Complete List Of Modest Mouse Band Members

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Modest Mouse was formed in 1992 in Issaquah, Washington, quickly became notable for their eclectic style and energetic performances. The band’s lineup has undergone several changes throughout its history, contributing to its evolving sound. They gained mainstream success with their 2004 album, Good News for People Who Love Bad News, and hits like “Float On” and “Ocean Breathes Salty” have solidified their place in the alternative rock landscape. Over the years, Modest Mouse has released several albums and EPs, continuously experimenting with new sounds and themes.

Isaac Brock

Isaac Brock has been the creative force behind Modest Mouse since its inception. As the band’s lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter, Brock’s distinctive lyrical themes often explore philosophical, existential, and environmental issues. His sharp, narrative-style songwriting is evident in albums like The Moon & Antarctica and Good News for People Who Love Bad News. Outside of Modest Mouse, Brock is involved in side projects like Ugly Casanova, which released an album in 2002. He also founded the independent record label, Glacial Pace, which reissued some of Modest Mouse’s early works.

Tom Peloso

Tom Peloso joined Modest Mouse during the sessions for their 2004 album Good News for People Who Love Bad News, after which he became a full-time member. Peloso’s musical versatility allows him to play a range of instruments, including the violin, trumpet, and keyboards, enriching the band’s sonic palette. His classical music background is particularly influential in the orchestral arrangements found in We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank.

Russell Higbee

Russell Higbee started working with Modest Mouse in 2012 and has since been involved in studio recordings and live performances. Playing primarily bass and guitar, Higbee contributed to the band’s 2015 album Strangers to Ourselves. His contributions helped maintain the rhythmic and melodic foundations that characterize much of the band’s work.

Ben Massarella

Ben Massarella, a percussionist known for his work with other bands such as Califone and Red Red Meat, joined Modest Mouse in the recording of their latest album, adding his unique percussive styles to the mix. His involvement brought a fresh texture to the band’s complex rhythmic layers.

Simon O’Connor

Simon O’Connor, coming from his role as the guitarist and vocalist for Kuroma, joined Modest Mouse for their recent tours and contributed to their latest recordings. His experience brings a new edge to the guitar-driven aspects of the band’s music, complementing Brock’s style.

Damon Cox

Damon Cox, known for his work with Australian band An Horse, joined as a drummer, contributing to the percussive elements of Modest Mouse’s sound in live performances and recent studio work.

Past Members

Jeremiah Green

Jeremiah Green was a founding member whose drumming is integral to the band’s early sound, especially noted on albums like This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About and The Lonesome Crowded West. Green’s style is characterized by its erratic yet controlled rhythms that perfectly complement the band’s often chaotic musical themes. He left the band briefly in 2003 due to health issues but returned in 2004.

Eric Judy

Eric Judy, Modest Mouse’s original bassist, provided the steady bass lines that anchored the band’s often tumultuous sound until his departure in 2012. Judy’s minimalist yet potent playing was crucial on albums like The Moon & Antarctica. After leaving Modest Mouse, Judy has kept a relatively low profile in the music scene.

Joe Plummer

Joe Plummer, drummer for Modest Mouse from 2004 until 2012, was involved in the recording of We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. His drumming can be heard on tracks like “Dashboard”. Plummer has also played with The Shins and The Black Heart Procession.

Dann Gallucci

Dann Gallucci, who was a guitarist and audio engineer for Modest Mouse during two separate periods, contributed to Good News for People Who Love Bad News and left before the completion of We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. Gallucci also co-founded the Cold War Kids.

Benjamin Weikel

Benjamin Weikel, who temporarily took over drumming duties from Jeremiah Green, played on Good News for People Who Love Bad News. He is also known for his work with The Helio Sequence.

Jim Fairchild

Jim Fairchild played guitar for Modest Mouse during their tours and contributed to some recording sessions. He is also well known as a member of Grandaddy.

Lisa Molinaro

Lisa Molinaro, who toured with Modest Mouse and played on Strangers to Ourselves, contributed viola and backing vocals. She has been praised for adding depth to the band’s live performances.

John Wickhart

John Wickhart played bass during the band’s early years but did not appear on any major releases.

Johnny Marr

Johnny Marr, former guitarist of The Smiths, joined Modest Mouse for We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. Marr’s guitar work added a new dimension to the band’s sound, contributing significantly to the album’s success.

Read More: Top 10 Modest Mouse Songs