Complete List Of Jellyfish Band Members

Feature Photo: juncoco k, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Jellyfish burst onto the San Francisco music scene in 1989 at a time when the musical landscape was dominated by grunge and hair metal. Andy Sturmer and Roger Manning Jr. founded the band after departing from their previous group, Beatnik Beatch. The duo shared a vision for creating elaborate pop music that drew inspiration from classic acts like The Beatles, Queen, and The Beach Boys. Over their five year run, Jellyfish released two studio albums that would become cult classics despite limited commercial success. Bellybutton arrived in 1990, followed by Spilt Milk in 1993. While the band achieved only one Billboard Hot 100 hit with “Baby’s Coming Back” reaching number 62, their influence on power pop and alternative rock has grown substantially since their dissolution.

The band underwent significant personnel changes during their brief existence. The original lineup featured Jason Falkner on guitar and Chris Manning on bass, but both departed after touring behind the debut album. For their second record, Tim Smith took over bass duties while Eric Dover joined on guitar. Despite critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase, internal tensions and disappointing sales figures led to the group’s breakup in April 1994. The band’s legacy has endured through covers by other artists, reissues of their albums, and the formation of The Lickerish Quartet by three former members in 2017.

Jellyfish created music that was both sophisticated and accessible, featuring intricate vocal harmonies, lush orchestrations, and meticulous production values. Their sound defied easy categorization, blending elements of progressive rock, pop, and psychedelia in ways that felt both nostalgic and contemporary. Though they never achieved mainstream commercial success, the band has been cited as an influence by numerous artists and continues to attract new fans decades after their final performance.

Andy Sturmer

Andy Sturmer served as Jellyfish’s vocalist, drummer, and primary lyricist throughout the band’s entire existence from 1989 to 1994. Born and raised in California, Sturmer met his future bandmate Roger Manning Jr. during their high school years in Pleasanton. The two bonded over their shared appreciation for jazz music and complex pop arrangements. Sturmer possessed the unusual ability to sing lead vocals while playing drums, often performing from a standing position at the front of the stage rather than seated behind a traditional drum kit. This setup allowed him to function as the band’s frontman while simultaneously handling percussion duties.

During Jellyfish’s active years, Sturmer wrote all the band’s lyrics while collaborating with Manning on musical compositions. He contributed to both Bellybutton and Spilt Milk, with the latter album representing his most ambitious work within the band’s framework. Sturmer also played keyboards and guitar on various tracks, demonstrating his versatility as a musician. However, his discomfort with being in the spotlight contributed to tensions within the group and ultimately played a role in their dissolution.

Following Jellyfish’s breakup, Sturmer largely withdrew from the public music scene and declined most interview requests. He redirected his talents toward composing music for television and animation projects. His most notable post Jellyfish work involved collaborating with the Japanese pop duo Puffy AmiYumi, for whom he served as a producer and songwriter. He also created theme songs and background music for various Cartoon Network series including Ben 10 and Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Additionally, Sturmer composed music for Disney’s My Friends Tigger & Pooh and the Transformers Animated series. Despite his retreat from performing and recording as a solo artist, Sturmer has maintained his involvement in music through these behind the scenes projects.

Roger Joseph Manning Jr.

Roger Joseph Manning Jr. co founded Jellyfish with Andy Sturmer and served as the band’s keyboardist, arranger, and co composer from 1989 until 1994. Born on May 27, 1966, Manning grew up in a musical household and began studying piano at an early age. He attended Amador Valley High School where he first encountered Sturmer, and their friendship would eventually blossom into one of the most creative partnerships in alternative rock. After high school, Manning enrolled at USC to study musical composition, gaining formal training that would prove invaluable in crafting Jellyfish’s sophisticated arrangements.

Within Jellyfish, Manning handled keyboards, piano, guitar, and percussion while contributing vocals and co writing the band’s material. His classical training and deep knowledge of pop music history helped shape the band’s distinctive sound. Manning’s arrangements incorporated elements ranging from Baroque classical music to 1970s progressive rock, creating the lush sonic tapestries that became Jellyfish’s trademark. He played a crucial role in both Bellybutton and Spilt Milk, with the latter album showcasing his most elaborate orchestral concepts.

