"It's only the clippings, never the whole page." Hater "Down Undershoe", lyrics Ben Shepherd, 1993
October 5, 2005
Greg Prato was kind enough to send me his interview with Ben for the May 2005
issue of Classic Rock magazine, including some content that was edited out by that
publication. You can find it in the reviews section.
September 22, 2005
More new images from the Hater tour now up in the images section. Thank you, Aimee Ochtinsky and Eric Haines.
September 12, 2005
Images from the Tractor show in Seattle are now up in the images section. Thank you, Vikki Anselmo.
August 22, 2005
Images from the West Coast tour are now up in the images section. Thank you Enrique Olavarria
and Debbi Sullivan. Also read a fan review of the Knitting Factory show by Justin Dexter, up
now in the reviews section. If anyone else has images or reviews to contribute, please
contact me!
June 19, 2005
Hater has announced a tour! For updates check the Burn Burn Burn Records MySpace page at
http://www.myspace.com/14111595, or the
Show Dates section of this website, but I will be out of town much of July, so it may
not always be as up to date.
June 18, 2005
The July/August issue of Bass Guitar magazine features an interview and photos of Ben.
Buy it if you can find it. If not, read a transcription
here. Photos are up in the Images section of
this website.
May 1, 2005
More reviews and interviews with Ben.
Read my review in the May issue of Tone and Groove at http://toneandgroove.com in the Core Samples section.
April 26, 2005
Hater the 2nd was officially released on Burn Burn Burn Records. Visit their page for
ordering information, articles, and some nice photos, at http://www.burnburnburn.com/
February 15, 2005
Read 2:30 Publicity's blurb about Hater the 2nd, including Ben's description of the project's history
at http://www.230publicity.com/hater.html, or transcribed here.
December 16, 2004
Good news! According to Seth Perlman at downundershoe.com, the second, previously almost released
several times Hater album, is now slated for release in March, 2005. He has the tracklist up and a few sound
samples, so go check it out!
August 1, 2004
Todd Rigione (guitarist for Liquid Jesus) contacted me to announce his solo album, V612
Project, on which Ben Shepherd guests. Todd very much enjoyed working with Ben and calls
him "a true guiding light when he has a bass or guitar strapped around him."
Ben co-wrote and guests on "Texas," "Creepy," and "Cat Fight." More songs from this
collaboration are slated for release later this year. The album is available through
Underdogma records [http://underdogma.com/] and
there are song samples there, as well.
July 10, 2004
Unconfirmed word has it that Ben and Kim Thayil are in a new band called Red X, who were
scheduled to play at the Yella Beak Saloon in Enumclaw last night, but canceled. I will post
any confirmation I receive of this. If any of you have any information about
this, please email me.
December 13, 2003
During an encore of the Mark Lanegan Band show at the Showbox in Seattle, Ben,
Greg Dulli, Mike Johnson, and Van Conner backed up Mark on two songs,
"River Rise" and "Dollar Bill." Ben played electric guitar.
November 1, 2003
Ben will not be part of the latest configuration of the Mark Lanegan Band. Band
members for the upcoming tour are:
Mark Lanegan - Vocals
Troy Van Leeuwen - Guitar
Eddie Nappi- Bass
Brett Netson- Guitar
Norman Block -Drums
February 16, 2003
This isn't a new interview, but I hadn't seen it until recently. It was
conducted by John DiMarco for Popular 1 magazine, during the 1998 Mark Lanegan
tour, in Spain, with a 1999 press date. You can read it in its original Spanish
(with some very nice photos!) on Enric's lovely Tribute to Soundgarden page at http://www.geocities.com/sngrdn/articulos/popu303.htm,
and/or you can read an English translation of it here.
Many thanks to Enrique Olavarria for translating!
February15, 2003
Moved the page to its new residence at www.circleswithin.com.
March 1, 2002
No Ben news for now, I'm afraid, but today I launched Tone and Groove online
music magazine. Check it out at www.toneandgroove.com.
September 11, 2001
Ben did not perform at any of the Wellwater Conspiracy shows on the West Coast
mini-tour. Word from the band is that they want to remain a three-piece as much
as possible. I did speak to Ben in Seattle, but he didn't offer me any insight
into the situation.
August 22, 2001
WELLWATER WEBCAST ON 8/24
Log onto dcn.com to watch a LIVE webcast of Wellwater Conspiracy at 11:45 PST
from The Casbah in San Diego, CA.
July 11, 2001
Here's an amusing excerpt from the latest issue of Mean magazine's interview
with Mark Lanegan:
Q: A lot has been written about your physical altercations with the Conner
brothers from your old band. In your present situation, do you ever find
yourself throwing down with Mike Johnson (Dinosaur Jr.) or Ben Shepard [sic]
(Soundgarden)?
