Artist description Tireless Hard/Progressive Rock veterans. The Lotos Eaters make music their way, dedicated to the endless possibilites of musical and philosophical expression and oh yeah-they rock!

Music Style Progressive Rock

Musical Influences Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, ELP, Frank Zappa, J.S. Bach

Similar Artists Phish, Monster Magnet

Artist History The Lotos Eater movement began circa 1987, when Hollister's band Critic began folding under (there was particular resistance to his unique writing style), and in a repeat of history he began jamming and formulating a band concept with Naset. Once again Houghton was brought back into the fold (over several hundred cocktails in an Irish pub), and Olinger was recruited at the suggestion of a mutual friend who was later honored in the song Too Late Again for David (he passed away too young in 1989). Thus constituted, the (as yet unnamed) Lotos Eaters were officially formed in 1988. After two abortive attempts at securing a lead singer, Shawn McAninch finally joined in 1993 and the lineup was cemented. Shawn's background had been in opera and musical theatre. He brought a trained, powerful, voice to the group, as well as a very visual and theatrical stage presence (murky stories exist about his naked glass elevator ride, the time he accidentally accosted Waren Zevon, etc.). The group decided upon the name the Lotos Eaters (see name origination page) after considering such names as Hamsterectomy, Larry Zero, Diogonyese and the Search, Fish Eater and the Wasps, Kitchen Sink (cause they throw everything in), and The Music Guise. In 1997 founding member, George Naset, left the band when to take a “to good to pass up” job opportunity. Though his leaving was very tough, it was on the best of terms. In 1998 the Lotos Eaters struck gold when they found their new bass player, Mark Duffy. With this multi-instrumental, seasoned band veteran, the Eaters where back in business. They just recently completed their second album that is targeted to be released December of 99.

Group Members Tom Hollister- Lead GuitarTom Houghton- KeysDave Olinger- DrumsMark Duffy- BassShawn McAninch- Lead Vocals

Albums Lotos Eaters; Eaten By Giants

Press Reviews ... what the world needs now is originality and the Lotos Eaters eat that word up and tear it to shreds, spitting out music designed to take the world by storm. The Lotos Eaters are one of the most creative and original bands I have ever encountered." - Joe Weltz, President of Caprice Records Seriously, the music of The Lotos Eaters is more than simply astounding in that it allows the listener to be seduced by the charms of its diversity. Didier Gonzalez, Harmonie Magazine, No. 29, 1997

Location Des Moines, IA - USA

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