History of Counting Crows in Timeline

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Counting Crows

Counting Crows is an American rock band that originated in 1991 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The band's current lineup includes David Bryson, Jim Bogios, Adam Duritz, Charlie Gillingham, David Immerglück, Millard Powers, and Dan Vickrey. The band has had several past members including drummers Steve Bowman and Ben Mize, as well as bass guitarist Matt Malley. The band's long history places them as a consistent contributor to the American rock music landscape.

February 2, 1971: Ben Mize's Birth

On February 2, 1971, Ben Mize, former drummer for Counting Crows, was born in Durham, North Carolina.

1973: Creation of the American Music Awards

The American Music Awards, an annual awards ceremony, were created by Dick Clark in 1973.

1984: Establishment of the MTV Video Music Awards

The MTV Video Music Awards were established in 1984 by MTV to celebrate the top music videos of the year.

1991: Formation of Counting Crows

In 1991, Adam Duritz and David Bryson formed Counting Crows in San Francisco. They started as an acoustic duo performing in the Bay Area.

1991: Counting Crows Formation

In 1991, Counting Crows was formed in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. The band's original lineup included guitarist David Bryson, vocalist Adam Duritz, and drummers Steve Bowman and bass guitarist Matt Malley.

February 1992: Bidding War

In February 1992, Counting Crows sparked a bidding war between nine different record labels after Gary Gersh of Geffen Records heard their demo tape.

January 16, 1993: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Performance

On January 16, 1993, Counting Crows filled in for Van Morrison at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, performing a cover of Van Morrison's "Caravan".

September 1993: Release of August and Everything After

In September 1993, Counting Crows released their debut album, August and Everything After.

December 1993: MTV Airplay of Mr. Jones Video

In December 1993, MTV began playing the video for Counting Crows' song "Mr. Jones", leading to a breakthrough hit and launching the band into stardom.

1993: Stable Lineup and Bay Area Regulars

By 1993, Counting Crows had a stable lineup consisting of Adam Duritz, David Bryson, Matt Malley, Charlie Gillingham, and Steve Bowman, becoming a regular act in the Bay Area music scene.

1993: Release of August and Everything After and breakthrough with "Mr. Jones"

In 1993, Counting Crows released their debut album, August and Everything After, which included the hit single "Mr. Jones". The album sold over 7 million copies in the United States.

1993: Dan Vickrey joins Counting Crows; extensive touring begins

In 1993, Dan Vickrey joined Counting Crows as lead guitarist. The band began touring extensively, headlining and supporting acts like The Rolling Stones, Cracker and Bob Dylan.

1994: Appearances and Grammy Nominations

In 1994, Counting Crows appeared on Saturday Night Live and Late Show with David Letterman. The band also received two Grammy nominations: Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for "Round Here" and Best New Artist.

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1994: Grammy Nominations

In 1994, Counting Crows received two Grammy Award nominations: "Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal" for "Round Here" and "Best New Artist."

1994: Steve Bowman Departure

In 1994, drummer Steve Bowman departed Counting Crows.

1995: Duritz writes Recovering the Satellites after limited touring

In 1995, Counting Crows played only two gigs, allowing Adam Duritz to write the songs that would become the band's second album, Recovering the Satellites.

October 15, 1996: Release of Recovering the Satellites

On October 15, 1996, Counting Crows released their second album, Recovering the Satellites, which addressed Duritz's unease with newfound fame and contained the hit single "A Long December".

July 2, 1997: Co-Headlining Tour with the Wallflowers Begins

On July 2, 1997, Counting Crows began a co-headlining tour with The Wallflowers, with opening acts by Bettie Serveert, Engine 88, Gigolo Aunts and That Dog.

July 1997: Duritz Develops Vocal Cord Nodules

In July 1997, after nine months of touring, Adam Duritz developed nodules on his vocal cords, which resulted in the cancellation of several gigs.

1999: Woodstock 99 performance, release of This Desert Life, Immerglück Joins

In 1999, Counting Crows performed at Woodstock 99 and released the album This Desert Life. David Immerglück became a permanent member of the band this year.

