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum by the RIAA. Singles such as "The Red" and "Send the Pain Below" received heavy airplay on rock radio and MTV, with "Send the Pain Below" reaching No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock charts. This album marked the band's major commercial breakthrough and broader recognition.
2004
Release of the third album This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In)
The third studio album This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In) was released in 2004, debuting at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and achieving platinum certification. The album continued Chevelle's signature sound of heavy, melodic rock, and featured successful singles that solidified their place in the modern rock scene. The album's success reinforced the band's rising trajectory.
2005
Bass player Joe Loeffler departs; lineup changes begin
In 2005, Joe Loeffler left the band, ending the original lineup of the three brothers. Geno Lenardo temporarily joined as touring bassist before the role was taken over by Dean Bernardini, the brothers' brother-in-law. This change marked a pivotal transition in the band's personnel, affecting their future recordings and tours.
2007
Release of fourth studio album Vena Sera
Chevelle released Vena Sera in 2007, which was certified gold. The album continued to showcase their heavy but polished rock sound while exploring new sonic textures. The band supported the album with tours and solidified their solid fan following. It kept the momentum going after their earlier commercial successes.
2009
Fifth album Sci-Fi Crimes released
The band released their fifth album, Sci-Fi Crimes, in 2009. This album was noted for blending experimental and thematic elements with the band's established rock style. Chevelle continued to tour extensively and maintain a strong presence in the rock scene during this era.
2011
Sixth album Hats Off to the Bull
Hats Off to the Bull, Chevelle's sixth studio album, was released in December 2011. The album's intense sound and lyrical themes showed the band's continuing evolution. It was well received by fans and critics, further enhancing their reputation as a consistent and powerful rock band.
2014
Seventh album La Gárgola release
In April 2014, Chevelle released La Gárgola, their seventh studio album. The album displayed darker and heavier tones while embracing complex songwriting. It was a critical success and expanded the band's sound palette, reflecting maturation and experimentation in their music.
2016
The North Corridor, eighth album released
The North Corridor was released in July 2016 as the band's eighth studio album. This album continued their tradition of melodic heaviness with refined production. It maintained their commercial viability and kept them relevant in the modern rock genre.
2019
Departure of bassist Dean Bernardini
Dean Bernardini, who had been the band's bassist since 2005 and brother-in-law to the Loeffler brothers, departed Chevelle in 2019. This lineup change prompted the band to adjust their touring and recording configurations and marked a significant personnel shift after over a decade with Bernardini.
2021
Release of ninth album NIRATIAS and addition of Kemble Walters as touring bassist
Chevelle released their ninth studio album NIRATIAS in March 2021, showcasing a blend of their heavy rock roots with atmospheric and progressive elements. Around the same time, Kemble Walters joined as a touring bassist. The album was seen as a strong continuation of their evolving sound and retained their core fanbase while exploring new musical territory.
2025
Upcoming release of tenth studio album Bright as Blasphemy
Chevelle is scheduled to release their tenth studio album, Bright as Blasphemy, in August 2025. This forthcoming album is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, expected to continue the band's legacy of intense, melodic rock with fresh innovations. It will mark over 30 years since the band's formation and add to their substantial discography.
Albums
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Sam Loeffler
1994
Drums (drum set)
Pete Loeffler
1994
Lead vocals
Guitar
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Joe Loeffler
1994
2005
Background vocals
Bass guitar
Dean Bernardini
2005
2019
Bass guitar
Dean Bernardini
2005
2019
Background vocals
Story of Chevelle
Chevelle: A Rock Band Legacy Forged in Illinois
Hailing from the suburbs of Chicago, Chevelle emerged in 1995. The band's core was built upon the brotherhood of Pete Loeffler (lead vocals, guitar) and Sam Loeffler (drums, percussion). They were joined by Matt Scott on bass and backing vocals, solidifying the initial lineup.
In 1996, the band solidified their familial bond when Joe Loeffler, the brothers' younger sibling, replaced Scott on bass. This line-up remained steadfast for nearly a decade, until Joe's departure in 2005. Geno Lenardo stepped in as the touring bassist, bridging the gap until Dean Bernardini, Pete and Sam's brother-in-law, joined the fold. Bernardini's tenure ended in 2019, paving the way for Kemble Walters to take on the touring bass duties in 2021.
Chevelle's musical journey began with their debut album, "Point #1," released on the independent label Squint Entertainment. It was their sophomore album, "Wonder What's Next" (2002), that propelled them to mainstream recognition. It debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200 chart and achieved double platinum status by the RIAA. Their third album, "This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In)" (2004), further cemented their success with a number 8 debut and a platinum certification.
Chevelle's story is one of familial bonds, musical evolution, and enduring success in the rock genre. Their music, marked by Pete Loeffler's distinctive vocals and the band's powerful instrumental interplay, has resonated with audiences for over two decades.
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