Ten Inch Men
Ten Inch Men | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Long Beach, California, USA |
| Genres | Rock and roll, grunge, alternative rock |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Labels | Atlantic Rhino |
| Associated acts | Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana, Foo Fighters |
| Members | Dave Coutts Mark Templin Rusty Riopelle Steve Coutts |
| Past members | Jim Schumacher Robert DeLeo Dean DeLeo |
Ten Inch Men is a american rock band from Long Beach. Formed in 1987, they achieved great success in the 90's, mixing the grunge sound with some attributes of alternative rock, however, the band has absorbed various musical styles during their almost 40-year career, such as stoner rock and folk.
Flerte Fatal started with the line-up formed by: Dave Coutts (vocals), Mark Templin (guitar), Rusty Riopelle (bass), Jim Schumacher (keyboards) and Steve Coutts (drums). Their latest album, Ten Inch Men, was released in 2022.
History[edit]
1987–1990: Formation and Early Years[edit]
Ten Inch Men traces its roots back to the late 1980s when vocalist Dave Coutts and guitarist Mark Templin first crossed paths in their hometown of Long Beach. Bonding over their shared love for grunge and alternative rock, the duo began jamming together, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become one of the most iconic bands of the era.
Keyboard player Jim Schumacher, bassist Rusty Riopelle, and drummer Steve Coutts soon joined the fold, completing the lineup and solidifying the band's sound. Drawing inspiration from the burgeoning Californian music scene and bands like Stone Temple Pilots, Ten Inch Men honed their distinctive blend of gritty guitars, haunting melodies, and introspective lyrics.
As they honed their craft and played local gigs, Ten Inch Men quickly gained a loyal following, captivating audiences with their raw energy and captivating stage presence. By the end of the decade, they had firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Seattle music scene.
1991–1992: Breakthrough with Hours in Pain[edit]
The turning point for Ten Inch Men came in 1991 with the release of their debut album, Hours in Pain. Produced by Marvin McNeil, the album showcased the band's signature blend of gritty riffs, infectious melodies, and introspective lyrics.
Lead vocalist Dave Coutts reflects on the impact of Hours in Pain, stating, "It was a pivotal moment for us as a band. The album allowed us to reach a wider audience and solidify our place in the alternative rock landscape." Guitarist Mark Templin adds, "We poured our hearts and souls into that record. It was a cathartic experience that set the stage for everything that followed."
Hours in Pain garnered critical acclaim and propelled Ten Inch Men to newfound heights of success. Tracks like "Flower Power", "My Arms Are Wide Open" and "Good for the Soul" became anthems for a generation, while the album's raw energy and emotional depth resonated with fans around the world.
1993–1995: Pretty Vultures, Peak Popularity and John McCloy Missing[edit]
However, amidst their newfound success, bassist Rusty Riopelle decided to leave the band in 1992 because his girlfriend discovered she was pregnant and he didn't want to be absent during that period. It marked a significant turning point for Ten Inch Men, leading the band to look for a new bassist, John McCloy.
Ten Inch Men reached new heights of popularity with their sophomore album, Pretty Vultures, released in 1993. Produced by Brendan O'Brien, the album marked a stylistic evolution for the band, incorporating elements of grunge, psychedelic rock, and pop. Keyboard player Jim Schumacher reflects on the creative process behind Pretty Vultures, stating: "We wanted to push the boundaries of our sound and explore new sonic territories. The result was an album that captured the essence of who we were as a band at that moment in time."
Pretty Vultures spawned several hit singles, including "Crazy Day Dream", "Never Say Hello" and "Beautiful", further solidifying Ten Inch Men's status as one of the most influential bands of the era. The album's success propelled them to international stardom, with sold-out tours and widespread critical acclaim.
The band's trouble were further compounded by the mysterious disappearance of McCloy during the Pretty Vultures tour, leaving fans and band members alike reeling. In the wake of these challenges, Ten Inch Men made the difficult decision to go on hiatus in 1995, signaling the end of an era for the band. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their future, their impact on the alternative rock landscape would endure for years to come.
1996–2002: Talk Show, Laughter Train and Second Hiatus[edit]
After a brief hiatus, Ten Inch Men reunited with Riopelle and returned to the spotlight in 1997 with their third studio album, Talk Show. Produced by the Robert and Dean DeLeo from Stone Temple Pilots, the album showcased a renewed sense of purpose and creativity, as the band sought to reinvent themselves in the wake of their tumultuous past.
