Counting Crows

Formed by Adam Duritz and David Bryson from the ashes of San Francisco Bay area band The Himalayans in 1991, Counting Crows - the name comes from a reference in the movie Signs Of Life - toured extensively without notable success. It finally came dramatically one night in 1994, when they filled in as a late substitute for Van Morrison at a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. Their uncharacteristically upbeat single Mr Jones was a surprise hit and their debut album August And Everything After became the fastest-seller since Nirvana's Nevermind, going on to sell 7 million copies. A second guitarist Dan Vickrey was recruited to give their next album Recovering The Satellites (1996) a heavier sound and their popularity continued despite the thematic bleakness of much of the material and front man Adam Duritz's illnesses and discomfort with the pressure of fame. Their 1999 album This Desert Life included the singles Hanginaround and Colorblind - featured in the movie Cruel Intentions - and while they had a break after fourth album Hard Candy, they came back strongly in 2008 with Saturday Nights And Sunday Mornings.