July 9, 2002: Release of Hard Candy Album

On July 9, 2002, Counting Crows released their fourth studio album, Hard Candy. The album included a cover of Joni Mitchell's song "Big Yellow Taxi".

2002: Ben Mize's Departure

In 2002, drummer Ben Mize left Counting Crows.

November 2003: Release of Films About Ghosts

In November 2003, Counting Crows released their greatest hits album, Films About Ghosts.

2003: Borderline Cover Recorded Live

In 2003, Counting Crows' cover of Madonna's "Borderline" was recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall.

2004: Academy Award Nomination

In 2004, Counting Crows received an Academy Award nomination for the single "Accidentally in Love", featured in the movie Shrek 2.

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2004: Accidentally in Love Nomination

In 2004, Counting Crows' song "Accidentally in Love" was nominated for Best Original Song at the 77th Academy Awards after being featured in the movie Shrek 2, but it did not win.

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2005: Matt Malley Departure

In 2005, bassist Matt Malley left Counting Crows.

June 2006: Release of New Amsterdam: Live at Heineken Music Hall

In June 2006, Counting Crows released the live album New Amsterdam: Live at Heineken Music Hall.

2006: Hint of a New Album

In 2006, Adam Duritz hinted that Counting Crows' next studio record would be released in late 2007, with a working title of Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings.

July 9, 2007: Performance at MLB All-Star Game

On July 9, 2007, Counting Crows performed live before the Home Run Derby at the 2007 MLB All-Star Game.

August 8, 2007: "Mr. Jones" on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s

On August 8, 2007, VH1 filmed a live performance of Counting Crows' "Mr. Jones" for the miniseries 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s, where it ranked No. 27.

September 2007: August and Everything After Performance at Town Hall

In September 2007, Counting Crows performed all the tracks from August and Everything After in album order at Town Hall in New York City. The show was recorded for a planned DVD release.

September 2007: Town Hall Concert Recording

In September 2007, Counting Crows recorded a concert at Town Hall, which would later be used for the album "August and Everything After: Live at Town Hall", released on August 29, 2011.

2007: Hint of a New Album in Late 2007

In 2007, Adam Duritz had indicated the Counting Crows were planning to release a new album late in the year titled Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings.

January 16, 2008: Free Digital Single Release

On January 16, 2008, Counting Crows released a digital single on their website featuring "1492" and "When I Dream Of Michelangelo" as a free download.

March 25, 2008: Release of Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings

On March 25, 2008, Counting Crows released the album Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings.

2008: Album Postponement

In September 2007, the album's release was postponed until early 2008.

March 22, 2009: Departure from Geffen Records

On March 22, 2009, Adam Duritz announced that Counting Crows would be leaving Geffen Records, where they had been for 18 years. As a parting gift, a cover of Madonna's "Borderline" was released as a free download.

2009: Saturday Night Rebel Rockers Traveling Circus and Medicine Show tour

In the summer of 2009, Counting Crows launched the Saturday Night Rebel Rockers Traveling Circus and Medicine Show tour with Michael Franti & Spearhead, and Augustana. The tour featured members of all bands joining each other on stage throughout the evening, playing from each other's catalogs.

February 2011: Release of All My Bloody Valentines

In February 2011, Adam Duritz released an indie album of cover songs titled "All My Bloody Valentines", with the album cover named and designed with the help of followers.

August 29, 2011: Release of August and Everything After: Live at Town Hall

On August 29, 2011, Counting Crows released "August and Everything After: Live at Town Hall", their third live album and first concert video. The album featured footage from the September 2007 Town Hall concert.

April 10, 2012: Release of Underwater Sunshine (Or What We Did On Our Summer Vacation)

On April 10, 2012, Counting Crows released their covers album, "Underwater Sunshine (Or What We Did On Our Summer Vacation)", with cover art designed by a fan.

