Clutch

The origin of the band's name comes from the members' wish to have a short, monosyllabic name. Clutch was formed in 1990 around Dan Maines (bass), Tim Sult (guitars), Jean-Paul Gaster (drums) and Roger Smalls (vocals). With Smalls on his way out, he was replaced by Neil Fallon. Making something of a name for itself after good live performances, the band signed its first contract with Earache Record to release their first EP Passive Restraints. Clutch subsequently signed with EastWest Records. In 1993 came their first LP titled Transnational Speedway League; two years later came their first album Clutch, which marked the band's commercial success.