Toad the Wet Sprocket: Not Just Another 90s Band & Why (EP23)

Almost 35 years ago, four high school friends bonded over their love for making music – and not just any music. They came right out of the gate making top-notch alternative pop-rock songs but, desperate for a band name prior to their first gig, they jokingly adopted a silly moniker from a Monty Python skit: Toad the Wet Sprocket. It was a joke that went on too long – and it stuck. 

In this episode, the Derringer Brothers (Paul and Alton) explore Toad the Wet Sprocket’s (TTWS) pre-breakup hits from 1989’s Bread and Circus through 1997’s Coil – followed by the band’s 16-year hiatus from recording.

During the “break up years,” the band members stayed in touch, matured, occasionally played music together, and finally put aside their differences to reform in 2010.  In 2013, the band released the crowd-funded album, New Constellation, proving that the band’s fans were still around and longing for new TTWS music. The band’s 2016 EP, Architect of the Ruin, followed.

The Derringer Brothers recap seeing TTWS on tour over the last few years and explore their top three favorite songs from Toad’s latest album, Starting Now. How does the album compare to classic Toad? Listen up to find out!

Join Paul and Alton as they explain how TTWS survived the 90s, how the band differs from typical 90s bands, and what the future looks like since losing their long-time drummer.

The post-episode playout features a band from Baltimore and Florida known as We’re About 9 (WA9). Hear the story of the band’s genesis and how they are earning royalties from major airlines. In addition, Paul will relay his Top 3 WA9 songs and Brian Gundersdorf of WA9 will provide interesting insight into each of Paul's picks.

Enjoy the music heard on this episode by listening to the Toad the Wet Sprocket: Not Just Another 90s Band & Why playlist.

In addition, please visit the Turnip Music Radio (TMR) Top 25, a music chart by Derringer Discoveries, available on Spotify. Updated monthly, this chart reflects our current 25 favorite, new songs by recording artists worldwide with a focus on fresh folk, adult rock, alternative rock, rock & roll, and power pop. Click “Like” (the heart icon) to follow the Turnip Music Radio (TMR) Top 25.

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