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“Awakening the Beast” Written by Mark Allen

In the beginning, before the mighty DR. GRIND...

David, a resident of Port Angeles, WA, threw himself into life as a drummer before the early age of eighteen years old. He was willing and determined, and this led him to an atmosphere of bars, where he dedicated his time to playing a classic rock genre he had never before heard, let alone played. The "B-room classic rock band" resulted in good money. However, he was unable to consume alcohol, or stay inside of these establishments during breaks, a common setback to engaging in the music scene as the youngest member. An original project was created with friend and guitar player John Tippens. The duo recruited another friend, guitar player Tom Moore. Together the trio formed several bands in the Port Angeles area and wrote and developed future songs. Eventually, both John and Tom re-located to New Mexico.

A year or two later, Dave decided to make some changes. He made a call to John and Tom, decided to explain his ideas, try to take advantage of the Seattle music scene, and together become a name in a soon to be booming industry. The idea of a "super group" was born.

They ventured to Seattle, knowing full well the kind of work they had cut out for them. A few other phone calls took place regarding a vocalist, and it led to Rick, lead vocals. Rick was also, coincidentally, from New Mexico, but had just departed. He was in the middle of a band project titled 1-800 with his brother, but was also ready for a change. The final piece to the puzzle was added with bass player Danny, a man they met through mutual friends involved in the local music scene. DR. GRIND ...was formed.

After months of hard work, songwriting and practicing, DR. GRIND landed its first show in Ballard, WA the "Ballard Firehouse". This show led to an utter explosion of shows throughout the next couple of years. Working their way through the clubs diligently, their following began to reach thousands. In 1991, they played a show at a well-known club in Seattle known as Parkers. The band slated to play had bowed out, so using another band's equipment, they played a few of their songs. As a result, a meeting followed the end of the show with a man named Darrel, and he became the band's official manager over the next couple of years. He formally created Jett City Records, an Indie record label.

The success they achieved on local airways was outstanding, due to opening for bands such as Foghat, Ugly Kid Joe, and Robin Trower. They also did a few radio spots for Jim Hadley promoting "The Experience" a clothing store in Seattle that catered to musicians and rock music fans alike.

DR. GRIND's first demo was recorded at Full-Voice Audio in Seattle, with a man named Maverick Gibson, (Rest in peace) at "The Knobs." The demo saw a fair amount of success. As they gained more popularity, they decided to go for their first full length, self-titled, debut CD, also recorded by Maverick Gibson at Full Voice audio and finishing up with Lou Michaels at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California.

After a grueling schedule involving playing and touring the west coast, personality conflicts arose. The onset of "grunge" reared its ugly head, and management issues became apparent. DR. GRIND disbanded in 1996.