Malfunkshun

History

Born April 6th, 1980, Malfunkshun became the most influential of the Seattle bands that would dominate the charts of the early 90s.  The talents of Kevin Wood, guitar and founder of the band, Andrew Wood, bass and vocals, and Regan Hagar, drums would form the nucleus from 1980 to 1988.

Their flamboyantly av ante guard live show will always be remembered in Seattle rock history.  Kevin, with his speedy guitar riffing and over the top comping would go on to influence the likes of Perl Jam, Nirvana and Soundgarden.   Andrew, aka ‘Landrew the love God’, would wow the fans with his bulldozer bass lines and searing vocal melodies. And Regan Hagar, aka ‘Thundar’, would beat the drums with out mercy until his knuckles bled.  Malfunkshun was known as Seattle’s loudest rock band.

In 1984 the self released ‘Furz and Buds not Leather and Studs’ defined Malfunkshun as an alternative to the Metal Revival with a slogan of Love Rock and the 333 numerology.

In 1985 Malfunkshun was featured on the Deep Six Compilation with other main stream acts of the day such as Soundgarden and Green River.

In 1987 Another Pyrrhic Victory album came out with a line up very similar to Deep Six.

Malfunkshun took a Hiatus in 1988 when Landrew joined ‘Pearl Jam’, aka ‘Mother Love Bone’. Although Malfunkshun was not officially disbanded it would never play again with Landrew at the helm.

In 1993 Malfunkshun, ‘Back to Olympus’ was released on ‘Loose Grove records’. Originally recorded in 1987 it was finally available to the public.

Kevin, busy with his band ‘Devil Head’ from would from time to time release Malfunkshun tapes and Cds as well as singles on his ‘wammybox records’ label. These would include ‘Greeks Bearing Gifts’ and a remakes of the Infamous ‘Smegma Hound’ and ‘Scatman Blues’.

In 2004, Malfunkshun reformed for a recording. Featuring Greg Gilmore on Drums, Brian Wood on Vocals. The recording was ground breaking in that it included some unreleased Malfunkshun songs that eclipsed in impact the Loose Groove release. The Cd entitled ‘Malfunkshun Soundtrack’ was to be featured on the release of the film documentary ‘Malfunkshun’. Later that year Malfunkshun was invited to play in Milan Italy at a Seattle tribute show. Fans sang along with favorite Malfunkshun songs and amazed everybody with their enthusiasm.

In 2005 Malfunkshun returned to the stage for the premier of the Documentary with Stone Gossard, Regan Hagar and Shawn Smith in the line up. The show was a complete sell out. Members of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam attended and gave their support.

Early in 2006 Malfunkshun played in Milan Italy once again to a sell out crowd. The band featured Shawn Smith on vocals and Regan Hagar on drums.

In 2007 Classic Rock Magazine featured Kevin Wood and chronicled the new band line up its recording which was released as the ‘Monument’ on ‘wammybox records’.

June 2010, Malfunkshun embarks on the ‘Love Rock at the Hard Rock’ tour. The line up includes Tom Mick on vocals, Steve Fournier on drums and Rob Day on Bass. The tour features a screening of the Malfunkshun Documentary and is booked in the Hard Rock Cafe franchise.

In 2011 long time fan and ace vocalist, Jeff Loftis came to light as the new voice for Malfunkshun. His and Kevin’s remake of ‘Jezebel Woman’ received rave reviews.

The Band

Kevin Wood – Legendary guitarist

Kevin’s musical career spanned over 30 years. In addition to founding Malfunkshun, Kevin’s talents have been showcased in his numerous bands including: Kevin Wood & From the North, Devil Head, Fire Ants, Hippie Glitz. His band members have included Chad Channing from Nirvana, Ben Sheppard of Soundgarden, Sean Smith of Brad & Satchel. He has played and recorded with notable musicians including: Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam & Brad, Tim McGovern of the Motels, Skerik from Critters Buggin on Scott Cranes Umbra project,The DeHumanizers & Dan McDonald in Regin Hegar & others. He has shared the stage with such bands as: Soundgarden, Brad, Stone Gossard, Extreme, Puddle of Mud, Grand Funk Railroad, Satchel, Fishbone, Super Suckers, Husker Du, Discharge, The Mentors, Dehumanizers,  Chad Channing, Ben Sheppard, Tom Morello, Shawn Smith, Tim Robbins, Jack Endino, Duff McKagan.

Jeff Loftis – Vocals

Jeff has provided vocals for bands including: Mr. Meaner and Beggar’s Opera (Maverick Records), and Angelheart. He has recorded and/or played drums with Dali’s Dilemma on Magna Carta, former NFL Player and Paisley Park recording artist Esera Tuaolo, Billy Peterson of Steve Miller Band, and the late Mike Starr of Alice in chains. Jeff has shared the stage with many popular bands including: Candlebox, Everclear, Pres. of the United States of America, Yngwie Malmstein, Galactic Cowboys, King X, Quiet Riot, David Lee Roth, Alice in Chains, War Babies, Cindy Lauper, Love on Ice, Mullmuzzler, Guntruck, L7, and 7 Year Bitch.

Mike Stone – Drums

Mike has been playing drums professionally for 20 years and has a BFA from Cornish College. He has played and/or recorded with Peter Buck (REM), Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam), Peter Destefano (Porno for Pyros), Bill Frissell, Wayne Horvitz, Steve Berlin (Los Lobos), Berrett Martin (Screaming Trees), Ben Shepard (Soundgarden), Michell Froom (Latin Playboys), Skerik (Critters Buggin, Crack Sabath), Jay Thomas, Dan Marrud, Mark Eitzel (American Music Club), Shawn Smith (Pigeonhead, Brad) and many others including Kevin and Brian Wood in Devil Head. Mike is an active studio musician.