Flotsam and Jetsam

Lead Guitar Rythym Guitar Drums Bass - Vocals
1982
In late 1981 bassist Jason Newsted was traveling from Kalamazoo, Michigan to Los Angeles with his band "Gangster". Arriving in Phoenix, Arizona, Gangster decided to disband. Feb 9th, 1982 - Responding to a local newspaper ad for a bass player, Jason showed up at Kelly's door with bass in hand. Jason joined fellow band members, Pete Mello (Guitar) and Dave (Guitar) and Kelly Smith (Drums) to form Paradox. Dave was replaced soon after by one of Kelly's High School classmate's, "Colin Daily".
After a few months Jason asked Kelly if he had known any other guitar players in the area who were more into the "New British Wave of Metal".
That ushered in two new guitarist, Mark Vasquez (Leads) and Kevin Horton (Rhythm Guitars). Jason assumed the role as main vocalist.

They played their first professional gig as "Dredlox " at the infamous, "Mason Jar Lounge" in Phoenix Arizona. Sound extrordinaire (RIP) Jeff Newsome (Double Live Gonzo) ran the sound that night. The band was a fired due to the volume levels knocking eight glasses off of the bar.
Kelly ,"Only two of us were of age to even be in the club back then".
The bands repertoire was centered around (Motorhead, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Tank, Def Leopard, Scorpions) and originals.
The song "Flotsam and Jetsam" was written during this time.

Bass Guitar Vocals Rythym Guitar Drums Lead Guitar

In 1982-83 during summer school Kelly asked Eric to audition after seeing him sing in the high school talent show previously that same year.
Song list for the audition included: (Green Manaleshi, Desert Plains, Hot Rockin, Breaking the Law) He nailed it!

The band was looking to expand their sound and capabilities, with a second lead player. Ed Carlson soon stepped in to fill Kevin's spot, playing his first show just five days later accepting the position.
The band had changed their name to "The Dogz ". Inspired from the Tank LP "Fifth Hounds of Hades"
The core was formed and the band launched into action.

Guitars Drums Vocals Bass Guitars

In 1984, the band renamed itself "Flotsam and Jetsam", dredged up from the song archives of the initial core writings.

Flotsam made their live debuts in the Arizona club scene with bands such as (Megadeth, Armored Saint, Alcatraz, Malice, Exciter, Mercyful Fate, Riot, Autograph).
New years eve 1984 would be the turning point for Flotsam. Kelly went to prison for a short time and Mark left the band after differences in musical direction.

Drums Vocals Bass Guitars Guitars

In 1985 while Kelly was out, the band continued with a temporary replacement, "Mike Ramondo". During this time they focused in on 17 year old guitar player, Michael Gilbert. Playing in a local band called "The Kids" formed during his high school days at Dobson High School.

Flotsam and Jetsam was now on their way, releasing two internationally acclaimed demo tapes in 1985, (Metal Shock and Iron Tears) . Long time band friend, Jeff Guarino filmed and created the first low budget video "Hammerhead" from the bands Debut EP "Metal Shock".
From there they also filmed a live video montage of songs from the local club "The Bootlegger". In seeking a solid record deal the band flooded the scene. The overwhelming reviews and acclaim from the demo press and college radio play got the attention of Metal Blade Records label mogul Brian Slagel.
The band's jumped in on "Speed Metal Hell II and Metal Massacre VII". That landed the deal for the band to sign with Metal Blade Records.

1986: The release of Doomsday for the Deceiver

The release date of Doomsday for the Deceiver was July 19, 1986. Many considered this album as a milestone in the history of thrash metal. Flotsam was the first band in KERRANG magazine's history to achieve the 6K rating. The press was overwhelming, which put Flotsam in the spotilght. They were well on their way.

Bassist Jason Newsted departed soon after the death of Cliff Burton to join Metallica. Flotsam and Jetsam had asked longtime friend and bassist for Sacred Reich (Phil Rind) to fill in Jason's place to cover some remaining shows.

Guitars Bass Vocals Guitars Drums

The band was tipped towards bass player, Mike Spencer from label mates, "Sentinel Beast". After a showcase in Phoenix, Elektra records A&R, Mike Alago elected to sign them to a record deal with Elektra/Asylum. After which time they embarked on a world tour supporting Megadeth on the PEACE SELLS tour in 1987. Selling out the first leg of shows in America and in England, Flotsam was well on thier way to success.
After coming home to start the next opus, the band parted ways with Mike Spencer.

Guitrars Drums Vocals Guitars Bass

1988 - 89: No Place for Disgrace

In looking for a replacement the band found bassist, Troy Gregory another Metallica bass audition hopeful to fill the spot. A few months later in May the band's second album No Place for Disgrace was released. It is still considered as one of the strongest metal efforts by metal fans. The band's debut video "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" , was shot along the Sunset strip in Hollywood with additional live and studio footage from the Anaheim Convention Center while supporting King Diamond on the "Them" tour 1988. The band followed up with another successful tour in Europe with Megadeth and Testament.