Drummer Steve Coutts reflects on the making of Talk Show, stating, "It was a challenging time for us as a band, but it was also a period of growth and reinvention. We poured everything we had into that album, and I think it really shows."
Talk Show received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its experimental sound and bold artistic choices, while others criticized its departure from the band's earlier work. Despite the lukewarm reception, the album spawned several hit singles, including "Hello Hello" and "John", reaffirming Ten Inch Men's enduring appeal.
In 2000, the band released their fourth studio album, Laughter Train, marking a return to their roots with its raw energy and infectious melodies. The album failed to match the commercial success of their earlier releases, but the tour was very sucessfull, leading to the release of their first live album Live Time.
In 2003, Templin Riopelle on new material decided to prioritize their families. The band made the difficult decision to go on hiatus for the second time, leaving fans wondering if they would ever return to the stage.
2003–2008: Line-Up Change and Albums with DeLeo Brothers[edit]
In 2003, Ten Inch Men emerged from their second hiatus with a revamped lineup and a renewed sense of purpose. With Robert and Dean DeLeo as newcomers, the band embarked on a new chapter in their storied career.
Procuded by the DeLeo Brothers, Ten Inch Men released their fifth studio album, This Wasn't Supposed to Happen, in 2004. The reception of album was marked by a degree of polarization. While some critics lauded the band's resilience and the infusion of new energy with the DeLeo brothers, others suggested that the members should consider forming a supergroup to fully explore their collective potential.
In 2006, the band released their sixth album, named Army of Anyone. The album marked a departure from previous album, incorporating elements already knew by critics and fans. Army of Anyone received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the band return to good form and infectious energy.
Bassist Robert DeLeo reflects on the making of Army of Anyone, stating, "It was a liberating experience to explore new sonic territories and push ourselves creatively. We wanted to challenge the conventions of alternative rock and create something truly unique."
Army of Anyone spawned several hit singles, including "Goodbye" and "Extraordinary People", further solidifying Ten Inch Men's reputation as innovators in the alternative rock genre. The album's success paved the way for a successful tour, with the band performing to sold-out crowds around the world.
In 2008, Ten Inch Men released their second live album, ¡Viva, Hermanos!, capturing the energy and excitement of their Army of Anyone tour. The album showcased the band's dynamic live performances and reaffirmed their status as one of the most electrifying acts in rock music.
2009–2016: Third Hiatus, Greatest Hits Album, and Death of Schumacher[edit]
Following the release of ¡Viva, Hermanos!, Ten Inch Men once again found themselves at a crossroads. The DeLeo brothers decided to reform their original band, Stone Temple Pilots, leaving fans wondering if they would ever see Ten Inch Men perform again.
During this time, Atlantic released the band's first compilation album, Crazy Day Dreams: The Singles 1991-2011. The album served as a retrospective of their illustrious career, featuring hits like "Flower Power" and "Never Say Hello" and a previously unreleased song, "Eyes of Blue".
Tragically, keyboard player Jim Schumacher passed away in 2016, marking the end of an era for Ten Inch Men. Schumacher's untimely death sent shockwaves through the music world, leaving fans and band members alike mourning the loss of a dear friend and talented musician.
2017–2023: Reunion, MTV Unplugged, and Self-Titled Album[edit]
In 2017, Ten Inch Men reunited for a series of special performances, paying tribute to their fallen comrade Jim Schumacher. Original members Mark Templin and Rusty Riopelle returned to the stage, alongside vocalist Dave Coutts and drummer Steve Coutts, marking a bittersweet moment for the band and their fans.
The highlight of Ten Inch Men's reunion came in 2019 with the release of their third live album, MTV Unplugged. Recorded in the same venue as Nirvana's legendary unplugged concert, the album showcased the band's raw talent and emotional depth, earning widespread critical acclaim and becoming their biggest selling album to date.
Bassist Rusty Riopelle reflects on the significance of MTV Unplugged, stating, "It was a cathartic experience for all of us. To be able to come together and perform in that iconic venue was truly special, and I think Jim would have been proud."
In 2022, Ten Inch Men released their self-titled seventh studio album, marking a triumphant return to the studio after years of hiatus. Produced by Brendan O'Brien, the album showcased the band's evolution and growth, featuring singles like Miss California and Saturday.
Lead vocalist Dave Coutts reflects on the band's journey, stating, "It's been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, but through it all, the music has remained constant. We're grateful for the opportunity to continue making music together and sharing our stories with the world."
