Skillet (band)
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Skillet is a Christian Rock band originally from Tennessee that formed in 1996. The band consists of John Cooper (lead vocalist, bassist), Korey Cooper (guitarist, keyboardist, backing vocalist), Ben Kasica (guitarist), and Jen Ledger (drummer). Skillet has released seven studio albums, and has received Grammy nominations for two of these, Collide and Comatose (2006).[1] Over the past 12 years, Skillet has spanned many different genres, including Alternative, Industrial rock, and Hard rock.
Band History
Early years (1996-1999)
Skillet formed as a band in 1996 with two members: John Cooper, former bassist and vocalist for Seraph, and Ken Steorts, the guitarist for Urgent Cry. Befriending through touring together, they released a split EP with both bands contributing four songs each. Urgent Cry and Seraph disbanded soon after, and John and Ken's pastor encouraged them to start their own band.[1] Coming from different styles of rock music, the two decided to name the band Skillet, since it was like "throwing it all in a Skillet, and see what you come up with".[citation needed]. Soon after, Trey McClurkin joined the band as a temporary drummer. Skillet had only been together for one month before they received interest from the major Christian record label ForeFront Records.[citation needed] In late 1996, they released a self-titled debut, Skillet. The album did well and the trio continued to write new material as they toured the United States.
Skillet recorded their follow-up album throughout 1997, entitled Hey You, I Love Your Soul, which was released in April 1998. Their second effort was a change in style from the band's first release. With this release, Skillet would abandon their post-grunge approach for a lighter alternative rock that was more dependent on John's keyboarding. His wife Korey was enlisted soon after to play keyboards live in order to alleviate John's live performance duties.
Invincible, Ardent Worship and Alien Youth (2000-2002)
Shortly before the band began recording for their third album, Invincible, Steorts left the band to be with his family [citation needed], and Kevin Haaland joined the band as their new guitarist. Korey Cooper joined the band permanently and played keyboards for the recording of Invincible. Because of this change, the musical style on Invincible changed to a more electronic sound.[2] Soon after the release of Invincible in early 2000, Trey McClurkin parted ways with Skillet, and Lori Peters filled the drummer's position. Invincible would be Skillet's best selling record thus far.
The band released their first worship album, and fourth album overall, Ardent Worship in fall of 2000. The band continued to use a sound similar to that on Invincible with their next album, Alien Youth.[2] With little time between touring and recording, Skillet released Alien Youth in 2001, which was the first album that John Cooper took on production duties. Before the release of Alien Youth, Haaland left the band, and Ben Kasica took over on guitar. The first single, the title track, was a major hit in the Christian market and drove Skillet into their first headlining shows.
Collide (2003-2005)
In 2003, Collide was released by Ardent Records. It caught the attention of Andy Karp, the Head of A&R of Lava Records, and in 2004 the rights to Collide were bought by Lava Records, a division of Atlantic Records. On May 25, 2004, Collide was re-released under Lava Records, with an added track, "Open Wounds". Collide was yet another musical shift for the band. Citing Linkin Park and P.O.D. as inspiration for the musical shift on Collide, Cooper said "Well I’m one of these song writers, everything I hear goes through my John Cooper filter of what I like and what I don’t like... all these things... have been an influence on me."
Comatose (2006-present)
Skillet's next album was titled Comatose and was released on October 3, 2006. The album spawned the singles "Rebirthing," "Whispers In The Dark," "The Older I Get," "Those Nights," and "The Last Night". John Cooper said on their official website, "As soon as my feet hit the stage, I know no matter how many people are there I'm going to give it everything I've got. I'm going to do the best show I can do; the wildest show. I'm gonna rock it. I think we captured that feeling on our record." [3]
Comatose Deluxe Edition includes songs from their latest album Comatose in regular and acoustic versions. The cd also includes a new song called Live Free or Let me Die
In January 2008, Skillet announced that their drummer, Lori Peters, was retiring from the band, feeling that "it's time for her to come off of the road and start a new chapter in her life." Peters' last concert with Skillet was on December 31, 2007.[4] However, during the 2007 Christmas season, Lori took the time to train Skillet's new drummer, Jen Ledger.[4]
Skillet has also created a new single to add to the Comatose Deluxe Edition called "Live Free or Let Me Die."
On the Skillet fan boards it has been officially announced that Skillet will be returning to the studio in the fall to start work on their new album which will be released in the Spring of 09. A recent blog post by Ben Kasica stated that they had about 20 songs written for recording
Skillet will be releasing the Comatose Comes Alive CD/DVD Combo on October 21st of 2008 which is a Live recording of their May 9th 2008 show in Chattanooga Tennessee[2]
Tours
In the middle of 2006, Korey Cooper took a break from performing, due to her pregnancy with their second child. Her back-up guitar and keyboard role was temporarily filled by two people: Drea Winchell (who would later become the Cooper's nanny) on keys, and Chris Marvin on guitar.
