Drowning Pool: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Saliva
• System of a Down
• Tool
• Pantera
• Coal Chamber
• Godsmack
• Korn

• SOiL

Formed:

Dec 31, 1969 in Dallas, TX

Disbanded:

Aug 1, 2002 in Indianapolis, IN

Genres:

Rock Music, Alternative Rock Music

Decades Active:

1990's|2000's

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

Dallas-based heavy metal group, Drowning Pool was one of the most promising bands of the early 2000s. Their debut album, Sinner, was certified platinum within six weeks of its release while their first single, "Bodies", was one of the most-frequently aired videos on MTVby a new band. They reached out to an ever-greater audience with dynamic performances at Wrestlemania XVIII and Ozzfest performances during the summers of 2001 and 2002. Unfortunately, their streak of success was not to last. Shortly after rousing the crowd at Ozzfest, in Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 3, 2002, vocalist Dave “Stage" Williams was found dead, of natural causes, on the tour bus. The group disbanded shortly afterwards.

Drowning Pool represented the vision of drummer Mike Luce and guitarist C.J. Pierce, who formed the band, after relocating from New Orleans to Dallas, and hooking up with bassist Stevie Benton. Although they initially performed as an instrumental trio, their sound coalesced with the arrival of Williams as vocalist.

Drowning Pool experienced success from the outset. When a copy of their first demo reached members of Sevendust, they were invited to tour with the industrial metal group. Tours with Kittie and HED (PE) followed. Their second demo, recorded after two years on the road, reached the top ten on Dallas radio station, KEGI, and led to a contract with the Windup Records label. Produced by Papa Roach, Orgy, Godsmack and Coal Chamber producer, Jay Baumgardner, their first album, Sinner became an instant hit.

A DVD, Sinema, featuring more than two and a half hours of concert footage, was released in late-2002.

- Craig Harris, All Music Guide