Ophur

Ophur
Ophur performing at the Chicago House of Blues in 2004
Background information
Origin	Woodridge & Downers Grove Illinois
Genres	rock, pop, funk, alternative rock, folk rock, experimental rock
Years active	1997-2004
Labels	independent
Associated acts	Bryyn, Pinkle, Facing Forward, Third Half, The Sweet Anchovies
Website	www.ophur.com
Members
Benson Krause Bryn Martin Nicola Palazzo Bryan Walker
Past members
Cheston Bogue Eric Olsen Bryan Fornelli

Ophur was a rock band from the Chicago suburbs in DuPage County. The band performed in the midwestern United States over the course of seven years with national acts including The Plain White T's, Sum 41, Violent Femmes, Local H, Lucky Boys Confusion, Veruca Salt, Two Skinee J's, Duvall, Sleeping at Last, and others. Their music has been described as an eclectic amalgamation of U2, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Pink Floyd.^{[citation needed]}

History

Ophur began with lead singer Benson Krause and guitarist Bryn Martin in 1996. Shortly afterwards percussionist Nicola Palazzo and bassist Eric Olsen joined the group. Bassist Bryan Walker eventually replaced Eric Olsen and keyboardist Cheston Bogue joined the group. The band built a loyal grass-roots following in the midwest while maintaining an independent status. They performed regularly at the Chicago House of Blues, many outdoor festivals, and college campuses while managed by Duff Entertainment. Their music received sporadic airplay on radio stations including WKQX, WXRT, and was popular on a number of college radio stations, but spread primarily through the bands choice to have free music available at the band's official website. Ophur was known by fans for their quirky performances which occasionally included the use of Christmas light impregnated duct tape space-suits. Lead singer, Benson Krause, impressed fans with an intense, quirky, and unpredictable stage persona. The band held their final performance in 2003, citing creative differences as the reason for the groups breakup. Drummer Nick Palazzo and bassist Bryan Walker joined the band Facing Forward in 2006 and guitarist Bryn Martin began a solo project called Bryyn. Lead singer Benson Krause continued to record music as a solo musician until his death of apparent suicide on January 22, 2008 after his car was struck by a commuter train.^[1] The remaining members of the band held a reunion concert in Krause's honor on March 2008 ^[2][3]

Members

• Benson Krause - lead vocals
• Bryn Martin - guitar, backup vocals
• Bryan Walker - bass
• Nickola Palazzo - drums
• Cheston Bogue - keyboards
• Eric Olsen - bass

Discography

• Death to the Chameleon EP (2002)
• Split EP (2000)
• The Wheel Theory (1998)
• Nothing Hurts More (1996)
• The Sweet Anchovies (1995)

Remixes

• Reality - Tim Fonadi Anderson, brain screw remix
• Reality - George "Baby Rattlesnakes", i belong remix
• Reality - George "Baby Rattlesnakes", illogical remix
• Sweet Lovin' - Nathan "Cosmik Druid" Leigh, third remix
• Sweet Lovin' - Nathan "Cosmik Druid" Leigh, Contourpilated Forest remix

External links

• Official Ophur band website
• Centerstage Chicago Ophur
• Internet archive Ophur live recordings
• Artist direct Ophur page
• Lastfm Ophur page
• Ophur at PureVolume
• Ophur on Myspace
• Benson Krause obituary
• Downers Grove Reporter - Benson Krause Obituary
• Garage Band Ophur site
• interview with Ophur on Ohgoodie.net
• Official Benson Krause tribute website

Side projects

• Official Bryyn Website
• Facing Forward on Myspace

References

1. ^ Reporter, Staff (Jan 29, 2008). "Benson James Krause (article)". Downers Grove Reporter. http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/downersgrove/archive/x254755939.  Last accessed April 21, 2009.
2. ^ Roenigk, Katie (March 15, 2008). "Local band organizes concert for deceased member's son (article)". Daily Herald. http://67.151.102.2/story/?id=153083.  Last accessed April 21, 2009.
3. ^ Foutz, Katie (March 14, 2008). "Late singer's friends band together (article)". Lisle Sun. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-11FC26F0D60B14E8.html.  Last accessed April 22, 2009.