Jimmy Eat World was created in Mesa, Arizona in 1994 by four childhood friends. The band consisted of buddies Jim Adkins (vocals / guitar), Zach Lind 9drums), Tom Linton (guitar / vocals), and Mitch Porter (bass). The guys got their band name from a childhood experience. One day, Linton’s little brothers; Ed and Jimmy were fighting. After the fight, Ed drew a picture of his chunky brother eating the world. He titled the picture, “Jimmy Eat World.” Soon after deciding on a name, the group began touring around Mesa, Arizona. They were getting quite a following. During 1994 and 1995, Jimmy Eat World released a number of EPs on Arizona’s small label, Wooden blue Records. Two of their singles were called “One, Two Three, Four” and “Back From the Dead Mother Fucker.” They also shared split EPs with groups such as, Christie front Drive, Emery, and Blueprint. After their touring, the group received such a following that they caught the attention of Capitol records. They soon signed to the large record label. Soon after signing, Porter left the group. He had been Linton’s best friend since seventh grade. Rich Burns was added to bass. Jimmy Eat World’s debut album was entitled State Prevails, and was released in 1995.
It was not until their 1998 album, Clarity, however, that the group reached major success. Clarity, which is classified as emo or pop/rock, did very well. The album’s first single, “Lucky Denver Mine,” was a hit on college radio stations. The song was featured in Drew Barrymore’s 1999 comedy/drama film, Never Been Kissed. The song being featured on the film allowed for the group to receive more exposure. At this time, they were having problems with Capitol Records and they soon left the record label. Jimmy Eat World soon after released split EPs with bands such as, Sense Field and Jebediah. In 2000, Clarity became extremely popular in Germany. The group then embarked on their first ever tour of Europe. They then signed to DreamWorks.
Jimmy Eat World went back to the recording studio. They worked with Clarity producer, Mark Trombino (Blink-182, MidTown, Drive Like Jehul). The album, at first entitled Bleed American, was soon changed to Jimmy Eat World after the September 11 attacks on America. The self titled album was released in July 2001. The first single, ‘Bleed American,” did moderately well. The second single, “The Middle,” shot the group into stardom. They were featured on MTV’s TRL and VH1. They then went on tour with Weezer and Tenacious D. In 2002, the single, “Sweetness,” was released.
Jimmy eat World’s musical influences are Rocket from the Crypt, Def Leopard, Jesus and Mary Chain, Fugazi, and the Velvet Underground.
Bio written by: bandhunt |
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