Toad the Wet Sprocket, The Connells, The Grapes of Wrath, REM, Guadalcanal Diary, Husker Du, Robyn Hitchcock, Camper Van Beethoven, the dB's, XTC, Lets Active, James, Smithereens, Green, Posies, The Plimsouls, Graham Parker
More current bands: Travis, Stairsailor, Coldplay, The Haven to name a few...
Since 1988, the Eastside Milwaukee band has written for themselves a truly unique, musical history--a story void of stereotypical self-destruction and rock-star excesses that have traditionally secured many artists fifteen minutes of notoriety. After eighteen years together and with all of the original members still in tow, The Gufs have established their legacy in the pantheon of Milwaukee rock bands by making simple and honest music that has not only withstood the test of time, but more importantly has built a significant group of very dedicated and loyal fans.
With the release of their debut and trendsetting full-length CD recording Staring into the Sun in 1991--the first for an unsigned artist in Milwaukee--coupled with a series of sold-out club performances throughout the city, The Gufs guaranteed themselves a unique position in the local music scene. The Gufs subsequent independent releases, Songs of Life (1992) and Circa 89 (1993), and their constant touring throughout the Midwest created an enormous fan base that was soon impossible to ignore. Alive and well on college radio and extensively touring, The Gufs soon signed a major label recording contract in the fall of 1995 with Atlantic Records based on the strength of their fourth and last independent album, Collide (1994)--recorded at Butch Vig's Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin--during this same time the newly emerging alternative rock format spread across the nation. After slightly reworking their last independent release, The Gufs re-released their eponymous titled album on Atlantic Records in 1996. The Gufs major label debut quietly rose to national prominence behind the hit singles Smile and Crash (Into Me), as the band and the album quickly created a foothold on the nascent Modern Rock scene.
After two years of successful touring and solid sales of their major-label debut, The Gufs returned to the studio with highly renowned producer, Arnold Lanni (Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven, Simple Plan) in 1998 to record their second and final album for Atlantic Records. The release of Holiday from You (1999) was highlighted with a dramatic combination of music, including the radio friendly songs, Last Goodbye and Give Back Yourself, featuring Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twentyand marked the penultimate songwriting and recording achievement of this now veteran rock band. Despite the critical success of the record, The Gufs quickly asked to be released from their contract with Atlantic when it became clear that the album was not being properly marketed. By the end of the year and with masters in hand, The Gufs entertained a series of uninspiring major-label offers resulting in even greater disillusionment with the industry--a trend that continued for the next few years. Reflecting on their past and undecided about the direction of their future, The Gufs collectively determined to take an indefinite hiatus from their music and more importantly the business. Despite widespread rumors of the bands demise, the release of a new The Gufs album was never in question; it was only a matter of time.
Seven years since the release of their last album, The Gufs have now returned to Milwaukee to begin work on their seventh studio recording. Led by the unforgettable sound of Goran Kralj's voice and the bands easily accessible songwriting and mature music sensibilities, The Gufs brand of melodic rock and emotional lyrics will undoubtedly produce another album that will showcase their ability to connect with their fans.
Your positive influence and message put to awesome music is what has kept me a fan for so many years. I had to trade in cassette tapes for cds I have listened to you guys for so long! It just gets better and better each year. My husband and I saw you in Washington Park w/ the MSO and were super impressed. Rock on and stay hansome! ;) Hope to see you guys again soon!
The show at Washington Park was aweseome!! you guys, ROCK!!! The sound was great, the weather turned fantastic and the company couldn't be beat. Thanks so much for sharing your music with us. hehehe and the MSO was good, also. ;-)~ Great to meet you, Goran.
I'm in such awe, the show last night was AMAZING! Never gets old seeing you guys.. So talented. Hopefully there will be more shows yet this summer, I can never get enough! :) Love
I'm so happy to read that everything went well last night! I can just picture what the scene will be tonight, on the lakefront....god I wish I was home. :(
You guys were AMAZING last nite.I couldn't believe how great it sounded.Keep it up.I've been a fan since I was 10 and you guys never seem to dissapoint me.Love all around.
Aw, thanks for thinking about me! I just got back from a trip to Ireland. It was so beautiful over there. Spent a lot of time pubbin'. You're so sweet. Keep in touch :)
