Rotting Piñata

Vinnie Dombroski , Mike Cross, and Tim Cross were in a hard rock band called Loudhouse , fronted by vocalist Kenny Mugwump. They released one album and had a song appear on the soundtrack to the 1991 film Point Break . The band then recruited Joey Mazzola as a second guitarist. Shortly after, Mugwump decided to pursue a career in acting and directing, so Dombroski switched from drums to vocals and drummer Jimmy Paluzzi was recruited to round out the lineup. The band decided to start fresh and tried out a number of different band names, including Electric Cattle Gods. Prior to their first live show in 1993, the venue’s owner informed them that he did not have enough letters to spell out the band’s name on the marquee and as such, they renamed themselves Sponge. They began working on new music and performed in bars and clubs around the Detroit area. They were recognized for having a dual-guitar sound reminiscent of the MC5 . Their debut album, Rotting Piñata , was released in August 1994 through Work Group . Sponge embarked on their first national tour around the time of Rotting Piñata ‘s release alongside Failure , Inch , and Rust. The tour was noted as being a “Pre-Palooza Party” for the 1994 incarnation of Lollapalooza . Sponge made their television debut on October 18 as they appeared on The Jon Stewart Show . The songs “Neenah Menasha” and ” Plowed ” were released as the first and second singles respectively off of Rotting Piñata , with “Plowed” entering the Mainstream Rock chart on November 19. By January 1995, Charlie Grover replaced Paluzzi on drums.