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Ed Kowalczyk

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Today we're going to tell some key facts about Ed Kowalczyk. A talented and charismatic artist known as the lead singer and founding member of the band "Live".


(Photo: flickr)


= He was born in York, Pennsylvania, USA on July 16, 1971 as Edward Joel Kowalczyk.


= His parents are of Polish descent.


= In 1984, while still in middle school, Ed Kowalczyk, along with Chad Taylor, Patrick Dahlheimer, and Chad Gracey, form a band called "First Aid".


= In 1985 The band changed its name to "Public Affection".


= In 1989 "Public Affection" released their first album, "The Death of a Dictionary".


= In 1990 the band released an EP called "Divided Mind, Divided Planet".


= In 1991 The band changed its name to "Live" and signed with "Radioactive Records".


= The same year "Live" releases the EP "Four Songs" and their debut album, "Mental Jewelry", featuring the hit "Operation Spirit (The Tyranny of Tradition)".


= In 1994 "Live" achieved mainstream success with the release of their second album, "Throwing Copper", which includes hits like "I Alone", "Lightning Crashes", and "All Over You". The album becomes a multi-platinum sensation.




= In 1997 "Live" released their third album, "Secret Samadhi", which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.


= In 1999 The band released "The Distance to Here", featuring the hit single "The Dolphin's Cry".


= In 2001 "Live" released "V", which includes the single "Simple Creed".


= In 2003 The band released "Birds of Pray", known for the hit "Heaven".


= In 2006 "Live" released "Songs from Black Mountain".


= In 2009 Ed Kowalczyk left "Live" due to differences with the other band members and embarked on a solo career.


= The other three members of the band issued a statement claiming for inappropriate actions by Kowalczyk in regard to contract and salary.


= Kowalczyk was also sued by the band, for damages and an injunction against using the name "Live".


= In 2010 Kowalczyk released his first solo album, "Alive".


= In 2011 "Live" reforms with new lead singer Chris Shinn.


= In 2012 Kowalczyk released the album "The Garden".


= In 2013 he released his third solo album, "The Flood and the Mercy".


= In the years 2014-2016 Kowalczyk embarks on an extensive tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Throwing Copper", playing acoustic concerts across the U.S., Europe, and Australia.


= In 2016 Kowalczyk rejoins "Live", and the original lineup reunites, embarking on a successful tour and releasing the EP "Local 717".


= In 2019 "Live" embarks on a tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of "Throwing Copper".


= In 2022 Kowalczyk takes a 55% controlling ownership of "Live", firing founding guitarist Chad Taylor and performing with three new touring musicians as "Live".

= Kowalczyk has worked with musicians such as Stuart Davis, Glen Ballard, Anouk, Neneh Cherry, Adam Duritz of "Counting Crows", "Red Wanting Blue", and Shelby Lynne.


= He featured on the song "Evolution Revolution Love" from the 2001 "Tricky" album "Blowback".


= He collaborated with ex-"Talking Heads" members on the song "Indie Hair" from their 1996 album "No Talking, Just Head".


= Kowalczyk appeared in the David Fincher film "Fight Club" as a waiter, his only film acting credit to date.


= In 2003 Kowalczyk performed John Lennon's "Imagine" with Slash at "Peace on the Beach," a rally to protest the coming Iraq War.


= In 2008 he appeared in a video supporting U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama and attends campaign rallies with will.i.am from "The Black Eyed Peas".

= Kowalczyk’s talent and artistry have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.


= Throughout his career, Kowalczyk has been an ardent supporter of various charitable causes, particularly advocating for child health and education. He is also a member of Canadian charity Artists Against Racism.

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