Big Wreck

Big Wreck is a Canadian-American rock band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1994 by Ian Thornley and Brian Doherty. The band is best known for its songs "The Oaf," "That Song," and "Albatross."

History:

Thornley and Doherty met while attending Berklee College of Music. They formed Big Wreck and quickly gained a following in the Boston area. The band’s original lineup also included bassist Dave Henning and drummer Forrest Williams. In 1997, they signed with Atlantic Records and released their debut album, In Loving Memory Of…. The album was a commercial success, fueled by the singles "The Oaf" and "That Song," which received significant radio airplay.

The band released their second album, The Pleasure and the Greed, in 2001. While it contained some strong tracks, it failed to reach the same level of commercial success as their debut. Internal tensions and creative differences contributed to the band's breakup in 2002.

Post-Breakup:

Following Big Wreck's dissolution, Ian Thornley pursued a solo career under the name Thornley, releasing several albums. Brian Doherty focused on session work and other musical projects.

Reunion:

In 2010, Thornley and Doherty reunited Big Wreck. The reunion was initially intended for a one-off performance, but the positive response led to a full-fledged reformation. The band has since released several albums, including Albatross (2012), Ghosts (2014), Grace Street (2017), and Big Wreck 7.1 (2019). They continue to tour and record music, solidifying their place as a significant act in the Canadian rock music scene.

Musical Style:

Big Wreck's music is characterized by Ian Thornley's distinctive vocals and guitar playing, which incorporates elements of blues, hard rock, and progressive rock. Their songwriting often features complex arrangements and emotionally charged lyrics.