2024-Present: Oldies, But Goldies! and forthcoming nineth album[edit]
In their latest endeavor, Ten Inch Men embarked on a journey through rock history with their cover album, Oldies, But Goldies!. Released in 2024, the album pays homage to their musical influences with reimagined versions of classic songs from the likes of Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and Def Leppard.
Guitarist Mark Templin reflects on the album's inception, stating, "This album was a fun and exciting project for us as a band. It allowed us to pay tribute to some of our biggest musical influences and put our own unique spin on these timeless classics."
Musical Style and Influences[edit]
Ten Inch Men's musical style is characterized by its fusion of gritty grunge riffs, melodic sensibilities, and introspective lyrics. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including classic rock, psychedelic, and alternative rock, the band has carved out a unique niche in the music landscape.
Lead vocalist Dave Coutts cites artists such as X, David Bowie and Queen and as major inspirations for his songwriting and vocal style. Guitarist Mark Templin draws influence from Led Zeppelin to Pink Floyd, channeling their raw energy and innovative spirit into his guitar playing.
Keyboard player Jim Schumacher's atmospheric textures and intricate melodies add depth and complexity to the band's sound, while bassist Rusty Riopelle and drummer Steve Coutts provide a solid rhythmic foundation, anchoring the band's dynamic performances.
Together, the members of Ten Inch Men have created a sound that is at once familiar and groundbreaking, pushing the boundaries of alternative rock and captivating audiences worldwide.
Legacy and Influence[edit]
Ten Inch Men's impact on the alternative rock landscape is undeniable. From their humble beginnings in the late 1980s to their resurgence in the present day, the band has remained at the forefront of musical innovation, inspiring countless artists (Queens of the Stone Age, The Hives, Royal Blood) and fans alike.
Their pioneering blend of grunge, psychedelic, and alternative rock has left an indelible mark on the music world, influencing a new generation of musicians and shaping the sound of alternative rock for decades to come.
In addition to their musical contributions, Ten Inch Men's legacy is also defined by their resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges and setbacks they have faced throughout their career, the band has continued to push forward, creating music that speaks to the human experience and resonates with audiences on a profound level.
Band members[edit]
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Current members
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Past members
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Discography[edit]
Studio Albums[edit]
| Title | Album Details | US | AUS | CAN | JP | NZ | UK | Certifications | Critical Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hours in Pain |
|
10 | 42 | 17 | 48 | 22 | 39 |
|
|
| Pretty Vultures |
|
2 | 3 | 5 | 13 | 8 | 15 |
|
|
| Talk Show |
|
5 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 19 |
|
|
| Laughter Train |
|
7 | 11 | 8 | 4 | 10 | 22 |
|
|
| This Wasn't Supposed to Happen |
|
3 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 16 |
|
|
| Army of Anyone |
|
4 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 11 | 14 |
|
|
| Ten Inch Men |
|
2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
|
|
| Oldies, But Goldies! |
|
- | - | - | - | - | - |
|
Live Albums[edit]
| Title | Album Details | US | AUS | CAN | JP | NZ | UK | Certifications | Critical Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Time |
|
12 | 23 | 15 | 28 | 26 | 37 |
| |
| ¡Viva, Hermanos! |
|
7 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 22 | 25 |
|
|
| MTV Unplugged |
|
1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
|
|
Compilation Albums[edit]
| Title | Album Details | US | AUS | CAN | JP | NZ | UK | Certifications | Critical Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crazy Day Dreams: The Singles 1991-2011 |
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5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 |
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Tours[edit]
| Title | Tour Details | N. America | S. America | Europe | Asia | Oceania | Africa | Notable Festivals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hours in Pain Tour |
|
103 | - | 37 | 2 | - | - |
|
| Pretty Vultures Tour |
|
68 | 5 | 46 | 4 | 2 | - |
|
| Summer Gigs 1996 |
|
18 | - | - | - | - | - |
Tours[edit]
- Hours in Pain Tour (1991-1992)
- Pretty Vultures Tour (1993-1994)
- Summer Gigs 1996 (1996)
- Talk Show Tour (1997-1999)
- Laughter Train Tour (2000-2001)
- Summer Gigs 2003 (2003)
- This Tour Wasn't Supposed to Happen (2004-2005)
- Army of Anyone Tour (2006-2007)
- Talking Vultures in Pain Tour (2017-2018)
- Unplugged Tour (2019-2020)
- Summer Gigs 2021 (2021)
- Needles, Pins and Tour (2022-2023)
- Oldies, But Touring! (2024-2025)
