HISTORY

November, 1997:
The initital spark was ignited when guitarist Tom Ogle was out looking for other musicians at local Cedar Falls-Waterloo, Iowa music stores for possible band members. He met Chris Hedman - a local guitarist/salesman at West Music, Cedar Falls. Chris knew an available singer named Matt Kettman that he used to be in a band with called "Naysayer" (defunct). Chris gave Matt's phone number to Tom. They noticed they had similar goals and discussed options. However, Tom was still the lead guitarist of "E.S." (defunct) and Matt was still the lead singer of "Two-Faced Janus" (defunct).

December 1997 - January 1998:
It just so happened that Tom was ending his time with "E.S." He spent four months auditioning people in the area and the right combination couldn't be found. So, when Matt offered Tom a position in his Davenport, Iowa based band "Two-Faced Janus", he jumped at the chance to get busy again. Two gigs right off the bat! But then, bad news. The long travel distances and difficulty lining up practices/gigs was too much for everyone to handle. Soon bassist Jason Anderson and the drummer decided to leave. The remaining members: guitarist Tony Vermeer, Matt and Tom didn't want to continue on "as is" or recruit anyone else. So, that was the end of "2FJ".

February 1998 - March 1998:
Since Tom and Matt still wanted to push the envelope - either together or individually. They decided to forge on together. They realigned their goals again. They went searching for a new Waterloo based band and all new songs. Tom and Matt soon found Brock Siemons (drums) from Greene, Iowa. After the audition the three found common ground and decided to look for other musicians to complete the line up. Brock tipped the band onto Rob Burr (bass) and Aaron Pierce (guitar). Brock had been in area band "Tara Bleu" with Rob for a gig, and Rob was friends with Aaron. So, a band was formed and rehearsals began around March '98. But after practicing a couple times with the band (still un-named), Aaron quit due to his other band "Pounding Sally" (defunct) taking priority and his work schedule left him with no time. A few days later, Rob quit as well because he didn't have time either.

April 1998 - May 1998:
So, Tom, Matt, and Brock became the core members of the band (still un-named). The search for another guitarist and bassist began again. Around April '98 they found another duo of Brocks friends, Steve Willis (guitar) and Mike Yates (bass). Brock was with the two in the Evansdale, Iowa based band called "Downtime" (defunct) prior to joining Black Eye. Also, Downtime had just broken up, and that enabled Steve and Mike Y. to jam and possibly join too. Steve ended up not having time for the band, but Mike Y. stayed. So now the band became a four piece and was ready to perform their first gig. The guys needed a name quick, so they went by the name "Purge" for this UNI frat party on 22nd & Franklin in Cedar Falls, Iowa, May 8, 1998. The gig went very well considering it was the bands first one. Friends were made. News traveled quickly. It seemed like "Purge" was beginning to to make a great impression on the college scene. But then Mike Y. quit. So again, Matt, Tom and Brock had to find another bass player. They decided to keep the band as a "four piece" (guitar, bass, drums, vocal) as well, and not look for an additional guitarist.

June, 1998 - January, 1999:
Finally, Tom decided to give his friend Mike McDaniel (bass player/drummer/singer) a call to see if he would have time for a band. Mike M. had always been in very successful bands. He had already proven himself worthy on bass guitar or drums with such area rock bands as "Strait Jackit", "Poetic Justice", "Sudden Thunder", "Scratch", "Catch22", and "6 Shooter" (all defunct). So the band knew he would work. The band was right and Mike M. was voted in June, 1998. It was also around this time when these four guys picked the band name after a voting session after a practice. BLACK EYE was this name that everyone agreed upon. Several awesome gigs were played and everything fit like a glove. And even a few fans received a real "BLACK EYE" and other punishments to their bodies, so the name had to stay. Mike M. really worked hard and layed a great foundation for the band. But then came bad news. Mike M. was "out" in January, 1999. The remaining members will always be thankful for the 7 months he put in the gutter. He sent this e-mail to the band and the fans.

Date: Sat, 20 Feb 99 09:29AM CST
From: "MadMico" madmico@cfu-cybernet.net
To: "BLACK EYE" b-eye@usa.net
Subject: Re: BLACK EYE news letter
I just wanted to say good luck to all of you guys and thanks for a great time. Also black-eye fans thank you too. It has been a fun ride.

February, 1999:
Scruff Dog was the bass player that replaced Mike M. Although Scruff only lasted a few days and didn't play any gigs with Black Eye, he is worth mentioning here for all his hard work and effort. Their was only one word to describe Scruff -- ENERGY! He hailed from Cedar Falls, Iowa and was formally with the Waterloo, Iowa based band "Bodydrop" (defunct).

March, 1999:
Ta-da! Meet the 5th bass player in Black-Eye! The Waterloo, Iowa native, Elvin Johnson came into the picture to successfully fill the bass void. The guitarist-turned-bassist, Elvin gives BLACK EYE a very awesome / musical history. He was one of the guitarists in the national touring band Tornado Ali out of Waterloo, Iowa. He was also in area band Gruntbucket, who packed many a bar. Elvin teaches guitar and bass at G&G Music in Waterloo, Iowa.

October, 2000:
On October 13th (friday the 13th), BLACK EYE parted ways with drummer Brock Siemons. BLACK EYE was very thankful for Brock's contributions: 2 1/2 years behind the kit, played countless gigs & practices, and the cd. Brock even "filled-in" for a few shows (as a temp) until the position was filled. Everyone is still on good terms. Good luck to Brock.

February, 2000:
After several auditions with the area's best drummers, Mr. Jom Van Gelder accepted the postition as BLACK EYE's new drummer. Jom came to the band with vast experience in music and is probably best known as the drummer of local band "Thumb Buddy". Get on your crash helmets and get ready 'cause this dude hits HARD.

March, 2003:
Wow! 5 years, 3 months, 116 gigs, 2 demo cds, 1 lp cd. Not bad... Not bad at all. What a fun ride this has been! On March 28th, 2003, Black Eye decided to end the band. Bittersweet feelings. But we all go out as friends. The Black Eye Farewell Show was played at the Cedar Valleys best live music club-type venue, Club Shagnasty's in Cedar Falls, Ia. This was a great way to end the band with a bang! Please check out the pictures of this show in the "pictures" area. Also, a full press release explaining the "breakup" is in the "news" area. Well, be on the look-out for Reunions.... And yes, it has been talked about already! But remember, good things come to those who wait!!! Thank you to all the family, friends and fans of Black Eye. Always remember, never forget. Thank you!