Melvins are a three piece right now, the current members are Buzz Osborne (King Buzzo) who plays guitar and sings his given first name is Roger so I've heard, Dale Crover who plays drums, and Kevin Rutamanis who plays bass. The Melvins formed in Aberdeen, WA(the town Nirvana came from as well) in the early 80's the founding members were Buzz, Mike Dillard (drums), and Mudhoney bassist Matt Lukin. Buzz, Mike, and Matt all went to high school in Montesano. When Mike couldn't cut it because the songs were getting too mathematically complex Dale was recruited out of the Iron Maiden cover band he played in at the age of 15. Matt was replaced by Lorax (Shirley Temple's daughter) when they left Aberdeen for San Francisco. The name Melvins came from a grocery clerk at the Thriftway in Montesano where King Buzzo served as clerk and vandal. Melvin was the most hated fellow employee and they felt it to be an appropriately ridiculous name. The Melvins have had quite a few bass player changes during their tenure check out the bassist morgue to learn more. The Melvins live in Hollywood, CA right now. Check out the discography section to see the many releases the Melvins have made. They were on a major label Atlantic Records for three albums, the problem was Melvins aren't really the type of band made for mainstream, the average Matchbox 20 listening fool just can't grasp the complexity that is the melvins. They knew this while they were being signed and just took advantage of the big deal the record companies were making out of the Seattle "grunge" sound. Dale was a session drummer for Nirvana when they were between drummers and he appears on Incesticide and Bleach. Buzz has a side project called Fantomas with Mike Patton from Faith No More, Mr. Bungle and owner of Ipecac Recordings a label that the melvins have released several albums under. They have also released records on Boner records, Alchemy Records, Amphetamine Reptile Records, and numerous others from 7"'s and what not. Dale has a side project called Altamont. And Kevin used to be in the band COWS, he also has many side projects himself such as Tomahawk, and other which are ever changing so it's hard to keep up. I would completely recommenced anything a Melvins member has released. Melvins have toured with Kiss, White Zombie, NIN, L7, Primus, Tool among others and were also on the Ozzfest tour in 98. They have toured with a second guitarist David Stone who is a great noise guitarist. Melvins have a great sense of humor and are very interesting/friendly so if you get a chance to see them live in your town be sure to talk to them. Oh and if possible be sure to give them gifts, they prefer Cracker Barrel gift certificates.
