The Gandharvas

The Gandharvas
Also known as The Droogs
The London Droogs
Origin London, Ontario, Canada
Genres Alternative rock
Years active 1989 (1989)–2000 (2000)
Labels Watch Music
MCA
Avex DD
Associated acts Smoother
Raised by Swans
Members Paul Jago
Jud Ruhl
Brian Ward
Beau Cook
Tim McDonald
Past members Rob Blanchette
Eric Howden
Beau Cook

The Gandharvas was a Canadian alternative rock band formed in 1989 in London, Ontario.

History

The band formed in 1989 as The Droogs (later The London Droogs),[1] and released a self-titled EP in 1991. They changed their name to The Gandharvas in 1993, after Gandharvas, who are musical spirits in Hinduism.[2]

In November 1993 they signed with the label Watch Music and in 1994 released their debut album as The Gandharvas, titled A Soap Bubble and Inertia.[3] The album included the single "The First Day of Spring", which was named Song of the Year (CASBY Award) by The Edge 102.1 in Toronto, and was nominated for MuchMusic's Video of the Year.[2] A Soap Bubble and Inertia entered the Canadian album charts at No. 51 in July 1994[4] and peaked at No. 39 on August 1, 1994.[5]

In 1995, they released their second album Kicking in the Water, and shortly after were signed by major label MCA Records. Their 1997 release, Sold for a Smile, included the singles "Downtime" and "Watching the Girl". All three albums were also released in Japan on the label Avex DD.

Though Sold for a Smile was a minor commercial success (with the "Downtime" video receiving substantial play at MuchMusic), the album would be the band's last, as the grunge/alternative movement of the 1990s faded in popularity. They would announce their breakup in 2000.

Following the break-up of the band, Beau Cook returned to his former band, Smoother. Vocalist Paul Jago became a geologist and moved to Arizona, later forming the band (duo with wife) SAID DOG.

Band members

Final line-up
  • Paul Jago – vocals (1989–2000)
  • Jud Ruhl – guitar (1989–2000)
  • Brian Ward – guitar (1989–2000)
  • Beau Cook – bass, keyboards (1996–2000)
  • Tim McDonald – drums (1989–2000)

Former members

  • Rob Blanchette – bass (1989–1993)
  • Eric Howden – bass (1993–1996)

Discography

The Droogs

  • The Droogs – 1991

Gandharvas

References

  1. ↑ Fischer, Blair. "Into the Mainstream", Rolling Stone, June 11, 1998.
  2. 1 2 Wood, Scott. "Say It Right: The Gandharvas" Archived 2005-08-29 at the Wayback Machine., The Peak – Simon Fraser University's student newspaper, October 13, 1997.
  3. ↑ Larry LeBlanc (4 February 1995). Canada: Who's Who. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. pp. 80–. ISSN 0006-2510.
  4. ↑ Top Albums/CDs - Volume 59, No. 26, July 18 1994
  5. ↑ "Top Albums/CDs - Volume 60, No. 2, August 01 1994". RPM. Retrieved 2011-03-18.
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