Skillet teamed up with Ron Luce & Teen Mania Ministries on their Acquire The Fire Tour across the United States & Canada in 2007. When they returned Skillet teamed up with Flyleaf to co-headline the Justice & Mercy Tour, Live Photos from That Tour. That tour was postponed/canceled after a number of shows due to Flyleaf's lead singer, Lacey Mosley's vocal problem. They will team up with Luce in his Global Expeditions program on a missions trip with teenage missionaries this summer on a trip to Mexico.
Decyfer Down joined Skillet for a March 31 through May 20 tour.
Skillet joined Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, and Seether on the first half of their tour in fall 2007.[5]
Skillet participated in the Winter Jam 2008 tour.
Skillet headlined their own Comatose Tour alongside Thousand Foot Krutch, and traveled to approximately 30 cities. The tour started on March 28th and ran through May 11th, 2008 - Live Photos from that Tour.[6]
Skillet frequents the Christian music festival entitled "Soulfest" where many other Christian artists play alongside them, and played at the 2008 World Pulse Fest in South Bend, IN with stated intentions to return.
Panheads
"Panheads" is a nickname given to fans of Skillet, since they are named after a pan. On the 2007-2008 WinterJam Tour, Skillet was quoted saying, "So you're probably wondering where the name comes from. We were named after a frying pan. No, no...here's the real story...we...were...named...after a frying pan." Former guitarist Ken Steorts once said, "There are three levels in 'Skillethood': those who don't know, those who become 'Skilletfanz' through hearing our music, and then 'Panheads' - those who come to three or four shows traveling up to 10 hours, bringing skillets, banners, writing on their cars, and so forth. Of course, we love them all, but we have a special place in our hearts for 'Panheads'."[7]
Band members
Current members
- John Cooper - lead vocals, bass (1996-present)
- Korey Cooper - guitar, keyboard, backing vocals (1999-present)
- Ben Kasica - guitar (2001-present)
- Jen Ledger - drums (2008-present)
Former members
- Ken Steorts - guitar (1996 - 1999, founder of Visible School in Memphis, TN, a music and worship arts college)
- Trey McClurkin - drums (1996 - 2000)
- Kevin Haaland - guitar (1999 - 2001)
- Faith Stern - keyboards, backing vocals (2002 - 2003, live shows only)
- Chris Marvin - guitar, backing vocals (2002 - 2003, 2005 - 2006, live shows only)
- Drea Winchell - keyboard (2005 - 2006, live shows only)
- Lori Peters - drums (2000 - 2008)
Discography
Albums
- Skillet (1996)
- Hey You, I Love Your Soul (1998)
- Invincible (2000)
- Ardent Worship (2000)
- Alien Youth (2001)
- Collide (2003)
- Comatose (2006)
- Untitled 8th studio album (2009)
Singles
| Album | Year | Single | Chart history (Peak Position) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skillet | 1996 | "I Can" (Christian Formats) |
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| Skillet | 1996 | "Gasoline" (Christian Formats) |
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| Skillet | 1996 | "Saturn" (Christian Formats) |
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| Skillet | 1996 | "My Beautiful Robe" (Christian Formats) |
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| Hey You, I Love Your Soul | 1998 | "Hey You, I Love Your Soul" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Top 98 of 1998: #30 |
| Hey You, I Love Your Soul | 1998 | "Locked in a Cage" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Top 98 of 1998: #4, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #1 |
| Hey You, I Love Your Soul | 1998 | "More Faithful" (Christian Formats) |
|
| Hey You, I Love Your Soul | 1999 | "Suspended in You" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Top 99 of 1999: #61, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #3 |
| Hey You, I Love Your Soul | 1999 | "Take" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Top 99 of 1999: #33, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #8 |
| Hey You, I Love Your Soul | 1999 | "Whirlwind" (Christian Formats) |
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| Invincible | 2000 | "Best Kept Secret" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #25, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #1 (4 weeks) |
| Invincible | 2000 | "Invincible" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #8, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #1 (2 weeks) |
| Invincible | 2000 | "You're Powerful" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #51, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: Top 5 |
| Invincible | 2000 | "Come On to the Future" (Christian Formats) |
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| Invincible | 2000 | "Rest" (Christian Formats) |
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| Invincible | 2000 | "The One" (Christian Formats) |
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| Invincible | 2000 | "You Take My Rights Away" (Christian Formats) |
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| Ardent Worship | 2000 | "Shout to the Lord" (Christian Formats) |
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| Ardent Worship | 2000 | "Your Name Is Holy" (Christian Formats) |
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| Alien Youth | 2001 | "Alien Youth" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #14, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #2 |
