The Verve Pipe

With a reputation for spectacular live performances, the genesis of multi-platinum artist The Verve Pipe can be traced back to the early 90s when the principal members of two rival Michigan bands joined forces. After releasing two independent albums, I’ve Suffered A Head Injury and Pop Smear; the group quickly garnered a regional following for its textured rock songs distinguished by innovative arrangements, soul-searching lyrics, and layered vocals.

The success of both albums attracted the attention of RCA Records, which released their platinum major label debut, Villains, in 1996. The album featured the radio hit “Photograph” and the #1 single “The Freshmen,” one of the most successful multiformat tracks of 1997 and winner of an ASCAP Pop Award. Their follow-up release, the critically acclaimed self-titled LP The Verve Pipe, featured “Hero,” a Top 15 hit at Modern Rock radio.

In 2001, RCA released Underneath, which produced the singles “Happiness Is” and “Never Let You Down,” one of the most-played songs for Adult Top 40 and Modern A/C radio that year. The album also included “Colorful,” the emotive ballad featured in the film and soundtrack Rock Star, starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston and also co-starring lead singer Brian Vander Ark in his first major film role.