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Sponge

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Band Timeline

1992

Formation of Sponge

Sponge was formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1992 by vocalist Vinnie Dombroski, guitarist Mike Cross, bassist Tim Cross, drummer Jimmy Paluzzi, and guitarist Joey Mazzola. The core members previously played in the hard rock band Loudhouse. After Loudhouse disbanded, the members decided to start fresh with a new project. Dombroski switched from drums to lead vocals and recruited Paluzzi as drummer, crafting a new rock band with a dual-guitar sound reminiscent of MC5.
1994

Release of Debut Album 'Rotting Piñata' and Rising Popularity

In August 1994, Sponge released their debut album 'Rotting Piñata' through Work Group. The album featured hit singles such as 'Neenah Menasha' and 'Plowed'. 'Plowed' entered the Mainstream Rock chart in November 1994. Sponge embarked on their first national tour, opening for bands like Failure and Rust, and played as a warm-up act for Lollapalooza 1994. They made their television debut on The Jon Stewart Show. By the year's end, drummer Charlie Grover replaced Jimmy Paluzzi. The album's growing popularity established Sponge as a notable alternative rock band.
1995

Breakout Success and Extensive Touring

In 1995, Sponge toured with prominent bands Live, Love Spit Love, and Soundgarden while performing at major music festivals including Edgefest, Rock am Ring in Germany, and Pukkelpop in Belgium. Their single 'Plowed' along with 'Molly (16 Candles Down the Drain)' received heavy radio and MTV airplay. 'Rotting Piñata' was certified gold by the RIAA in July 1995. The band appeared on various late-night shows, broadening their exposure. Their singles charted on Mainstream Rock and Alternative charts, and the album peaked at No. 58 on the Billboard 200, staying 40 weeks on the chart.
1996

Release of Second Album 'Wax Ecstatic' and Notable Performances

Sponge released their second album, 'Wax Ecstatic,' in 1996. The album's lead single 'Wax Ecstatic (To Sell Angelina)' and follow-up 'Have You Seen Mary' received significant radio and MTV airplay. The band played on the Lollapalooza summer tour and opened for Kiss in Detroit during the band's reunion tour, a large event with nearly 40,000 attendees. Their exposure peaked as their singles appeared in film soundtracks such as 'Chasing Amy' in 1997. Lineup changes continued, with managerial shifts as Susan Silver retired from the music industry.
Late 1990s to early 2000s

Continued Releases and Lineup Changes

Following their early success, Sponge released several more studio albums and live records, navigating multiple lineup changes with frontman Vinnie Dombroski remaining the band's central figure. The band's dynamics evolved but they maintained a dedicated fan base and continued to perform live regularly. Their sound retained its alternative rock roots while adapting to changes in the music industry throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.
2024

Release of Tenth Studio Album '1994'

In 2024, Sponge released their tenth studio album titled '1994', marking a significant milestone in their career over three decades since their formation. This album reflects the band's longevity and ability to produce new music that resonates with both long-time followers and newer listeners. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, frontman Vinnie Dombroski has remained the constant driving force behind Sponge's continued creativity and presence in the rock music scene.

Albums

sponge_1st_album
Rotting Piñata
11 tracks
1994
sponge_2nd_album
Wax Ecstatic
10 tracks
1996
📷
No Image
New Pop Sunday
11 tracks
1999
sponge_4th_album
For All the Drugs in the World
12 tracks
2003
sponge_5th_album
The Man
10 tracks
2005
sponge_6th_album
Galore Galore
11 tracks
2007
sponge_7th_album
Stop The Bleeding
10 tracks
2013
sponge_8th_album
The Beer Sessions
9 tracks
2016
sponge_9th_album
Lavatorium
12 tracks
2021
sponge_10th_album
Planet Girls
10 tracks
2024
📷
No Image
1994
10 tracks
2024
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Billy Adams

2001

Membranophone

Joey Mazzola

N/A

Vinnie Dombroski

1994

Lead vocals

Jimmy Paluzzi

N/A

Membranophone

Andy Patalan

2004

Guitar

Kyle Neely

2003

Guitar

Charlie Grover

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Tim Cross

1991
2001

Bass

Mike Cross

1991
2001

Guitar

Tim Krukowski

2001
2009

Bass

Story of Sponge

Sponge: A Detroit Rock Band That Sponged Up The 90s

Sponge, the Detroit-born rock band, emerged in 1992 with a lineup that packed a powerful punch: Vinnie Dombroski (vocals), Mike Cross (guitar), Tim Cross (bass), Jimmy Paluzzi (drums), and Joey Mazzola (guitar). The band's roots ran deep in the Motor City's hard rock scene, as Dombroski and the Cross brothers previously rocked the stage with Loudhouse, a band that even scored a track on the "Point Break" soundtrack. Mazzola joined the ranks of Loudhouse before its final curtain call.

Sponge's sound blended grunge-infused riffs with a catchy pop sensibility, creating a unique blend that landed them a devoted following and several chart-topping singles. "Plowed" (1994), "Molly (16 Candles Down the Drain)" (1995), and "Wax Ecstatic (To Sell Angelina)" (1996) became anthems for a generation, showcasing their signature blend of raw energy and melodic hooks.

Throughout their journey, Sponge has undergone several lineup changes, with Dombroski remaining the constant force behind the band's distinctive sound. The band's tenth studio album, "1994," was released in 2024, marking a return to their roots and a testament to their enduring legacy.

A Detroit Rock History: From Loudhouse to Sponge

The story of Sponge begins with Loudhouse, a hard-rocking quartet fronted by vocalist Kenny Mugwump. The band released an album and left their mark with a track on the "Point Break" soundtrack before adding Joey Mazzola as a second guitarist.

When Mugwump decided to pursue a career in acting and directing, Dombroski took the reins as vocalist, switching from drums. The addition of drummer Jimmy Paluzzi solidified the lineup, and the band was ready for their next evolution: Sponge.

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