Artist description After 5 years of playing in and around the Mid-West, the power-pop band Big Mother Gig called it quits. The band released 2 full-length albums. Here lies the extensive history of the band and should be the end-all web page for Big Mother Gig fans (if there are any left.) The band found its beginnings when Rob Due and Rich Jankovich began horsing around at Marquette University in Milwaukee in the fall of 1991. They debuted at the Marquette Pub with a ridiculous acoustic version of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The pair found a solid rhythm section in Chuck Watson and Jason Borkowicz. They played their first show on Halloween night, 1992. One year later, after establishing a reputation as the loudest, and usually drunkest band in town, they released their first album, “My Social Commentary.” They began doing interviews with local papers like Marquette Tribune, Shepherd Express and Night Sites and Sounds. The punk influenced sounds gave way to more rock overtones with the addition of Riz Rashid who replaced Rob Due in January of 1994. The band soon went in to record it’s EP, “Transition” with punk-metal angst theme “Clone” as well as Borkowicz gem, “Someplace to Hide.” Then Jason Borkowicz was replaced by Joe Newman and Chuck Watson left a gaping hole that was finally filled by Mr. Brady Roehl after a couple replacements. This line-up remained strong for a while and the band made plans to record their follow-up album. Before the recording session, the band decided to ask Matt Deede to replace Joe Newman in the band. Matt Deede added a whole new dimension of punk that came ripping back into the Gig. Rich convinced the rest of the band to take on old friend, Marc Solheim as official manager for the band. The foursome recorded the “Smiling Politely” album over the course of a month at Junkyard Studios with Milwaukee rock icon Jeff Hamilton at the board. The band then began to stray from their power-pop roots and try a new style such as the Sonic Youth influenced “RoseBlood” and “Not a Penny.” They played a Summerfest show, numerous radio performances including an acoustic version of “Juliana” heard on Lazer 103FM and played in the Ticketmaster Best Unsigned Band Contest. Things were looking up for the band. As the band made plans to release the album, a surprise announcement came from frontman Rich Jankovich (me). He was moving away and the band would be breaking up. Bass player Matt Deede was replaced by an eager Jason Borkowicz, happy to be back in the band. The band played two final shows. One, a major going away party featuring nine opening bands. The show ended in a sing-along version of Hey Bartender! The band played their real last show at the Ticketmaster Showcase in Madison a week later. The final performance was an explosive set of their five best songs that left the audience jaw-dropped. Unfortunately, the record reps didn’t think it was that good and the career was over for Big Mother Gig. And probably for the best....

Music Style Power Pop Cock Rock!

Musical Influences Replacements, Goo Goo Dolls, Smashing Pumpkins

Similar Artists Goo Goo Dolls, Replacements, Green Day

Artist History Lead singer of Big Mother Gig, Rich Jankovich, is now fronting the Indie-tronica Act "Burnside Project" which can be found here at MP3.com!

Group Members Current Members:Rich Jankovich - vox, guitarsJason Borokowicz - vox, bassChuck Watson - drums, percBrady Roehl - drums, percFormer membersRizal Rashid - lead guitar, voxRob Due - lead guitar, voxJoe Nuemann - bass, voxMatt Deede - bass, voxsome guy named Brian and another guy named Carsonmany others that I am forgetting...

Instruments Guitars, Drums, Bass and Vocals

Albums My Social Commentary - 1994, Smiling Politely - 1996

Additional Info Transition EP - 1995

Location Milwaukee, WI - USA

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