Biography
Emerging from Manhattan's Lower East Side, the punk rock quintet L.E.S. Stitches brought together Mick Brown on vocals and guitar, Curtis Stitch handling lead guitar, Todd Radict on rhythm guitar, Damian Branica on bass, and James Baggs behind the drums. The group's origins trace back to the late '80s, when Stitch and Radict, already close friends, first collaborated in the Radicts. After that band dissolved in the early '90s, the pair remained committed to working together and assembled L.E.S. Stitches alongside additional punk enthusiasts. They quickly established a presence by performing throughout New York City at venues such as CBGB's and similar spots, building a following while serving as openers for the Dickies, D-Generation, and Murphy's Law. Impressed by their stage energy, legendary Ramones frontman Joey Ramone extended his support and included them in one of his showcases highlighting unsigned acts. The resulting exposure led L.E.S. Stitches to secure a deal with Ng Records, which issued their full-length debut album, Snapped, in 1996.