1990 - 92 When the Storm Comes Down

Arriving home from Europe the band was released from Elektra Records.
The band then followed Mike Alago to MCA Records. In May of 1990, When the Storm Comes Down, was released. Recorded and Produced by the infamous - "Alex Perialas" at Pyramid Studios , Ithaca, New York.
who was known best for his span of works with (Anthrax, Kill em All, S.O.D) .
This was the debut for Flotsam on MCA. Despite the mixed reviews of the production, it was well received.
"Suffer the Masses" was the first video to release on MCA. The video was taped under lock down in Watts , East L.A. from 12:00pm to 12:00am. This was Producer Peter Hewitt's first attempt at making music videos. Bassist Troy Gregory worked along side Peter to form the concept of the shoot.

The band followed up with a tour of the United States headlining with Prong supporting on their debut release "Beg to Differ".
Upon returning home Troy Gregory parted ways with the band.

jbwardly

Guitars Bass Guitars Vocals Drums

1992 - 1997: Cuatro

Again the band had to find a new bassist. Local auditions were held and the band uncovered baseman, Jason Ward. Jason came to Arizona with his Chicago born band "Widows Rose". Flotsam had seen Widows in local outings prior to Troy's departure.
Jason became an integral part of the writing team on the sophomore release for MCA, "Cuatro" .
Released 1992, this album was Flotsam and Jetsam's first record with producer Neil "cub" Kernon.
Kernon's vast array of experience and producing talent brought the band to a new level in the writing process.
The vocal performance on this album was more powerful, aggressive and convincing than ever before.

MCA released four singles for this release: (Wading Through the Darkness, Swattin at Flies, Never to Reveal, News to me)
Doom productions filmed the most acclaimed video from the band which achieved regular rotation status on MTV. "Wading through the Darkness"
Doom created a treatment for the video as a first of it's kind where the background images would appear after you adjusted the brightness on your television set.
The video concept never seemed to catch on enough to get the band to the level that was needed.
MCA then released the second video "Swattin at Flies" shot at a local boys club in Los Angeles..

Flotsam and Jetsam's fifth album Drift was released in April 1995, MCA released three singles off of that record (Smoked Out, Never to Reveal, Destructive Signs). Drift became the most mature and successful releases to date. It was a big step in Flotsam's career. "It is a very special record for us, we got what we wanted to do out emotionally and musically". Jason Ward dedicated it to his older brother Jeff, who died in 1993.

While on tour supporting Megadeth, Flotsam was dropped from MCA.

flotsamgroup202

Guitars Drums Vocals Guitars Bass

Returning home, they resigned with their former label, Metal Blade Records , Flotsam released the album entitled, "High". Michael Gilbert and Kelly Smith decided to leave the band once tracking was completed. Their positions were soon filled by guitarist and friend Mark Simpson and drummer Craig Nielsen though a mutual friend, Nick Menza.

1999 - 2002 - Unnatural Selection / My God

The first release for the new line-up Unnatural Selection was released in 1999. In 2000 Mark Simpson now fully engaged as the main writer for the Flotz dove in to My God, released in May 2001. Eric A.K. stepped out to do a long awaited project although Flotsam and Jetsam did not disband, the were determined to drive forward. They found a new singer in James Rivera and set out on a US tour. After a mixed review on the road they realized there could be no other vocalist for the Flotz. Rivera left the band soon after.

2002 - 2006 - Live in Phoenix

In 2003 the band recorded live shows in Phoenix and Los Angeles. This produced the bands first live DVD/CD titled "Live in Phoenix". Signing with Crash Music in May 2004 the band once again hit the road with Overkill and Death Angel. This included a debut series of sold out shows in Japan

In the Spring of 2005, Flotsam and Jetsam returned to the studio to hammer on their next album, "Dreams of Death". Inspired from the real life nightmares A.K. was experiencing, this envoked the concept for the record.

2006 - 2008 - Live In Japan

The DVD, "Live in Japan" was released in February 2006 recorded live from the Citta Club in Tokyo 2004.
In November that same year "Doomsday for the Deceiver" was re-released to celebrate the album's twentieth anniversary. This (2 CD and DVD) set includes both the original recording of Doomsday and a re-mixed and re-mastered versions. Bonus tracks included the first two Flotsam and Jetsam demos. The bonus DVD includes rare live material, an interview filmed at Kelly's High School and a photo slide-show.

In Spring 2008 Metal Mind Productions remastered and re-released the albums "When the Storm Comes Down", "Cuatro" (including 5 bonus tracks), "Drift" (including 3 bonus tracks) and "Dreams of Death".

2008 - 2010 - Once in a Deathtime

In March 2008 Flotsam and Jetsam toured Europe debuting in Poland at the Metalmania Festival. This show was filmed and released as DVD "Once in a Deathtime" in July. Midyear 2008 the band signed to Driven Music Group, founded by former KORN guitarist, Brian "Head" Welch.

2010 - 2011 - The Cold

The Cold was released on September 14th, 2010. It was the last album with Mark Simpson on guitar. He gutted out the opus of a lifetime with 100% of the musical credit. After the strongest effort he decided to leave the band.

2011 - Present

In mid 2011 Craig Nielsen departed from the band. Eric A.K. decided to call on former drummer Kelly David Smith to step back in after a 14 year absense. The band was now back at Drift line-up status. Looking back over years past, the band decided to take a different approach and join forces with Pledge Music .