After Jellyfish disbanded, Manning immediately formed The Moog Cookbook with engineer Brian Kehew, creating instrumental covers of popular songs using vintage synthesizers. He then established Imperial Drag with former Jellyfish guitarist Eric Dover, releasing one album before that group also dissolved. Manning has since built an impressive career as a session musician and collaborator, working with high profile artists including Beck, Air, and Ringo Starr. His keyboard work with Beck earned him a Grammy nomination and established him as one of the most sought after session players in alternative rock. Manning has also released several solo albums and recently reunited with former Jellyfish members Dover and Tim Smith to form The Lickerish Quartet, continuing to explore the sophisticated pop sounds that defined his earlier work.

Jason Falkner

Jason Falkner joined Jellyfish as lead guitarist in 1989 and remained with the band through 1991, appearing on their debut album Bellybutton. Born June 2, 1968, Falkner had already established himself in the Los Angeles music scene before connecting with Manning and Sturmer. His previous experience included performing with The Three O’Clock, a notable band in the Paisley Underground movement that recorded for Prince’s Paisley Park label. Falkner contributed one original composition to The Three O’Clock’s final album Vermillion before that group disbanded in 1988.

Manning recruited Falkner after the two had met through classified advertisements seeking musicians who shared an appreciation for XTC and similar art pop acts. In Jellyfish, Falkner played guitar and bass while providing backing vocals and contributing to the band’s arrangements. However, creative tensions emerged when Falkner discovered that his songwriting input was not being incorporated into the band’s material. He had been promised equal creative participation but found himself relegated primarily to playing parts written by Sturmer and Manning. The stress of these conflicts reportedly contributed to health problems for Falkner, who left the band after completing the touring cycle for Bellybutton.

Following his departure from Jellyfish, Falkner initially vowed to avoid joining other bands but eventually became involved with The Grays, a collective featuring producer Jon Brion among others. The Grays released one album, Ro Sham Bo, in 1994 before dissolving due to similar creative disagreements. Falkner then launched a solo career, releasing Presents Author Unknown in 1996, an album he wrote, performed, and produced almost entirely by himself. This began a series of critically acclaimed solo releases that showcased his talents as a multi instrumentalist and songwriter. Falkner has also worked extensively as a session musician and touring performer, collaborating with artists including Air, Beck, Paul McCartney, and most recently St. Vincent. His solo work has earned praise for its melodic sophistication and production quality, establishing him as a respected figure in the power pop and alternative rock communities.

Chris Manning

Chris Manning, the younger brother of Roger Manning Jr., served as Jellyfish’s bassist and backing vocalist from 1990 to 1991, appearing on the band’s debut album Bellybutton. Unlike the other founding members who had extensive musical backgrounds, Chris was recruited primarily due to his family connection and willingness to learn the bass parts required for the band’s complex arrangements. The group spent three months intensively rehearsing their live performance before embarking on their first major tour supporting Bellybutton.

During his time with Jellyfish, Chris participated in significant touring that included opening slots for World Party and The Black Crowes. The band’s most notable performance during this period occurred at Wembley Stadium, where they played to 72,000 people as one of five opening acts for INXS. However, Chris found the demanding tour schedule and rock star lifestyle incompatible with his personal preferences and goals. Unlike Jason Falkner, whose departure stemmed from creative frustrations, Chris left simply because he did not enjoy the touring aspects of being in a rock band.

After leaving Jellyfish, Chris initially pursued culinary interests but eventually returned to the music industry in a behind the scenes capacity. He has built a successful career as a recording engineer and producer, working with major label artists across various genres. His client list has included notable acts such as Santana, Metallica, Third Eye Blind, and Guster, demonstrating his ability to work effectively across different musical styles. Chris has also worked with Thriving Ivory, Luciano Ligabue, and numerous other artists, establishing himself as a respected figure in music production. His departure from performing allowed him to remain connected to music while avoiding the aspects of the industry he found personally challenging.

