BUENA PARK, CA (June 11, 2004) — Through a career spanning ten years, opening a world tour for Evanescence and co-headlining with Trapt, Smile Empty Soul and Strata has allowed Burlington, Ontario rock act
Finger Eleven to grow musically and bulk up an already-healthy fan base. A critically-acclaimed album doesn't hurt either, as the band currently enjoys the success of their self-titled fourth
release and surprise hit single "One Thing."
The Canadian quintet came together in high school as a funk-influenced act named Rainbow Butt Monkey with original members Scott Anderson (lead vocals), Sean Anderson (Bass), Rob Gommerman (
drums) and guitarists
James Black and Rick Jackett. Their album,
Letters From Chutney, was recorded with prize money won from a rock band search contest on a local radio station. Gommerman departed and was replaced by Rich Beddoe, and the band was renamed Finger Eleven. Black, a Yamaha Guitar artist, plays
AES820D6,
PAC1511MS and
AES720 electrics.
"Each of the Yamaha
guitars that I play has its own distinct sound and feel, but they all have something in common – they're comfortable and they sound great," says Black. "And after pounding on them for months and soaking them with sweat every night, they still work!"
Finger Eleven is currently on the road, touring the U.S. and Canada through August. And, in much the same way that it was discovered, Finger Eleven is trying to help out younger bands who have not yet "made it" by offering a chance for unsigned bands to open for them. Songs may be submitted through the Web and one winner will be chosen in each participating city to open for that show. Visit the band's site,
www.fingerpickingood.com, or
www.chartattack.com for details.
For more information on Yamaha Guitars, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Guitar Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone 714-522-9011; or email
infostation@yamaha.com.
