Formed by drummer Skinny in 1993, Mushroomhead was originally a side-project for members of other Cleveland bands. They played their first show on October 22nd of that year. The members wore a variety of masks to hide their identity and for theatrical impact. One of the vocalists, J Mann, eventually stopped wearing a mask and just put white make-up on his face with black make-up on his mouth and around his eyes, similar to make-up worn in the movie Dead Presidents.
Mushroomhead quickly became one of Cleveland's top local acts and developed a devoted fanbase. Mushroomhead's self-titled debut album was released independently in 1995, followed by Superbuick in 1996 and M3 in 1999. Over the course of those 3 albums the band had several line-up changes: Bassist Mr Murdernickel was replaced by Pig Benis after the first album, female dancer Roxy left, guitarist Dinner was replaced by Gravy, male dancer Bronson went to playing samples and then took over as 2nd Guitarist when J.J. Righteous left. During this time Mushroomhead was the #1 underground band in Cleveland.
Roadrunner Records approached Mushroomhead with a record contract which they declined. The band eventually got signed to Eclipse Records in 2000, and their next album, XX (a "best of" compilation), came out the following year. In 2001, Mushroomhead's members included drummer/founder Skinny, lead vocalists J. Mann and Jeffrey Nothing, guitarists Bronson and Gravy, keyboardist Shmotz, bassist Pig Benis, and sample provider Stitch when they signed to Universal Records to re-release XX. During this time Jeffrey Nothing also ditched his trademark goat / devil masks in favor of face paint.
Their first proper effort for the label was 2003's dynamic XIII, but the band soon parted ways with not only Universal, but also vocalist J. Mann during a subsequent tour. Undeterred, Mushroomhead pressed on with their D.I.Y. ethos intact and welcomed new frontman Waylon, formerly of 3 Quarters Dead, into the fray. Second guitarist Bronson would depart not long after Waylon's entry, leaving to study in film school. The DVD Mushroomhead, Volume 1 followed in mid-2005 before the guys returned in September 2006 with Savior Sorrow, released through New York-based indie Megaforce Records.
Mushroomhead released another DVD titled Volume 2 on October 28th 2008 and the band released the album Beautiful Stories for Ugly Children in 2010 via Megaforce Records.
Late in 2013, it was announced via social media that original vocalist J.Mann would be returning to the band. This leaves Mushroomhead with 3 active vocalists. There were some other lineup changes along the way, with new members Church stepping in on guitar, Dr. F on bass, and Roberto Diablo on percussion.
In May of 2014, the band will release their 7th studio album, The Righteous and the Butterfly, once again via Megaforce Records. This album will be the first to feature all 3 vocalists and the rest of the newer members.
Current
"Jeffrey Nothing" – Vocals (1993 - present)
"Waylon" – Vocals (2004 - present)
"J Mann" - Vocals (1993 - 2004, 2013 - present)
"Church" - Guitars (2012 - present)
"Dr. F" - Bass (2012 - present)
"Shmotz" – Keyboards (1993 - present)
"ST1TCH" – Turntables, Electronics, Samples, water drums (2001 - present)
"Skinny" – Drums, Percussion (1993 - present)
"Roberto Diablo" - Percussion (2013 - present)
Former
"Gravy" – Guitars (1999 – present)
"Pig Benis" – Bass (1995 - present)
"DJ Virus" - turntables (1993 – 1995)
"Mr. Murdernickel" - bass (1993 – 1995)
"Dinner" - guitars (1993 – 1998)
"Roxy" - dancing, electronics (1993 – 2000)
"J.J. Righteous" - guitars (1993 – 2001) (R.I.P.-J.J. passed away on October 28th 2010)
"Bronson" - dancing, samples (1993 – 2001), guitars (2001 – 2006)
A little more history:
Since 1999, Mushroomhead has had an on-and-off rivalry with Iowa-based band Slipknot. The feud erupted due to the image similarities between the bands. Many fans of Mushroomhead claim Slipknot stole their 'masked' look, and vice-versa. In an interview with Soundbites, then lead singer of Mushroomhead Jason Popson stated, "It seems a little strange, because they look so much like us and they have the same number of members and some of the same masks, and it was a little too strange that their record label had all of our material. I think it's obvious that they borrowed material from our show."
An incident between Mushroomhead fans and Slipknot themselves occurred when Slipknot trekked to Cleveland as part of their tour in support of their debut album. Mushroomhead fans flocked to the concert and peppered Slipknot with batteries, rocks, bottles of piss, etc., forcing them off-stage. In a press conference, Slipknot lead singer Corey Taylor stated that members of Mushroomhead had encouraged fans to do these acts. However, Mushroomhead has publicly stated that the band in no way encourages this sort of behavior, nor were any band members even at the show where the incident took place.