A: [laughs] No. For one thing, Ben would kick my ass if I threw down with him.
July 9, 2001
At the Showbox, Seattle, Wellwater Conspiracy were joined onstage by Eddie
Vedder for two songs ("Red Light Green Light" and "Felicity's Surprise").
Glenn Slater played bass, as well as keyboards (Jack Endino is in Brazil for
the summer). A new song, "Sullen Glaciers," was debuted. Ben sang
"Thing in E" and "Trowerchord."
June 18, 2001
Chris Middleman interviewed John McBain on June 14 for Soberhead. Read a
transcription of it here.
June 17, 2001
The May 22, 2001 Wellwater Conspiracy chat from Yahoo.com is now transcribed at
Carolyn White's Unofficial Wellwater Conspiracy Homepage, at http://www.nowinvisibly.com/wwcarticles.html,
courtesy of John McBain. It's an entertaining and informative read, I assure
you.
May 24, 2001
Burly Bear has a wonderful Wellwater Conspiracy feature that includes a video
interview with John and Matt that includes live snippets, some with Ben
singing. They also have up a very nice photo feature from the Irving Plaza
show. Well worth checking out. Go to http://www.burlybear.com/music/featured_artist/wellwater/index.html.
[Sorry, this feature is no longer available. The site appears to have been
removed.]
May 21, 2001
The Wellwater Conspiracy 5-5-01 show in Hoboken is available in streaming video
here: http://www.dcn.com/bands/bands_pages/wellwaterconspiracy.shtml#.[Sorry,
this feature is no longer available.]
March 29, 2001
Current plans have Mark Lanegan touring England with Queens of the Stone Age
June 1-15, 2001. He will be performing a couple songs with QOTSA each night.
The US tour is now being scheduled for July, 2001, with no specific dates
available yet.
March 24, 2001
According to nme.com, the projected release date for Field Songs, the new Mark
Lanegan album, is May 8. Mark is accompanied by Ben, who also contributes a song,
"an atmospheric instrumental called Blues For D," Mike Johnson and
Bill Reiflin. The track list is included in the article. Read the full article here.
March 9, 2001
According to Billboard.com, the projected release date for The Scroll and Its
Combinations, the new Wellwater Conspiracy album, is May 22. Read a
transcription of the article here.
March 8, 2001
It has been announced that the historic OK Hotel in Seattle will not reopen to
business in its present location, due to extensive earthquake damage to the
structural integrity of the building. The owners are looking for a new location
for the club. The OK Hotel was the location for the bar scenes in Soundgarden's
"Pretty Noose" video, and the coffee shop scenes in the movie
"Singles". The club has been an important venue for Seattle music for
many years, as well as a favorite haunt of many musicians, Ben Shepherd being a
regular visitor. It will surely be missed.
February 18, 2001
Nodzine's Andrew Shal interviewed John McBain. Read a transcript of it here. There are some
interesting tidbits about Ben in it.
January 29, 2001
Mark Lanegan "Field Songs" set for May 8 release, with a tour
planned! Read a transcription of the CD Now announcement here.
January 9, 2001
Look for the new Wellwater Conspiracy album (as yet untitled) in late February
or early March, with a single to precede it. It is coming out on TVT records
and there should be vinyl as well as CD formats available. Guests include Ben,
Kim Thayil, Greg Keplinger, Amy Denio, The Wardencliffe Trio minus One, and
some hippies from the Kitsap Peninsula, as well as one Wes C. Addle (aka Eddie
Vedder). The tracklist, as provided by John McBain, is as follows:
1. Tidepool Telegraph
2. C, Myself & Eye
3. I Got Nightmares
4. Tic, Tock 3 O'Clock
5. What Becomes of The Clock
6. Felicity's Surprise
7. Now Invisibly
8. Of Dreams
9. Brotherhood of The Electric
10. The Scroll
11. Keppy's Lament
December 29, 2000
The Wellwater Conspiracy played at the Crocodile Cafe, Seattle with The New
Original Sonics Sound (formerly The New Strichnines) and the Pulses. Ben joined
the band at the end of their set to sing You Do You, and Sleeveless. Kim Thayil
and Krist Novoselic were in attendance.
November 26, 2000
Last night The Wellwater Conspiracy played at the Sit n Spin, Seattle. Ben
joined the band to sing Trowerchord, You Do You, and Sleeveless.
November 6, 2000
Eddie Vedder joined The Wellwater Conspiracy onstage for several songs during
their set opening for Pearl Jam at Key Arena, Seattle. Ben joined the band for
two songs, Trowerchord and Sleeveless.
November 3, 2000
Ben fronted the Brotherhood of the Electric at Terrastock, Seattle. The
original billing was the Wellwater Conspiracy, but as Matt is still touring
with Pearl Jam, he was not able to join the band.
October 17, 2000
Ben played with Mark Lanegan at The Cellar at Johnny Foley's, San Francisco.