November 2013: Release of Echoes of the Outlaw Roadshow

In November 2013, Counting Crows released a live album, "Echoes of the Outlaw Roadshow", in North America.

2013: Touring and Work on New Album

In 2013, Counting Crows toured extensively in support of their album "Underwater Sunshine", including headlining The Outlaw Roadshow and touring North America with The Wallflowers. The band also began working on material for a new album during this time.

2013: Writing of Somewhere Under Wonderland

In early 2013, Counting Crows began writing material for their new album, "Somewhere Under Wonderland", continuing during their summer tour.

September 2, 2014: Release of Somewhere Under Wonderland

On September 2, 2014, Counting Crows released their album, "Somewhere Under Wonderland".

2014: Release of Somewhere Under Wonderland

In 2014, Counting Crows released their most recent full album, Somewhere Under Wonderland.

February 2018: Underwater Sunshine Podcast Launch

In February 2018, Adam Duritz started recording the Underwater Sunshine Podcast, a weekly music podcast with James Campion.

October 2018: Inaugural Underwater Sunshine Fest

In October 2018, Adam Duritz and friends held the first Underwater Sunshine Fest at the Bowery Electric in New York, showcasing 17 independent bands over two nights.

2018: Duritz Invests in Wineries

In 2018, Adam Duritz invested in three wineries in Napa Valley, California: Elyse Winery, Institution Winery, and Addax Winery.

January 2019: Release of "August and Everything After" with the London Symphony Orchestra

In January 2019, Counting Crows released a newly recorded version of "August and Everything After", performed with the London Symphony Orchestra at AIR Studios.

April 2019: Second Underwater Sunshine Fest

In April 2019, Adam Duritz and friends held the second Underwater Sunshine Fest, showcasing 18 bands.

November 2019: Third Underwater Sunshine Fest

In November 2019, Adam Duritz and friends held the third Underwater Sunshine Fest at Rockwood Music Hall, featuring 26 bands.

February 2020: Announcement of New Music Suites Project

In early February 2020, Adam Duritz described Counting Crows' next project as suites of music to be released on various EPs. Studio sessions began in late February and early March for four songs: "The Tall Grass", "Elevator Boots", "The Angel of 14th Street", and "Bobby and the Rat Kings".

April 2021: Release of "Elevator Boots" Single

In April 2021, Counting Crows released "Elevator Boots" as the first single from their upcoming four-track EP.

May 2021: Return of Underwater Sunshine Podcast

In May 2021, Adam Duritz and James Campion returned to producing the Underwater Sunshine Podcast.

May 21, 2021: Release of Butter Miracle, Suite One

On May 21, 2021, Counting Crows released the EP, "Butter Miracle, Suite One".

2021: Plans for Butter Miracle, Suite Two

In 2021, Adam Duritz told Rolling Stone that a second EP, Butter Miracle, Suite Two, would be released and together with the first form a full album. The band planned to resume touring in the fall of 2021.

2021: Release of Butter Miracle, Suite One EP

In 2021, Counting Crows released a four-song EP titled Butter Miracle, Suite One.

February 2022: Duritz Appears on Gang of Youths' Album

In February 2022, Adam Duritz appeared as a guest vocalist on two tracks on Gang of Youths' third studio album, Angel in Realtime.

2022: Butter Miracle Tour and Israel Performance

During the 2022 Butter Miracle Tour, Counting Crows performed live in Israel for the first time, playing in an amphitheater in Ra'anana.

April 2023: Australia and New Zealand Tour

In April 2023, Counting Crows returned to Australia and New Zealand for a series of headlining shows, supported by Frank Turner.

February 21, 2025: Release of "Spaceman in Tulsa" Single

On February 21, 2025, Counting Crows released a new single, "Spaceman in Tulsa", to announce the release date for their upcoming album.

May 9, 2025: Release Date for Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets!

On May 9, 2025, Counting Crows new album Butter Miracle, The Complete Sweets! will be released, forgoing a second EP, it includes songs from the Suite One EP plus additional songs.