The Whigs Biography

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Biography The Whigs

For the political party, see British Whig Party

The Whigs are a garage rock band from Athens, Georgia.

Career

The band was formed in 2002 by Parker Gispert, Julian Dorio, and Hank Sullivant. Early in their careers, they shared the stage with bands such as Franz Ferdinand, but had difficulty recording their first album. "Artist of the Day: The Whigs" from Spin.com, 20 September 2006. In the summer of 2005 the band recorded their first album, Give 'Em All a Big Fat Lip, in an empty fraternity house."The Whigs: Southern gents construct classic collegiate rock", by William Good man in Spin magazine's "Best of 2007" edition, January 2008. They used equipment purchased on eBay and resold after recording was finished to help offset the cost of production. Give 'Em All a Big Fat Lip was released independently in 2005. In July 2006, The Whigs signed with Dave Matthews' record label ATO Records, and Give 'Em All a Big Fat Lip was rereleased on September 19, 2006. Before signing with Matthew's label, Rolling Stone called the band "perhaps the best unsigned band in America." "The Whigs: The next great band from R.E.M.'s hometown?"article from Rolling Stone, 2005.

The band's second album, Mission Control, was released by ATO on January 22, 2008.

Awards and accomplishments

In September 2006, The Whigs were named "Artist of the Day" by Spin.com. Dorio was awarded an Esky award in March 2007 as "Best Drummer" by Esquire magazine. "The 2007 Esky Music Awards: Best Drummer", from Esquire Magazine, 26 June 2007.

It was announced in October 2007, that the band had finished their second album, entitled "Mission Control," which will be released on January 22, 2008. The band will appear on The Late Show with David Letterman on January 28, in support of the album. "Late Night Whigs" from AntiMusic.com, 11 January 2008.

Departure of Hank Sullivant

The Whigs' original bassist, Hank Sullivant, departed the Whigs in late 2006 to record an album as Kuroma and to tour extensively with MGMT. The Whigs have continued to tour with various temporary bassists, including Sam Gunn of Iron Hero and now permanent bassist Tim Deaux.