Biography
Ten Foot Pole originated as Scared Straight before transforming into a forceful, aggressive punk rock outfit that prioritized enjoyment over straight-edge hardcore restrictions. Although Scared Straight issued recordings on Mystic Records, Ten Foot Pole promptly aligned with Epitaph and remained with the label beyond 2000.
Co-founder Dennis Jagard entered the world in Northridge, CA, yet spent his childhood in Simi Valley, CA. At age eight his parents enrolled him in piano lessons, and by ten music had become central to his existence. He kept Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" looping in a bathroom tape player for months, hearing the same tracks daily during showers. At eleven he negotiated a written contract with his parents permitting a switch from piano to guitar on the conditions that he lower the volume on request and refrain from playing while his father was home. Jagard began performing with friends in junior high, driven by their passion for heavy music and the expectation that stage presence might attract attention from girls. In later years he cultivated interests in street motorcycles, snowboarding, and reading, yet the excitement of songwriting and observing music's impact on listeners ultimately defined his path as vocalist and guitarist.
Jagard joined co-founder Steve Von Treetrunk on guitar, along with Scott Radinsky on vocals and Jordan Burns on drums, accumulating experience as Scared Straight embarked on its first tour. Both car and trailer were stolen in Pittsburgh, stripping the band of its equipment, yet performances continued on borrowed gear. Scared Straight self-released its debut album, Swill, in early 1994. Burns then departed for Corrosion of Conformity, prompting Tony Palermo to take over drums. By September 1994 Epitaph had signed the band and issued Rev. With the name and stylistic change to Ten Foot Pole that accompanied Rev, the group collaborated with Satanic Surfers on a split CD released in April 1995. Vocalist Scott Radinsky, who balanced singing with pitching duties for the L.A. Dodgers, exited in 1995 to focus on baseball full-time and later formed Pulley; Jagard assumed the vocal role.
Epitaph released Unleashed in March 1997, and months later Glen Vegas joined on bass. Vegas, recognized for his energetic backing vocals, hailed from Canada and had previously played in Dead Surf Kiss (aka DSK) and 60 Cycle. That autumn Ten Foot Pole toured New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and the U.S. In January 1999 Epitaph issued Insider, which fans warmly embraced. After Vegas departed to pursue other interests, Leigh Lawson joined as bassist. In May 2000 Ten Foot Pole participated in the Punk-O-Rama tour, fostering direct engagement with audiences. The band also recorded a cover of Tesla's "Love Song" for Punk Goes Metal, issued in August 2000 by Fearless Records.
On August 26, 2000, in San Diego, bassist Leigh Lawson died suddenly from an enlarged heart. Feeling unwell, Lawson went to sleep and did not wake; tests detected neither alcohol nor drugs in his system. In tribute the band canceled upcoming tours and paused activities. When Ten Foot Pole resumed, original members Dennis Jagard on vocals and guitar and Steve Von Treetrunk on guitar remained, while new bassist John Chapman integrated his pop sensibility with the existing style and Kevin Ruggeri handled drums. Although Ruggeri's parents were not musicians, they purchased his first drum kit and permitted earlier bands to rehearse at their home. His older brother Louie passed down a Slingerland pearl-shelled snare drum when Ruggeri was eleven, allowing his abilities to develop. His parents grew skilled at napping amid Ruggeri's practice, during which he cultivated ambidextrous technique and channeled adrenaline and creativity to become a leading punk drummer.
No longer affiliated with Epitaph, Ten Foot Pole recorded new demos and readied its next album. For more than fifteen years the band had shared stages with NOFX, Bad Religion, D.O.A., Green Day, Circle Jerks, Offspring, and numerous others. Ten Foot Pole had built a solid base of experience, loyal fans, and intelligent, thoughtful lyrics rooted in the pursuit of enjoyment. The lineup now consisting of Jagard, Ruggeri, guitarist Eric Cody, and bassist Mike Levy signed with Victory Records for 2002's Bad Mother Trucker. The group subsequently moved to Go-Kart and released the politically conscious Subliminable Messages in mid-2004.