| Alien Youth | 2001 | "Eating Me Away" (Christian Formats) |
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| Alien Youth | 2001 | "Rippin' Me Off" (Christian Formats) |
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| Alien Youth | 2001 | "Stronger" (Christian Formats) |
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| Alien Youth | 2001 | "You Are My Hope" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #98, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #15 |
| Alien Youth | 2002 | "Earth Invasion" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #35, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30 #6 |
| Alien Youth | 2002 | "Kill Me, Heal Me" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #20, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #6 |
| Alien Youth | 2002 | "Vapor" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #14, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #1 (1 week) |
| Alien Youth | 2003 | "The Thirst Is Taking Over" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #87, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #16 |
| Collide | 2003 | "Forsaken" (Christian Formats) |
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| Collide | 2004 | "My Obsession" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #28, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #1 (1 week) |
| Collide | 2004 | "Savior" | Mainstream Rock tracks #26 Billboard; ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #21, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #1 (6 weeks) |
| Collide | 2004 | "Open Wounds" | ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #10, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #1 (9 weeks) |
| Collide | 2005 | "Under My Skin" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #13, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #2 |
| Collide | 2005 | "Collide" (Christian Formats) |
ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #49, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #5 |
| Collide | 2005 | "A Little More" (Christian Formats) |
|
| Comatose | 2006 | "Rebirthing" (Christian Formats) |
Peak Position: #4 CHR, #1 Rock Radio and Records; ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #3, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #1 (16 weeks) |
| Comatose | 2006 | "Whispers in the Dark" | Mainstream Rock tracks #34 Billboard, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #2, #1 Rock Radio and Records |
| Comatose | 2007 | "The Older I Get" | Mainstream Rock tracks #26 Billboard, #1 CHR (R&R |
| Comatose | 2007 | "The Last Night" | Mainstream Rock Tracks #38 Billboard, Peak Position: #1 CHR, #1 Rock Radio and Records, ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #7, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #1 (1 week), #1 most played song on Christian CHR Radio stations in 2007[8] |
| Comatose | 2007 | "Comatose" (Christian Formats) |
Peak Position; #1 Rock Radio and Records; ChristianRock.Net Annual Top 100: #19, ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #5 |
| Comatose: Deluxe Edition | 2008 | "Live Free or Let Me Die" (Christian Formats) |
Peak Position: #2 Rock Radio and Records; ChristianRock.Net Weekly Top 30: #4 |
| Comatose | 2008 | "Those Nights" (Christian Formats) |
Peak Position: #1 CHR (5 Weeks) |
Billboard-charting singles
| U.S. Mainstream Rock | U.S. Hot Christian Songs | |||
| 2004 | "Savior" | Collide | ||
| 2006 | "Rebirthing" | Comatose | ||
| 2006 | "Whispers in the Dark" | Comatose | ||
| 2007 | "The Older I Get" | Comatose | ||
| 2007 | "The Last Night" | Comatose | ||
| 2008 | "Those Nights" | Comatose | ||
TV
Skillet appeared on Mobile Home Disaster.
Nominations
Grammy Nominations
Skillet has received two Grammy nominations:
- "Best Rock Gospel Album" in 2005 (Collide)[9]
- "Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album" in 2007 (Comatose).[1]
GMA Dove Award wins
"Rock Recorded Song of the Year" for "Comatose" at the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards on April 23rd 2008.[10]
References in media
- The song "A Little More" can be added to the Christian video game Dance Praise via the Dance Praise Expansion Pack Volume 3: Pop & Rock Hits.
- The song "You Are My Hope" appeared in the episode "Back to the Garden" on the TV show Joan of Arcadia. It was also heard on "America's Next Top Model".
- The song "Best Kept Secret" and "Invincible" appeared in the movie "Carmen: The Champion".
- The song "Best Kept Secret" is used as the theme for the New Jersey-based Christian teen show, Real Faith TV.
- The song "Come on to the Future" was featured on the soundtrack for the movie Extreme Days.
References
- ^ a b CCMMagazine.com: Skillet Closes Out 2007 With Grammy Nomination - Retrieved March 13, 2008
- ^ a b Skillet - a Review of The Phantom Tollbooth
- ^ Official website
- ^ a b Skillet News
- ^ IGN: Breaking Benjamin Fall Tour Schedule
- ^ CCMMagazine.com, Skillet Announces Spring Comatose Tour
- ^ CrossMap Lyrics - Skillet Biography, Discography
- ^ 2007 Year End Charts/Top Christian CHR songs, R&R magazine, Retrieved January 6 2008
- ^ Skillet News - January 06, 2005, Retrieved March 13, 2008
- ^ 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards Recap | Christian Music - Gospel Music Channel