In a May 2007 interview it Imhotep.com, singer Jeffrey Nothing stated that the day after the Cleveland incident, his then girlfriend went down to the venue and the members of Slipknot and some of their crew harassed her saying: "You're wearing a Mushroomhead shirt, what do you know?" And they said it was our idea that you stole and now you are mocking us that we stole this masked-looking from you?, "The bottom line is: here is our city, our fans support us completely! They felt just as fucked over by these puny 'Clowns' as us and they aren't afraid to show it. "Welcome to Cleveland bitches." In 2005 Mushroomhead dressed as Slipknot for three shows in the northeast Ohio area, avidly mocking the band.
Mushroomhead's 2006 Midnight Halloween performance started with an announcement over the PA: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Slipknot will not be appearing tonight,” which was greeted by chants of “Fuck Slipknot!” from the sold-out Agora Theatre. Soon after, the lights came up, revealing their Nightmare Before Christmas-themed set, complete with falling snow. St1tch and Little Dan (Skinny’s drum tech and drummer for Ventana) came out wearing masks from two members of Slipknot. Dan wearing Chris Fehn’s mask with the Pinocchio-style nose, Stitch wearing Shawn “Clown” Crahan’s mask.
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Elevation
Mushroomhead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics of Mushroomhead's song "Elevation" sound like a cry for help from someone who is completely lost and numb. The opening line "How Am I Supposed To Think? Can I Feel?" expresses the confusion that the person is feeling, and the following lines "My Hands Are Numb, My Feet Oh No My Dick Is Dumb" suggest a feeling of physical and emotional paralysis. The repetition of the word "elevation" throughout the song seems to represent a desire to rise above this state, but the succeeding lines reveal the obstacles that keep this person from achieving it.
The line "And The Rain Came Down Plucked My Sight What's In My Head Now?" paints a picture of someone who is blinded by their circumstances and unable to think clearly. The following lines "Any Day Now What Do I Feel When I Awake? I Feel So Low" show a person who is deeply depressed and in the grip of a emotional despair. The final lines "And Every Time I Get Up They're Pulling Me Down, Elevation I Said My Hands Are Numb, My Feet Oh No, Can't Get My Feet Up Off The Ground, How Am I Supposed To Think, now? I Said My Hands Are Numb, My Feet Oh No." reveal the frustration of someone who is constantly thwarted in their attempts to break free from their situation.
All in all, the lyrics of Mushroomhead's "Elevation" paint a powerful image of someone who is struggling to overcome their circumstances and find a way out of their emotional paralysis.
Line by Line Meaning
How Am I Supposed To Think? Can I Feel?
I am struggling to comprehend my surroundings and question whether or not I am capable of experiencing emotions.
My Hands Are Numb, My Feet Oh No My Dick Is Dumb
I am experiencing physical sensations of numbness and weakness in my extremities, and a lack of sexual desire or ability.
Elevation, Elevation, Elevation And The Rain Came Down
I am seeking a way to rise above my current state of being, while being weighed down by the burdens of life raining down upon me.
Plucked My Sight What's In My Head Now?
Something has taken away my clear vision of the future and I am struggling to understand my current state of mind.
Any Day Now What Do I Feel When I Awake?
I am uncertain what each day will bring and upon awakening, I am faced with feelings of uncertainty and confusion.
I Feel So Low, I Said My Hands Are Numb, Where Am I From When I Am Lost?
I feel deep sadness and despair, unsure of my purpose and direction in life when I am lost in my thoughts and surroundings.
Like A Cheap Parlor Trick Slight Of Hand And The Blood Covers A Soul, My Feet Oh No, Elevation
I feel as if I am being deceived or manipulated, and this has caused me to lose touch with my soul and sense of self. Despite my struggles, I continue to seek elevation.
And Every Time I Get Up They're Pulling Me Down, Elevation
Whenever I try to rise above my problems, I feel as though something or someone is constantly trying to bring me back down to my lowest point.
I Said My Hands Are Numb, My Feet Oh No, Can't Get My Feet Up Off The Ground, How Am I Supposed To Think, now?
I reiterate my physical and mental struggles, feeling trapped and unable to move forward or make sense of my life.
I Said My Hands Are Numb, My Feet Oh No.
I repeat my feelings of physical numbness and weakness, emphasizing the intensity of my struggles.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JEFFERY L. HETRICK, JOHN SEKULA, JOHN F. KILCOYNE, STEVE FELTON, THOMAS SCHMITZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind