The Vines Bio

Fifteen year-old Craig Nicholls met Patrick Matthews while flipping burgers at McDonald's in 1991. With a mutual love of music, the two started playing together, Craig on guitar and vocals and Patrick on bass, and were later joined by Patrick's school friend David Olliffe on drums. The threesome decided on the name The Vines after the band fronted by Craig's father - The Vynes - in the 60's. Whilst listening to many British bands, including The Verve, Suede and Supergrass, they learned of a sound beyond grunge.

During the next few years, The Vines played a few gigs all over their native, Sydney. The first show was for an 18th birthday party where they played a whopping three songs. In 2000, a community radio station interviewed the band and they played a demo. An impressed listener tracked them down and began managing them.

As things settled into place, the Aussie boys were flown to Los Angeles by Rob Schnapf (of Foo Fighters, Beck and Elliott Smith notoriety) to begin recording their album on Capitol Records. For various reasons during recording, drummer, David Olliffe left L.A. and headed back home to Australia. According to the band's official website, drummer Joey Waronker (Beck, REM) and former member of Elvis Costello And The Attractions, Pete Thomas, completed drum work on the remaining tracks. Eventually they found a permanent replacement for David, with Hamish Rosser - drummer for a Kinks tribute band in Nevada. Hamish along with guitarist Ryan Griffiths finished out the spring U.K. tour as well. I

In April 2002, Highly Evolved was released world-wide and the band started filming their first video for the single "Get Free." The album landed at #3 on the U.K. charts, making The Vines the first Australian band ever to land a Top 5 spot with a debut. Not too shabby! Alas, a pinch of salt, dab of animal fat and a triple-thick shake were just the ingredients Craig Nicholls and Patrick Matthews needed to jumpstart their dream careers. It is rumored that member/ex-member David Olliffe has been writing lyrics for the sophomore effort. But with their amazing debut album, Highly Evolved , soaking up the limelight, it may be a while before #2 arrives