October 15, 2000
The Tony Iommi solo album, IOMMI, one track of which features Ben on bass, is scheduled
for release on October 17, 2000 on Divine Recordings/Priority Records,
distributed by Virgin.
October 15, 2000
Ben played with Mark Lanegan at Lola's in Portland, OR.
October 14, 2000
Ben played with Mark Lanegan and Mike Johnson at the Baltic Room in Seattle,
billed as The Jelly Doughnuts.
October 13, 2000
Ben played with the Mark Lanegan Band at the EMP Sky Church in Seattle.
Oct. 10, 2000
Released today- "Free the West Memphis Three- A Benefit For Truth and
Justice" on Aces and Eights records. The Mark Lanegan track "Untitled
Lullaby" features Ben, Mike Johnson, Duff McKagen, and Bill Rieflin as the
backing band. The CD appears to be widely available. For info about the CD and
the cause it supports, go to: http://www.wm3.org/
Sept. 6, 2000
Sub Pop has announced dates for a Mark Lanegan tour of Australia in October.
Ben is supposed to be accompanying him.
Aug. 31, 2000
I spoke with Ben after the Brotherhood of the Electric show. He told me I
should tell you all that he "married a circus freak from Florida.... named
Billy."
Aug. 31, 2000
Crocodile Cafe, Seattle
Ben appeared as lead vocalist, fronting Brotherhood of the Electric (an
incarnation of The Wellwater Conspiracy minus Matt Cameron, who is still touring
with Pearl Jam), who opened, after The Heads, for Nebula. Dan Peters drummed,
John McBain played guitar, and Jack Endino played bass and did vocals on Ladder
to the Moon. Ben also played harmonica.
Aug. 23, 2000
According to Visions online magazine, Ben plays bass on one track, "Into
The Night", on the upcoming Tony Iommi solo album. For a complete
tracklisting (and more information if you can read German), go to http://www.visions-magazin.de/news/show.php?id=756
July 9, 2000
Due out UK and Europe: 4 Sept 2000, U.S. and Canada: 12 Sept 2000, a tribute
album to Tim Buckley titled "Sing a Song For You" will include tracks
by Mark Lanegan and Mike Johnson. No word yet on whether Ben contributed to the
Lanegan track, but I will let you know when I know. For a full band and track
listing and cover art, visit http://www.manifesto.com/singasong.html
June 30, 2000
From the Seattle Weekly- MARK LANEGAN, 764-HERO, CARISSA'S WEIRD -- Those
tainted, hardcore Seattleites who glare at you from under their dirty, black
hair and hazy whiskey-and-smoke halo can tell you all about Mark Lanegan, the
late '80s, and the Screaming Trees, but they probably won't. All you really
need to know is that Lanegan's deep and harrowing voice is about as affecting
as they come, his songs are as real as the rain, and he has formed the kind of
working friendships with fellow musicians that will probably keep his fans
properly sated well into this decade. Mike Johnson, Bill Rieflin, Ben Shepherd,
and Alan Davis are Lanegan's backing band for this show, and it's rumored that
the singer's had them learn covers rather than his own material. Weird. --
Laura Learmonth
June 29, 2000
From the Stranger- MARK LANEGAN, 764-HERO, CARISSA'S WIERD (Showbox) The last
time Mark Lanegan played the Showbox, almost two years ago, I was on the last
great bender of my 14 years as a practicing alcoholic. The scotch buzz was a
dark, painful, beautiful filter for Lanegan's honey-cured baritone. I met a
sweet couple from West Seattle, and nearly wept over the man's first-hand
account of the Gulf War. We smoked a joint on the corner of First and Pike in
front of God and everybody. Lanegan appears tonight backed by Ben Shepherd
(Soundgarden), Mike Johnson (Dinosaur Jr.), and Bill Rieflin (Ministry). GRANT
COGSWELL
June 11, 2000
Friday June 30 The Showbox presents: MARK LANEGAN with guests. $13.00 tickets
available at Ticketmaster. Doors open at 8 pm.
I don't know if Ben will be playing this show, but if you have a chance to see
it, you should go anyway. If anyone knows who will be comprising the band,
please email me and let me know.
June 9, 2000
According to Danny Bland at Aces & Eights records, the West Memphis 3
benefit album is now expected to be released in September. He says last minute
details are being put together now. For information about the West Memphis 3
and news pertaining to this situation you can go to http://www.wm3.org
May 15, 2000
Ben and former bandmates Chris Cornell and Matt Cameron attended the
Eleven/Queens of the Stone Age show at the Showbox in Seattle.
April 5, 2000
An early June release date is projected for the West Memphis Three benefit
compilation, on Aces & Eights Records.
