Papa Roach’s formation began in January 1993 when lead singer Jacoby Shaddix and drummer Dave Buckner met on the Vacaville High School football field. They were later joined by lead guitarist Jerry Horton from nearby Vanden High School , rhythm guitarist Anne Mikolajcik, trombonist Ben Luther, and bassist Will James. They entered the school’s talent show, performing a rendition of Jimi Hendrix ‘s song ” Fire “. Ultimately, they did not win the talent show. In March 1993, Ben Luther left the band, followed by Anne Mikolajcik. During this period, Papa Roach practiced daily and toured extensively, playing every gig they could secure. The band’s first tour van was named Moby Dick, which inspired Shaddix to adopt his initial stage name, “Coby Dick.” Initially, the band was called “Papa Gato,” as suggested by Buckner, but Shaddix changed it to Papa Roach, combining the nickname of his maternal grandfather, Herbert Fischer “Papa,” with “Roach,” derived from his paternal grandfather, John “Grandpa” Roatch. Both grandparents were musicians.
Formation began
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