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Hot Water Music

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Band Timeline

1994

Formation and Origins of Hot Water Music

Hot Water Music was formed in October 1994 in Gainesville, Florida. The band's core members—Chuck Ragan, Chris Wollard, Jason Black, and George Rebelo—came together from the nearby cities of Sarasota and Bradenton with a shared desire to create music amid limited local opportunities. They named the band after Charles Bukowski's collection of short stories titled "Hot Water Music." Their first show was performed at the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota during the fall of 1994. This marked the beginning of their presence in the punk rock scene.
1997

Release of Debut Albums and Legal Challenges

In 1997, Hot Water Music released their first two LP albums, "Fuel for the Hate Game" and "Forever and Counting." Due to legal concerns regarding another band with a similar name, the band temporarily used the moniker "The Hot Water Music Band" for the release of "Forever and Counting." These albums helped establish their reputation for raw and emotionally charged punk rock, gaining a dedicated fanbase for their combination of aggressive punk and melodic elements.
1998

Initial Breakup and Farewell Show

The band's rigorous touring schedule led to exhaustion and tensions among the members, culminating in a decision to break up in mid-1998 to preserve their personal relationships. Despite this, they completed their remaining European tour dates before taking a three-month hiatus. They reconvened for a farewell show on August 28, 1998, in Gainesville. During this emotionally charged concert, Chuck Ragan indicated a desire to continue beyond what many believed would be their final show. A live album titled "Live at the Hardback" was later released featuring this performance.
1998

Reunion and Comeback Performance

Just two months after their breakup, Hot Water Music announced their reunion on October 26, 1998. Their comeback show took place on December 5, 1998, at the Hardback Cafe in Gainesville. This swift reunion signaled the band's renewed commitment to making music together and reignited their presence in the punk scene, setting the groundwork for their subsequent tours and releases.
1999

Release of "No Division" and Extensive Touring

In 1999, Hot Water Music released the album "No Division" through Some Records, further solidifying their position in punk rock with socially conscious themes and complex melodies. To promote the album, the band toured extensively across the United States alongside groups such as Discount, Elliott, and Leatherface between May and June. Later that year, they toured Europe and the UK, although a planned joint tour and split release with fellow Gainesville band As Friends Rust was canceled due to disagreements over billing. Their year concluded with a North American tour opening for bands including Sick of It All and AFI.
2006

Second Breakup of the Band

After years of active touring and recording, Hot Water Music decided to split up again in 2006. This marked the end of their ongoing initial run since their 1998 reunion. The breakup was significant to fans as the band had established a strong identity within the punk and hardcore communities. Members pursued side projects and solo careers during this hiatus.
2008

Reunion and Resumption of Music Activity

Hot Water Music reunited in 2008 after their 2006 breakup, marking their return to active music-making and touring. This reunion was welcomed by their fanbase and allowed the band to continue evolving their sound while honoring their punk roots. The band remained active following this reunion, performing concerts and engaging in new creative projects.
2017

Addition of Chris Cresswell and New Phase

In 2017, guitarist and vocalist Chris Cresswell joined Hot Water Music, expanding the band’s lineup. This addition coincided with new creative energies and helped the band continue producing music and performing live. Chris Cresswell's involvement marked an important evolution in Hot Water Music's dynamic, bringing a fresh perspective while maintaining their signature sound.

Albums

hot-water-music_1st_album
Finding the Rhythms
12 tracks
1995
hot-water-music_2nd_album
Fuel for the Hate Game
11 tracks
1997
hot-water-music_3rd_album
Push for Coin / Songs of the Tinmen
10 tracks
1997
hot-water-music_4th_album
Forever and Counting
10 tracks
1997
hot-water-music_5th_album
BYO Split Series, Volume I
11 tracks
1999
hot-water-music_6th_album
No Division
11 tracks
1999
hot-water-music_7th_album
A Flight and a Crash
14 tracks
2001
hot-water-music_8th_album
Caution
12 tracks
2002
hot-water-music_9th_album
The New What Next
12 tracks
2004
hot-water-music_10th_album
Exister
13 tracks
2012
hot-water-music_11th_album
Light It Up
12 tracks
2017
hot-water-music_12th_album
Feel the Void
12 tracks
2022
hot-water-music_13th_album
VOWS
12 tracks
2024
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Story of Hot Water Music

Hot Water Music: A Punk Rock Powerhouse From Gainesville

Hot Water Music, a legendary American punk rock band, emerged from the vibrant music scene of Gainesville, Florida, in October 1994. The band's core lineup has remained remarkably consistent, featuring Chuck Ragan and Chris Wollard sharing vocal and guitar duties, bassist Jason Black, and drummer George Rebelo. Since 2017, guitarist-vocalist Chris Cresswell joined the ranks, adding another layer of musical depth.

Hot Water Music's journey has been marked by both intense passion and a healthy dose of punk rock chaos. While the band initially called it quits in August 1998, they reunited just two months later, demonstrating their enduring commitment to their music. Despite a second split in 2006, they remained active, re-emerging in 2008 with a renewed fire.

The Genesis of a Punk Rock Legacy:

The band's origins can be traced back to the sunny shores of Sarasota, where Ragan, Black, and Rebelo crossed paths. Black and Rebelo had already forged a musical bond, performing together in local jazz ensembles. Ragan and Rebelo met while working at eateries on the same street, a spot that quickly became a hub for Sarasota's burgeoning music scene. Meanwhile, Wollard, based in nearby Bradenton, connected with the trio at a frequently used storage facility that served as a rehearsal space for both Sarasota and Bradenton bands.

United by a common frustration with the lack of musical opportunities in their hometowns, Black, who was already studying at the University of Florida, proposed a move to Gainesville. The city, renowned for its rich musical heritage, offered a fertile ground for the band's explosive punk rock sound to blossom.

This relocation, fueled by their shared passion and ambitions, marked the beginning of an enduring musical legacy for Hot Water Music. They would go on to become one of the most influential punk bands of their generation, earning critical acclaim and a fiercely loyal fanbase who embraced their raw energy and poignant lyrics.

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