Co-founder Dennis Jagard entered the world in Northridge, CA, yet spent his childhood in Simi Valley, CA. At age eight his parents enrolled him in piano lessons, and by ten music had become central to his existence. He kept Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" looping in a bathroom tape player for months, hearing the same tracks daily during showers. At eleven he negotiated a written contract with his parents permitting a switch from piano to guitar on the conditions that he lower the volume on request and refrain from playing while his father was home. Jagard began performing with friends in junior high, driven by their passion for heavy music and the expectation that stage presence might attract attention from girls. In later years he cultivated interests in street motorcycles, snowboarding, and reading, yet the excitement of songwriting and observing music's impact on listeners ultimately defined his path as vocalist and guitarist.
Jagard joined co-founder Steve Von Treetrunk on guitar, along with Scott Radinsky on vocals and Jordan Burns on drums, accumulating experience as Scared Straight embarked on its first tour. Both car and trailer were stolen in Pittsburgh, stripping the band of its equipment, yet performances continued on borrowed gear. Scared Straight self-released its debut album, Swill, in early 1994. Burns then departed for Corrosion of Conformity, prompting Tony Palermo to take over drums. By September 1994 Epitaph had signed the band and issued Rev. With the name and stylistic change to Ten Foot Pole that accompanied Rev, the group collaborated with Satanic Surfers on a split CD released in April 1995. Vocalist Scott Radinsky, who balanced singing with pitching duties for the L.A. Dodgers, exited in 1995 to focus on baseball full-time and later formed Pulley; Jagard assumed the vocal role.
Epitaph released Unleashed in March 1997, and months later Glen Vegas joined on bass. Vegas, recognized for his energetic backing vocals, hailed from Canada and had previously played in Dead Surf Kiss (aka DSK) and 60 Cycle. That autumn Ten Foot Pole toured New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and the U.S. In January 1999 Epitaph issued Insider, which fans warmly embraced. After Vegas departed to pursue other interests, Leigh Lawson joined as bassist. In May 2000 Ten Foot Pole participated in the Punk-O-Rama tour, fostering direct engagement with audiences. The band also recorded a cover of Tesla's "Love Song" for Punk Goes Metal, issued in August 2000 by Fearless Records.
On August 26, 2000, in San Diego, bassist Leigh Lawson died suddenly from an enlarged heart. Feeling unwell, Lawson went to sleep and did not wake; tests detected neither alcohol nor drugs in his system. In tribute the band canceled upcoming tours and paused activities. When Ten Foot Pole resumed, original members Dennis Jagard on vocals and guitar and Steve Von Treetrunk on guitar remained, while new bassist John Chapman integrated his pop sensibility with the existing style and Kevin Ruggeri handled drums. Although Ruggeri's parents were not musicians, they purchased his first drum kit and permitted earlier bands to rehearse at their home. His older brother Louie passed down a Slingerland pearl-shelled snare drum when Ruggeri was eleven, allowing his abilities to develop. His parents grew skilled at napping amid Ruggeri's practice, during which he cultivated ambidextrous technique and channeled adrenaline and creativity to become a leading punk drummer.
No longer affiliated with Epitaph, Ten Foot Pole recorded new demos and readied its next album. For more than fifteen years the band had shared stages with NOFX, Bad Religion, D.O.A., Green Day, Circle Jerks, Offspring, and numerous others. Ten Foot Pole had built a solid base of experience, loyal fans, and intelligent, thoughtful lyrics rooted in the pursuit of enjoyment. The lineup now consisting of Jagard, Ruggeri, guitarist Eric Cody, and bassist Mike Levy signed with Victory Records for 2002's Bad Mother Trucker. The group subsequently moved to Go-Kart and released the politically conscious Subliminable Messages in mid-2004.
Albums
