New York City-bred rock band Spin Doctors continue to bring their highly-recognizable tunes to the stage, more than thirty years after their debut.
The Spin Doctors released the debut successful record, Pocket Full of Kryptonite, in 1991. The album included its superhit “Two Princes,” as well as “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” and “What Time Is It?”
Three decades have passed since the band made their mark in the music scene, and the alt-rock band keeps touring and performing stages all over the country. Three of its original members are still in the lineup – lead vocalist Chris Barron, guitarist Eric Schenkman, and drummer Aaron Comess.
The alt-rock band will open for 90s mega hitters Smash Mouth at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Oct. 6.
Drummer Aaron Comess shared what keeps the Spin Doctors rocking after three decades.
What were some of your early musical influences that shaped your sound?
We all share a love for classic rock, blues, soul and jazz. Some artists we all love are the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Miles Davis, James Brown, John Coltrane, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, and the list goes on and on and on.
Your album “Pocket Full of Kryptonite” was a huge success. What do you think contributed to its popularity?
The timing was just right for that record. Without trying, we developed our own organic sound, which is a natural mix of all our collective influences. I think we all feel lucky for the chemistry we have.
Could you share some behind-the-scenes stories or inspirations behind the songs on that album?
We would go to the little Spanish joint called “Comida Latina” four times a week before writing sessions or gigs or recording sessions. The food at that place is part of the songs.
Spin Doctors are known for your energetic live performances. What do you enjoy most about playing live shows?
We love to mix it up. As serious as we take our music, we dont take ourselves seriously at all, and we have a good time. No one is worried about a little mistake here or there. It’s all about the energy, and we like to mix up our set a bit overnight.
What is your audience going to experience at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts?
High energy performance of all the songs you want to hear, plus some new ones and some deep cuts.
What does it mean to you to share the stage with Smash Mouth?
We always have a blast with Smash Mouth. Great bunch of guys and they put on an incredible show. We hope to do many more shows together.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your music career since your success in the 90s?
You just take it day to day. Ups and downs, but the main thing is making great music, and we feel we are playing the best we ever had…that’s always been the goal.
What are the proudest moments or achievements in your career so far?
We are just proud to have made a career in music. That’s always been our dream from day one.
Are there any new albums or projects in the works for Spin Doctors that fans can look forward to?
We have a new record in the can that will be out in 2024. We love it.
How would you like Spin Doctors to be remembered in the history of rock music?
Just a great rock and roll band that did things their own way.
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SPIN DOCTORS
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos
Date: 8 p.m. Oct. 6
Tickets: $59 – $119
More info: cerritoscenter.com
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