The Guys of BTE
"Either you like us or you don't," ~ Kevin Griffin
How do you describe BTE's music? My favorite is "kinda like a car wreck in which Creedence Clearwater Revival runs over R.E.M." BTE says that they liked, "Morrissey meets the Replacements in a dark alley."
Well, anyway you describe them, or how you categorize them, one thing remains true. Their music is as true and original as they are.
Kevin Michael Griffin
Kevin Griffin is the lead singer and guitarist for BTE. Besides being one of the co-founders, he has also written/co-written all the band's songs. With his wild curls, and pouty lips, he's easily captured the hearts of his female fans. However, Kevin's attraction doesn't end with his looks, he's got a charm that radiates from the stage, treating the audience like good friends. He is also highly noted, by fans, for his fashion choices. (this shade of blue reminds me of blue running pants he wore at the Virginia Tech concert in Dec. '96)
Stats:
Age: 28
Brithday: Oct. 1, 1968
Astological Sign: Libra
Nickname(s): Z-man
College Major: English Lit.
Maritial Status: Single (yes, I know Kevin's seeing someone named Laurel, but it's also my page, and I choose to stay in denial. :)
* On a personal note, Kevin is the only member of the band I've met. He's a REALLY sweet guy. In fact, not only did I get and autograph, he even kissed me! **Update** I've now met all three current BTE members! They were very nice and polite, and I'd have to say, next to Kevin (who'll always be my favorite) Travis is a real darling.
Cary Bonnecaze
(former drummer)
Cary was the band's former drummer, but quit in 1996. He music background is a long, and experienced one. He became interested in drums at the age of 3 or 4, and taught himself to play. His energy and talent has a way of winning over the crowd. I've got to confess, I've never seen him play in person, but have heard many good things about his performance.
Stats:
Age: 29
Birthday: Oct. 3, 1967 (?)
Astrological Sign: Libra
College Major: Computer Science (?) (It was rumored that Cary was working as a 'puter programer in Texas after the split-up, whether it's true of not, I'm not sure; BUT I have it on good word that his new band will be in the studio recording a demo soon.)
Marital Status: Single
Tom Melville Drummond
Tom is the Bassist for the band. He responded to Kevin's and Cary's "Bass Player Wanted" ad in a LSU student paper. He has also co-written "Heaven" with Kevin. His friendship with the other members can be seen thru the banter on stage. Which is not only witty, but really makes the audience feel close to the band.
Although, I'm told that all the guys are nice, I've heard that Tom an all around 'nice guy.' But don't let that innocent exterior fool you, my sources tell me that Tom's not all that innocent. Kevin even teased him for being,"Playboy's best customer." (Is it true? ... no comment. ;) Also, may I add, Tom's a very approachable guy, and (provided he's in a good mood) can be the nicest, coolest guy to talk with.
Stats:
Age: 27
Birthday: June 30, 1969
Astological Sign: Cancer
Nickname(s): Melville and Mo-T
College Major: Architecture
Marital Status: Single (Rumor has it that Tom's currantly living with his girlfriend of two years, named Allison.)
Travis Aaron McNabb
Travis replaced Cary as the band's drummer in 1996, and has played on Schoolhouse Rock! Rocks, and Friction, Baby. Since he is the newest addition to the band, I don't know much information on him, other than he's a highly talented drummer, and has played with such bands as Seven Simons, Beggars, VoL, and Voodoo Shoehorn. and can be heard on a fundraising album entitles "What's Up in the Attic!"
Ok, from what I've picked up about Travis, he's getting used to life in the spotlight. Known as the playboy of the group, "CrashDaddy" is described by fans as being 'easy to talk to' and 'really friendly.' I've seen more and more Travis fans coming out of the woodwork, lately. He might just end up giving Tom and Kevin a run for their money. (I'll admit, he struck me as an enigma, but very down to earth, and refreshing. Also, might I add, if you're upset that Travis, too, is taken, fear not, he's got an AWESOME older (by a year) brother, who's studying to be a lawyer... you might run into him at a BTE show, and if you do tell him, "Amanda says she still smells like beer, but at least it's a good brand!" ... Hopefully, he'll understand what you mean, and doesn't think you're a total nut job. :)
Stats:
Age: 27
Birthday: Nov. 19, 1969
Astological Sign: Scorpio
Nickname(s): CrashDaddy and McNadds
College Major: unknown
Martial Status: Single
Ivy
Who is Ivy, you may ask? Well, she's Kevin Griffin's dog. She is a basset-lab mix and has been with the band for a leg of the "friction, baby" tour.
Name Origin:
Ivy's name is taken from the Gun Club song, "For the Love of Ivy" which used to be a cover song thrown into the Surprise and Deluxe setlists.
Brushs with fame:
"Ivy is just a dog with a heart as noble as the greatest man who ever lived..." ~ Heaven, from Deluxe. Now, you know.
Ivy can be found in the "King of New Orleans" cd-single (also page 7 of the friction, baby cd-booklet). There is a picture of an angel and the silhouette of a dog in the foreground. That angel ("got an angel on the stairs...") is found at the top of the staircase in Kingsway Studios, the Greek-revival mansion in New Orleans where the band recorded the album. That other angel on the stairs is Ivy. Click here for a photo.