Eric Dover

Eric Dover joined Jellyfish as guitarist in 1993 for the touring and promotional activities surrounding their second album Spilt Milk, remaining with the band until their dissolution in 1994. Born January 19, 1967, in Jasper, Alabama, Dover began playing guitar at age 11 and quickly immersed himself in local music scenes. During the 1980s, he performed with various groups including The Extras and later formed Love Bang, which secured a development deal with Ardent Studios in Memphis. This early experience provided Dover with professional recording and performance skills that would prove valuable throughout his career.

Dover’s tenure with Jellyfish was brief but significant, as he participated in the band’s most ambitious touring period and contributed to their final recorded material. Although he was not considered a full member by some accounts, Dover’s guitar work helped bring the complex arrangements of Spilt Milk to life in concert settings. When Jellyfish disbanded in 1994, Dover immediately began collaborating with keyboardist Roger Manning Jr. in a new project initially called Doverman, which was later renamed Imperial Drag.

Following Jellyfish’s breakup, Dover achieved his greatest commercial success as the lead vocalist for Slash’s Snakepit, recording the album It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere which eventually sold over one million copies and achieved platinum certification. He then reunited with Manning to focus on Imperial Drag, which released one album and scored a minor hit with “Boy or a Girl” reaching number 30 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart. After Imperial Drag dissolved in 1997, Dover worked as a session musician before joining Alice Cooper’s band for several years, contributing to albums including Dragontown and The Eyes of Alice Cooper. He has also provided backing vocals for artists including Britney Spears, Meat Loaf, and Glen Campbell. In 2017, Dover reunited with Manning and Tim Smith to form The Lickerish Quartet, returning to the sophisticated pop style that characterized his work with Jellyfish while exploring new creative directions with his former bandmates.

Tim Smith

Tim Smith joined Jellyfish as bassist in 1992 for the recording and touring of their second album Spilt Milk, becoming the final member to join the band before their 1994 dissolution. Smith brought extensive experience from his previous work with Atlanta based power pop band The Producers, giving him the musical sophistication necessary to handle Jellyfish’s complex arrangements. His path to joining the band occurred through a fortunate connection with Shalome Aberly, a sound engineer who worked with both The Producers and Jellyfish.

Smith had previously seen Jellyfish perform as an opening act for World Party and was impressed by their musical abilities, though he initially suspected they were using backing tracks due to the perfection of their live harmonies. When Aberly learned that Jellyfish needed new musicians after the departures of Jason Falkner and Chris Manning, he recommended Smith based on his talents and professionalism. Smith auditioned successfully and relocated to California to participate in the Spilt Milk recording sessions and subsequent touring.

During his time with Jellyfish, Smith contributed bass, vocals, and occasional guitar to both studio recordings and live performances. His background with The Producers provided him with experience in crafting melodic bass lines that supported complex pop arrangements. Smith remained with the band through their final tour supporting Tears for Fears and their last performance in November 1993. When Jellyfish disbanded, Smith formed The Umajets with assistance from Manning and Dover, releasing the album Demolition in 1995, though it received limited attention.

Smith subsequently built an impressive career as a touring and session musician, working with high profile artists across multiple decades. His most significant long term collaboration began in 1996 when he joined Sheryl Crow’s band, serving as bassist, guitarist, and backing vocalist for 14 years. During this period, he appeared on albums including The Globe Sessions and C’mon, C’mon, while also contributing to a Stevie Nicks recording produced by Crow. Smith has also toured with The Finn Brothers, featuring Crowded House members Tim and Neil Finn, and spent five years as guitarist for Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds following Oasis’s dissolution. Additional collaborations have included work with Sarah McLachlan, World Party, and various other respected artists. In 2017, Smith reunited with Manning and Dover to form The Lickerish Quartet, allowing him to return to the sophisticated pop music style that first brought him into the Jellyfish organization while exploring new creative possibilities with his former bandmates.