Biography
Within the seminal indie rock outfit Pavement, Bob Nastanovich ranked nearly equal to Stephen Malkmus as a driving force behind the group's overall character. Serving at times as a "utility man," he would occasionally occupy a second drum kit or supply eccentric keyboard flourishes. His chief contribution, however, arrived as an irrepressible presence whose peculiar rants, vocal layers, and sonic accents helped define Pavement's singular atmosphere. Onstage he was likewise known for exchanging odd remarks with drummer Steve West. Those same live vocal habits are said to have prompted the "whoo-hoo" refrain on Blur's 1997 hit single "Song 2."
Born in Rochester, NY, in 1967, Nastanovich was raised in Richmond, VA, where he first met future Pavement drummer Steve West while still in high school. During the mid-'80s he studied at the University of Virginia and there became friends with Stephen Malkmus. Only after both men had finished college in the early '90s did Malkmus recruit Nastanovich into Pavement, the band Malkmus had launched in Stockton, CA, with childhood companion Scott Kannberg (aka Spiral Stairs). The group dissolved once Malkmus issued his debut solo album in 2001. In the band's later years, horse-racing devotee Nastanovich settled in Louisville, KY, where he owns several thoroughbreds. He has also recorded with the Silver Jews, Pale Horse Riders, and Ectoslavia.
Born in Rochester, NY, in 1967, Nastanovich was raised in Richmond, VA, where he first met future Pavement drummer Steve West while still in high school. During the mid-'80s he studied at the University of Virginia and there became friends with Stephen Malkmus. Only after both men had finished college in the early '90s did Malkmus recruit Nastanovich into Pavement, the band Malkmus had launched in Stockton, CA, with childhood companion Scott Kannberg (aka Spiral Stairs). The group dissolved once Malkmus issued his debut solo album in 2001. In the band's later years, horse-racing devotee Nastanovich settled in Louisville, KY, where he owns several thoroughbreds. He has also recorded with the Silver Jews, Pale Horse Riders, and Ectoslavia.