Jan. 12, 2000
According to MTV News online, a track on the upcoming West Memphis Three
benefit compilation organized by Supersuckers has been recorded by Mark
Lanegan, former Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan, Ben Shepherd, and
ex-Ministry drummer Bill Rieflin. A release date has not been given, nor has a
title for this track.
Nov. 26, 1999
Ben Shepherd, Kim Thayil, and Matt Cameron all attended Chris Cornell's
performance at the Paramount in Seattle.
Sept. 21, 1999
Mark Lanegan's album of cover songs, "I'll Take Care of You" was
released today on Sub Pop records. Ben plays bass on four of the tracks:
Creeping Coastline of Lights
On Jesus' Program
Together Again
Boogie Boogie
Sept. 8, 1999
According to John McBain, Ben is rejoining Wellwater Conspiracy
April 3, 1999
Ben attended the Sub Pop anniversary party in Seattle.
April 2, 1999
Ben attended the Gossamer Wings cd release party at the Crocodile Cafe,
Seattle, but did not play with the band. He has shaved his head.
Oct. 31, 1998
From the Lip Service column in the Rocket: (thank you, Angela Woolley)
"... nor does he know why Pete Krebs jumped ship from Golden Delicious,
but apparently he did. His new combo is called Gossamer Wings and features the
bass plunking talents of one Ben Shepherd, who you may recognize from his stint
in that marginally famous Seattle group Soundgarden many years ago."
Oct. 20, 1998
confirmed November US tour dates for Mark Lanegan:
14 Noe Valley Ministry. San Francisco, CA
15 Troubador. Los Angeles, CA
18 WOW Hall. Eugene, OR
19 The Showbox. Seattle, WA
20 Berbatis Pan. Portland, OR
Oct. 12, 1998
Lanegan tour date added: Athens, Greece October 27th
Oct. 10, 1998
From the Lip Service column in the Rocket by Johnny Renton: (thank you, Angela
Woolley)
"We start at the going away party held at the Showbox for Erin Haley, Mr.
Renton's favorite local management-type formerly of Susan Silver Management.
Mr. Renton is sad to report that, unfortunately for us, Ms. Erin is headed to
L.A. for a new job. But he's happy to say that her going away party was a
blast. Pretty much everybody who was anybody in the music biz was there.
Attendees included Chris Cornell, Kim Thayil, Ben Shepherd (does Mr. Renton
hear reunion rumors?), Alice in Chains' Sean Kinney, ex-President of the United
States of America Jason Finn and Jesse Hickman. Of course Susan Silver (a.k.a.
Mrs. Cornell) was there as well and said many kind words about Haley, all of
which are echoed by Mr. Renton."
Sept. 23, 1998
from this week's Rocket:
LIVE YOU GOT IT: North By Northwest in Review
Friday, August 21
(big snip) The large mixed crowd that stuffed its way into Satyricon to hear
Pete Krebs' urban folk hymns were surprised to see Soundgarden's Ben Shepherd
not only present, but sitting in on bass.
Sept. 21, 1998
Danny Baird, Screaming Trees manager, writes:
I will have US dates soon and get them to you. I went to Ben's 30th birthday
party last night. He's doing great.
Danny
Sept. 18, 1998
European tour dates for Mark Lanegan [with Ben backing him up] (thank you,
Debbi Sullivan)
TOUR DATES, FALL 1998
Oct. 11 Copenhagen, Denmark --Loppen
Oct. 12 Hamburg, Germany --Logo
Oct. 13 Frankfurt, Germany --Nachtlebben
Oct. 15 Glasgow, Scotland --G2
Oct. 16 London, England --Astoria
Oct. 17 Den Haag, Holland --Crossing Border Festival
Oct. 18 Ghent, Belgium --Crossing Border Festival
Oct. 21 Milan, Italy --Binario Zero
Oct. 22 Barcelona, Spain --Garage Club
Oct. 23 San Sebation, Spain --Cultural Club
Oct. 24 Madrid, Spain --Caracol
Oct. 25 Valencia, Spain --Roxy
Sept. 17, 1998
From the Stranger:
Singer/songwriter Marc Olsen was just tapped by Mark Lanegan to play guitar
with him when Lanegan hits the road in a few weeks (Mike Johnson, Ben Shepherd
and Mark Bouquist will round out the band.)
Sept. 15, 1998
Article from the Rocket (thank you, Angela Woolley):
[NXNW and the party afterwards at Satyricon] celebrity sightings included
former SG bassist Ben Shepherd who was readying himself for his stint in
support of Portland folk fatale Pete Krebs later on.
also:
Seattle's Irregular Records has finished mastering its forthcoming Johnny Cash
tribute album - "Americana: A Tribute to Johnny Cash". Featured
artists include Faith & Disease, Ben Shepard [sic] and The Box Car Tramps.
email me This page maintained by Jenny Grover. Contributions,
information, and comments welcome.
