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Band Timeline

1984

Formation of Live band

Live is an American rock band formed in 1984 in York, Pennsylvania. The original lineup consisted of Ed Kowalczyk on lead vocals and guitars, Patrick Dahlheimer on bass, Chad Gracey on drums, and Chad Taylor on guitars. Initially, the band went through several different names and performed as a trio before Kowalczyk joined in 1984. This formative period included the band's early performances and the gradual shaping of their musical identity before eventually choosing the name Live.
1987-1991

Early years and first releases under the name Public Affection and name change to Live

Between 1987 and 1991, the band performed under the name Public Affection. During this time, they released a self-produced cassette titled The Death of a Dictionary in 1989. In 1990, they released an EP of demos called Divided Mind, Divided Planet. Their increasing live presence, including regular performances at the iconic CBGB club in New York City, helped them secure a contract with Radioactive Records in 1991. Later that year, the band changed its name to Live and released the EP Four Songs, produced by Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads.
1991

Release of Mental Jewelry and rising recognition

Live released their debut album, Mental Jewelry, in 1991. Produced by Jerry Harrison, the album included the single "Operation Spirit (The Tyranny of Tradition)", which gained modest commercial success and significant MTV airplay. The album's lyrics, inspired in part by Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, showcased the band's depth and helped lay the foundation for their future success. The album peaked at number 73 on the Billboard 200, marking the band's entry into the wider rock music scene.
1994

Breakthrough with Throwing Copper

The release of Live's third album, Throwing Copper, in 1994 marked the band's commercial breakthrough and mainstream success. The album featured hit singles such as "I Alone," "All Over You," "Selling the Drama," and the iconic "Lightning Crashes." "Lightning Crashes" held the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for ten consecutive weeks and the Modern Rock Tracks chart for nine weeks. Throwing Copper sold eight million copies in the U.S. alone and achieved multi-platinum status in several countries. The band expanded their exposure with performances on notable platforms including NBC's Saturday Night Live and their debut UK TV appearance on The Word.
1997-1999

Continued success with Secret Samadhi and The Distance to Here

Following Throwing Copper, Live released the album Secret Samadhi in 1997, which also achieved commercial success by reaching number one in the U.S., New Zealand, and Canada. Singles like "Lakini's Juice" topped the Alternative Songs chart. In 1999, their next album, The Distance to Here, continued this success by topping the charts in Australia and Canada, cementing their status as a major rock band. Both albums received platinum certifications, reinforcing Live's consistent presence in the rock music scene during the late 1990s.
2001-2006

Albums V, Birds of Pray, and Songs from Black Mountain

In the early 2000s, Live released several studio albums, including V (2001), Birds of Pray (2003), and Songs from Black Mountain (2006). These albums reflected the band's ongoing evolution in sound, though they did not achieve the same level of commercial success as their 1990s work. Notably, in 2004, the band released their first compilation album, Awake: The Best of Live. During this period, Live also saw tours and performances that maintained their fan base and presence in the industry.
2009-2014

Lineup change and release of The Turn

In 2009, lead vocalist Ed Kowalczyk left the band. He was replaced by singer Chris Shinn. Despite this significant lineup change, Live continued to produce music and maintain their musical output. In 2014, with Shinn on vocals, they released their album The Turn. This period marked a challenge in maintaining their identity with a new frontman, but the band persisted in continuing their artistic work during this time.
2016-2018

Reunion of original lineup and Local 717 EP

Ed Kowalczyk rejoined Live in December 2016, reuniting the original core lineup of the band. This reunion revitalized the band's dynamic and creative energy. In 2018, they released a new EP titled Local 717, showcasing fresh material and marking the band's renewed collaboration after several years apart. This period represented a resurgence for Live, reconnecting them with their roots and fans.
2022

Major lineup changes and new leadership by Ed Kowalczyk

In 2022, Ed Kowalczyk took majority control of Live and made significant changes to the lineup. He fired original guitarist Chad Taylor and subsequently released drummer Chad Gracey and bassist Patrick Dahlheimer from the band. Kowalczyk emerged as the only remaining original member actively performing and recording under the Live name. These changes signaled a new chapter for Live, with Kowalczyk steering the band's future direction. In late 2022, drummer Chad Gracey filed a lawsuit against the former bandmates Taylor and Dahlheimer related to their management company, marking ongoing tensions within the band.
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Ed Kowalczyk

2016

Lead vocals

Ed Kowalczyk

2016

Guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Chad Gracey

2012
2022

Drums (drum set)

Patrick Dahlheimer

1990
2009

Electric bass guitar

Chad Taylor

1990
2009

Guitar

Adam Kowalczyk

1999
2009

Guitar

Ed Kowalczyk

1990
2009

Lead vocals

Chris Shinn

2012
2016

Guitar

Chad Taylor

1990
2009

Background vocals

Chris Shinn

2012
2016

Lead vocals

Patrick Dahlheimer

2012
2022

Electric bass guitar

Chad Taylor

2012
2022

Guitar

Chad Gracey

1990
2009

Drums (drum set)

Chad Taylor

2012
2022

Background vocals

Ed Kowalczyk

1990
2009

Guitar

Story of Live

Live: A Rock Band Story

Live, often stylized as LĪVE, LĪAVE, or +LĪAVE+, is an American rock band hailing from York, Pennsylvania. Formed in 1984 by Ed Kowalczyk (lead vocals, guitars), Patrick Dahlheimer (bass), Chad Gracey (drums), and Chad Taylor (guitars), Live rose to prominence with their energetic live performances and anthemic rock sound.

The band gained initial recognition with their single "Operation Spirit (The Tyranny of Tradition)," which received heavy rotation on MTV. Their second album, Mental Jewelry (1991), garnered modest success, but it was their third album, Throwing Copper (1994), that catapulted them to stardom. Selling over eight million copies in the U.S. alone, Throwing Copper produced a string of hits including "Lightning Crashes," which reigned supreme on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for an impressive ten consecutive weeks. Their success propelled them to sell over twenty million albums worldwide.

Throughout their career, Live expanded their sound by incorporating additional musicians, including Kowalczyk's brother Adam, British keyboardist Michael "Railo" Railton, rhythm guitarist Christopher Thorn of Blind Melon, and guitarist Zak Loy of Alpha Rev.

In 2009, Kowalczyk left the band, leaving a void filled by singer Chris Shinn. Their subsequent album, The Turn (2014), reflected this new era for the band. However, Kowalczyk returned to Live in 2016, marking a return to their original sound and leading to the release of the EP Local 717 in 2018.

The band's trajectory took another turn in 2022 when Kowalczyk assumed majority control of Live and subsequently fired Taylor. Reports from Rolling Stone indicated that Gracey and Dahlheimer were also let go, leaving Kowalczyk as the sole remaining original member.

Live's legacy is one of high-energy rock anthems, resonating with fans for decades. Their history, though filled with changes and shifts in lineup, remains a testament to the enduring power of their music.

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