The Urge

The Urge
Origin	St. Louis, MO, USA
Genres	Alternative rock, reggae, alternative metal, ska, rap rock, funk rock, hardcore punk
Years active	1987–2001, 2003–2005, 2011-present
Labels	Epic/Immortal
Associated acts	LucaBrasi (formerly Seven), Stevie E (Steve Ewing solo), El Monstero, Joe Dirt and the Dirty Boys, Ulcer Inc., Shooting With Annie, Celebration Day
Members	Steve Ewing Karl Grable Jerry Jost Matt Kwiatkowski John Pessoni Bill Reiter
Past members	Jeff Herschel Pat Malecek Jordan Chalden Todd Painter

The Urge is an alternative rock band based in St. Louis, Missouri. Their music combines several genres, including hardcore punk, heavy metal, ska, reggae, funk, rock, and rhythm and blues. Consistent touring throughout the 1990s earned the band a reputation for high-energy live performances.

The Urge was originally formed in 1987 by Webster Groves High School classmates Jeff Herschel (drums) and Karl Grable (bass), and Pat Malecek (guitar) of Saint Louis University High School. The band went through two singers before recruiting Steve Ewing for vocal duties in 1988. Their first album was released in 1989, the cassette-only Bust Me Dat Forty, followed a year later by the LP Puttin the Backbone Back, which featured the addition of saxophonist Jordan Chalden.

After trombonist Matt Kwiatkowski was recruited in 1992, the group released Magically Delicious, which also featured contributions from trumpeter Tony Albano. Chalden left the band shortly after to deal with substance abuse problems. Later that year, the group added saxophonist/keyboardist Bill Reiter and trombonist/keyboardist Todd Painter. In early 1993, the band released the LP Fat Babies in the Mix, a live concert album recorded at Mississippi Nights.

After Herschel and Malecek left the band in 1994 to pursue other career paths, guitarist Jerry Jost and drummer John Pessoni joined the lineup. Frequent touring with 311 increased the band's fan base.

...
Wikipedia