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Exploding Boy was formed in Rochester, NY in 1987 by three friends for the sole purpose of performing at an end-of-the-year high school field day event. Drummer Jason Mirwald, Vocalist/Guitarist Michael Petrantoni and Bassist Anthony Errigo had no idea that the one-time performance would turn into an illustrious career spanning almost 13 years.
After that fateful day, offers for more gigs came pouring in and the trio began performing at backyard graduation parties, high school dances, and eventually set their sights on the Rochester club scene.
Word of the band's captivating live performances spread quickly. This reputation secured them an opening slot for 80's band A Flock Of Seagulls. By 1991 Exploding Boy had amassed a loyal following and became one of Western NY's largest club draws.
Their debut CD, New Generation soon followed, as did critical acclaim, radio airplay and sold out shows. The first single Charity became the number-one requested song on Rochesters two biggest rock radio stations, and a second single I Want To Be Where You Are faired equally well. A video for Charity was filmed and also received a good amount of attention on local television stations in Upstate NY.
Later that same year, Exploding Boy became finalists in Yamaha's Soundcheck Rock Music Showcase (ranking in the top five from a field of over 2,500 unsigned bands) and were flown to Los Angeles to appear on a nationally syndicated television special hosted by Dweezil Zappa and Holly Robinson-Peete. Judges for the event included Robin Zander of Cheap Trick, the late John Entwistle of The Who, and Randy Jackson of American Idol fame among others.
Exploding Boy's second CD, Communication Is Dead was released in 1995 along with a live EP called Burn. During this time the group performed with everyone from Joan Osborne to Billy Squier, Joe Walsh, and fellow New Yorkers The Goo Goo Dolls, but the pressure of trying to maintain their early success began to take its toll.
Bassist Anthony Errigo left the band to raise a family, while remaining members Petrantoni and Mirwald continued on.
Several line-up changes later, Exploding Boy relocated to Washington D.C. and took the band on the road full-time touring the east coast 250+ dates a year. The group were named one of the top unsigned bands in the nation by Billboard magazine and opened shows for Jackyl, Brother Cane, and Cheap Trick. They also appeared as the house band for one episode of The Jenny Jones Show, but despite all this apparent headway, the band were never able to recapture the "chemistry" of the original line-up.
Exploding Boy amicably disbanded in August 1999 and put friendship above career goals, as was the case since day one.
Anthony Errigo is now the bassist for Rochester, NYs The Taint and works as an Art Director. He currently resides in Rochester, NY with his wife Jennie, son Sebastian, and daughter Olivia.
Jason Mirwald is now Director of Finance Operations for a leading IT advisory firm. He resides in Connecticut with his wife Erika, daughter Stella, and son Damien.
Michael Petrantoni is still performing music full-time under the name Michael J" Michael can also be found online at www.michaeljmusic.com. He currently resides in Gainesville, FL.
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