After much speculation, Student Activities Board released the name of their act: Tonic. The band will be performing at the homecoming concert, which will take place on Sept. 24.
Upon mentioning the name of the act, many are confused and unfamiliar with whom they are. However, mention the name of their hit ‘90s song “If You Could Only See” and some of this confusion is lifted.
This rock band was formed in Los Angeles in the early 90s by singer Emerson Hart and guitarist Jeff Russo who were childhood friends. Shortly after, bassist Dan Lavery joined them.
They released their first album, “Lemon Parade”, in 1996. The album went on to reach platinum status and its hit “If You Could Only See” was the most played rock song of 1997. It also contained lesser-known songs such as “Open Up Your Eyes,” “Casual Affair” and “Wicket Soldier”.
After the success of their debut album, the band released two more: “Sugar” in 1999 and “Head on Straight” in 2002. Sugar contained songs such as “Knock Down Walls,” “Sugar,” and “You Wanted More,” which was featured on the American Pie Soundtrack. “Head on Straight” included songs like “Take Me as I Am,” “Believe Me,” and “Do You Know.”
However, after nearly ten years of touring, the band decided to take a break. During this break the three musicians worked on solo projects. Hart released a solo album in 2007 called “Cigarettes and Gasoline.” This album produced two Top 20 singles. Lavery built a recording studio and had the opportunity to record and tour with acts such as The Fray.
Russo composed songs for film and television shows such as Crossing Jordan along with releasing an album with Low Stars. In addition, they all took time to spend with their families.
In 2009, the band released “A Casual Affair: The Best of Tonic” which was made up of 12 songs from their three albums.
However, in May 2010 the band came out of hiatus and released new material in the form of a self-titled album. This album contains songs such as “Release Me,” “Daffodil,” and “I Want It to Be.”
Since their formation, the band has sold over four million records, had six top ten singles, released platinum albums and received Grammy nominations.
The band has been on tour since May promoting their new album, and are set to play four more shows after their performance at SLU.
“The group has some good classic songs that fit the values of homecoming well, and their type of music fits the bill for what many SLU students ask for when polled about the concert,” Coordinator for Student Activities Janelle Densberger said.
SAB president Stephanie Hart had a similar opinion, “We are glad to have them.”
The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and will take place in the Georgetown Parking Lot behind Griesedieck Hall. The opening act will be St. Louis resident Javier Mendoza.
For more information about the band, their music or their tour dates, visit tonic-online.com.
