Album Notes

X-15 first came together in 1979 in Bellingham, Washington when vocalist Kelly Mitchell, drummer Todd Fuhs and guitarist Eric Alton discovered a magic combination of original music and lyrics powered by top-rated musicianship and poetry. Bringing on bassist Tim Lollar and keyboardist Erik Rohrer, this group named themselves X-15, after the US Airforce experimental rocket plane. They recorded and played, gaining popularity in the Bellingham area.

In 1980 the band moved to Seattle to join the ever-expanding music and arts scene. Their live performances were well executed and word spread about X-15.

The band became a draw in Seattle, landing prime club dates both as headliners and as support for signed touring acts. A trip to a 24-track studio produced a 5 song tape that gained immediate airplay on five stations in western Washington. The song "Vaporized" was selected as opening track on the critically acclaimed "Seattle Syndrome" album. This song became a regional hit with airplay on college, independent and commercial radio. The local PBS station produced a video of "Vaporized" which was written by and starred X-15. The band opened shows by JOHN CALE, GARY MYRICK, ROMEO VOID and many others during this time, including a walk on jam by IGGY POP during a club appearance.

1981 brought artistic growth and many changes. Keyboardists and bassists were auditioned; the band changed its name to LIFE IN GENERAL. They built a recording studio and in 1982 released a 5 song 12" EP that was well received by radio & critics and garnered sales world-wide. Their music was said to be "so hard yet so soft"

From 1981 to 1985 X-15/LIFE IN GENERAL moved to the top of the scene, opening for X, MISSING PERSONS, PUBLIC IMAGE Ltd., THE CLASH, LENE LOVICH, BLACK FLAG, RED HOT CHILE PEPPERS, SNAKEFINGER and many others in clubs, theaters, arenas and outdoor festivals. They achieved impressive popularity in Seattle, Portland OR and Vancouver B.C. A 1984 tour of the west coast included shows in Los Angeles and San Francisco. During this time the BUTTHOLE SURFERS opened for X-15/LIG at a Seattle club. At their band house X-15/LIG also hosted a party with the very first performance of "the Shemps" who soon after renamed themselves SOUNDGARDEN.

With the buzz created by the many fine bands of the region, the music industry looked to the Northwest. The band began to separate at a time when newer, younger bands like Soundgarden, Mother Love Bone and others took shape. The music of X-15 had a strong influence on a music scene that was generated in Seattle.

X-15's "Bombs and Insurance" (New Soul Records) is proving the works of Kelly Mitchell, Eric Alton and Todd Fuhs are more viable than ever. The others that were part of the X-15 experience were keyboards by Ted Askew, Don Kenoyer, Erik Rohrer and bass by Mike Davidson, Ken Wooding, Tim Lollar, Wade Larson and Ken Broadfoot.

Seattle musicians and the music industry can tip their hats to X-15 for opening the door to success of the Puget Sound influence on modern pop culture.

Buy X-15 "Bombs and Insurance". Check out the website at www.webspawner.com/users/x15lig/index.html You'll find it quite refreshing.

Thank You,
X-15