Counting Crows

The group was originally comprised of acoustic duo Adam Duritz and guitarist David Bryson. They spent their early musical career playing coffee shop gigs in San Francisco. The two were interested in recording demos as a band and additional members bassist Matt Malley, keyboardist Charlie Gillingham, and drummer Steve Bowman completed the beginnings of what would be Counting Crows. The band’s name alludes to the British nursery rhyme “One For Sorrow.”

The year 1993 became a turning point for the band. First they were asked to perform at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony as a last minute substitute for Van Morrison. Later that year Counting Crows was signed to Geffen Records and released their debut album “August and Everything After.” They supported the album by joining tours with Bob Dylan, Los Lobos, and the Cranberries. The album’s single “Mr. Jones” exploded on the airwaves and the video became widely requested on MTV. The album stayed on the charts for an impressive 93 weeks starting in 1994. The acknowledgement led them to tour with the Rolling Stones during that same year.

With the addition of drummer Ben Mize and guitarist Dan Vickrey, Counting Crows released their sophomore album “Recovering the Satellites” in 1995. It reached No. 1 in 1996 and songs like “A Long December” and “Have You Seen Me Lately” became hits. Counting Crows has had success in the film industry. Their song “Accidentally in Love” was featured on the animated film “Shrek 2”’ soundtrack and they received nominations for a Grammy, Oscar, and Golden Globe Award for their contribution.

Counting Crows cites Van Morrison, R.E.M., Mike + The Mechanics, Nirvana, Bob Dylan, and Nirvana as their musical influences.

Starting in 1996, the band have become known for their alternative rock guitar driven tracks and their ability to mix it up with more slow tempo songs intertwined with elegant string arrangements. With influences ranging from U2 to Bob Dylan and Dave Matthews Band has provided them with universal appeal. Often labelled as ‘an alternative Christian rock band’ as a result of tremendous support from several Christian rock radio stations based on the band’s personal beliefs. In a 2003 interview with Rolling Stone, frontman Jon Foreman spoke up on the categorisation by stating “We’re Christian by faith, not genre”.

In 2002, four Switchfoot tracks (including the hits: “Dare You to Move” and “Learning to Breathe”) featured heavily in the blockbuster “A Walk to Remember” garnering interest with several record labels. Making the decision to sign with Sony BMG, the band released their first major label album “The Beautiful Letdown” in 2003 which helped catapult them into the mainstream allowing them to successful complete the crossover transition. The critically acclaimed album was a huge success, selling over 2.6 million copies and achieving double platinum status.

Experimenting with stylistic nuances meandering through their distinctive sound and incorporating synth elements created another dimension to the band’s musical ingenuity and extending their widespread appeal.

Mirrored by their various successes, throughout their lengthy career Switchfoot have been highly revered by the industry amassing several accolades including: a Grammy Award in 2011 for the album “Hello Hurricane” as Best Rock or Gospel Album, three ASCAP awards and 11 GMA Dove Awards.

As a band who constantly tour their extensive back catalogue, Switchfoot have built up a passionate following and incredible reputation for the energetic and memorable performances.