Prong was founded in 1986 by singer/guitarist Tommy Victor (then a soundman at New York City's renowned CBGB's). With bassist Mike Kirkland (formely of NYHC band Damage and doorman at CBGB’s) and ex-Swans drummer Ted Parsons, Prong released two independent CDs that were noted for their brutal hardcore sound.
Epic Records saw the band's potential and signed them in 1989. Prong's major label debut album Beg to Differ, was released in 1990.
In the following year, Kirkland left the band and was replaced by Ex-Flotsam and Jetsam bassist Troy Gregory. Prong issued their fourth release Prove You Wrong which saw the band experiment with programming and electronic samples while still retaining an aggressive yet melodic sensibility.
By 1994, Troy Gregory was out of the band and was replaced by Paul Raven (bassist) and John Bechdel (keyboard), both from Killing Joke and Murder, Inc. The new line up released Cleansing (Prong’s 5th major release). With a strong industrial sound that still managed to be hard and heavy, Cleansing contained songs that are still considered Prong classics ("Broken Peace" and "Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck") and is Prong’s most successful release to date. The videos for these two songs became staples of MTV’s legendary Headbangers Ball.
Prong's sixth album Rude Awakening was released in 1996. The album was not as successful as the last three albums. Shortly thereafter Parsons left the band to join Godflesh. Tommy Victor left New York and moved to Los Angeles. As the band Prong sat idle, Tommy Victor worked with legends of the rock world, including Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, celldweller and Glenn Danzig.
In 2002, Victor re-formed Prong with bassist Brian Perry, drummer Dan Laudo and guitarist Monte Pittman (Madonna). In 2002, after a 42-show American tour that was recorded for a live CD (100% Live, Locomotive Music) Prong entered the studio and recorded a new CD titled Scorpio Rising which was received with mixed responses.
Victor played on and off again with Glen Danzig from 1998 -2005 in between time with Prong. His final goal of playing and writing on a Danzig record was met with Circle of Snakes in 2004.
Prong released a live 2-disc DVD in 2005 entitled "The Vault" which features performances from the Hulstsfred and With Full Force festivals and a full show in Amsterdam. This disc has Mike Longworth on bass as well, who later replaced Perry. As a result of the drum performance on Scorpio Rising , band members Tommy Victor and Monte Pittman decided a change needed to be made. This resulted in the firing of Dan Laudo and the enlistment Aaron Rossi, who used to be in the bands Strife (Victory Records), Shelter (Century Media Records), John 5 (Shrapnel Records), and Ankla (Bieler Bros. Records)
Victor and Raven joined Ministry in 2005 to write and tour in support of their album Rio Grande Blood (2006). They were nominated for a Grammy in 2007 for the song Senior Peligro in the "Best Metal Performance" category. The two also appear on Ministry's follow up album The Last Sucker (2007), although in a more limited capacity.
On June 4th, 2007, Prong posted a MySpace bulletin stating that they were recording in El Paso, Texas. The band left Locomotive Music, and were signed to Al Jourgensen's 13th Planet Records, who released their latest album Power of the Damager on October 2, 2007.
The band embarked on the "Slicing Across America" and "Slicing Across Europe" tours supporting Power of the Damager in 2007 and early 2008. Joining Tommy Victor in the current live membership of the band is bassist Monte Pittman and drummer Aaron Rossi.
Paul Raven died of an apparent heart attack in his sleep on October 20, 2007 at the age of 46. He was recording with French recording artists Treponem Pal on their new album with Ted Parsons at the time of his death.
Aaron Rossi was joining Ministry as their new drummer on the "C U LaTour" which started in March 2008.
In February 2008, Headbanger's Ball premiered the video "Power Of The Damager".
Beg To Differ
Prong Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rather be a fool and see things clearer
You found a quick way to fill your pocket
That's the way in a world that's lost it
To fall in line
Its meaningless, mindlessness
I beg to differ
Disharmony amongst all our brothers
No desire to walk beside you
Nothing positive when forced upon you
(So fall in line) Just fall in line
It's meaningless, mindlessness
I beg to differ
The lyrics of Prong's song "Beg to Differ" are complex, filled with meaning and layered with a hint of sarcasm. It talks about the appeal of conforming to society's expectations even if it goes against one's beliefs or values. The opening lines, "You make the right moves, I beg to differ, rather be a fool and see things clearer" implies that while the world may view the person as foolish, they prefer to stand by their principles and not succumb to societal pressure.
The next few lyrics "You found a quick way to fill your pocket, that's the way in a world that's lost it" suggest that people tend to choose the 'easy' way to make money, even if it means compromising on their ethics. The line "its meaningless, mindlessness, I beg to differ" further emphasizes the hollowness of such an approach, and how it is imperative to raise one's voice against it.
The lyrics then talk about the disharmony amongst individuals, and how people tend to hold onto grudges, which is portrayed as being acceptable. This is followed by a line that explains the importance of individual freedom, implying that forced conformance to society's expectations is both pointless and detrimental. The chorus "so fall in line, it's meaningless, mindlessness, I beg to differ," reiterates the idea that forcing people to adhere to norms without acknowledging their individuality is ultimately futile.
Overall, Prong's "Beg to Differ" is a song that celebrates being true to oneself, regardless of social expectations. It suggests that the key to a fulfilling life is in choosing one's own path, even if it is a harder or unconventional one.
Line by Line Meaning
You make the right moves, I beg to differ
I disagree with your choices, although you believe they are correct
Rather be a fool and see things clearer
I would rather be foolish and have a realistic perspective on a situation
You found a quick way to fill your pocket
You discovered a fast method to make money
That's the way in a world that's lost it
In a broken world, this is the norm for how people make money
To fall in line
To comply with what is expected or popular
Its meaningless, mindlessness
This behavior lacks purpose or intelligence
I beg to differ
I have a differing opinion than what you believe
Disharmony amongst all our brothers
There is discord and strife among all people
That's okay, be true to our grudges
It is acceptable to hold onto our resentments and animosity towards others
No desire to walk beside you
I do not wish to be your companion or ally
Nothing positive when forced upon you
Being compelled to do something does not lead to beneficial outcomes
(So fall in line) Just fall in line
Although there is no value, it is still expected to comply with what is popular
It's meaningless, mindlessness
This action is purposeless and foolish
I beg to differ
My opinion diverges from what you believe
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PARSONS, VICTOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@billy67868
One of the most cerebral, yet underrated metal bands of all times, but their metal peers revere the mighty PRONG. All hail!
@andresespinoza2900
Bitch it’s like Britney Spears with electric guitars
@dtcdtc8328
@Andres Espinoza Wrong , No pedophiles in or making this video
@sonicoda3307
The drummer… why is he so good? Underrated band.
@HyperTriggerEx
I saw Prong on this tour back in 1990 as they were the support act for Faith No More. It was only the 2nd gig I went to at the young age of 15. Both bands killed it that night.
@deweytucker5413
Nice!!!
@stefanobasso9832
Saw them the same tour in Milan 1990...and headliners at Dynamo 1994...amazing power.. so underrated band!
@thejason9102
I'm on a Prong kick right now. Listening to anything and everything by them. Love these guys!
@nq1313
Helmet got so much attention in this era but Prong had my attention for sure. They still hold up. East coast hardcore.
@simonfoxall7862
I saw live in Birmingham UK back in 90/91. I hadn't even heard of them! I lost a shoe in the mosh. Found it eventually and sat on the stage while I put it back on! Bought their album the day after and listened to it endlessly. Brilliant stuff.