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Jonathan Fire* Eater
Your Favorite Band’s Favorite Band.
I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for a tragic story, and when it comes to indie rock, there aren’t many stories more tragic than that of Jonathan Fire* Eater. I first learned about this incredibly exciting but ultimately doomed band while reading 2017’s Meet Me in the Bathroom. The book, written by Lizzy Goodman, gives an oral recount of the early 2000s New York City rock revival.
However, it kicks off with the story of Jonathan Fire* Eater, a band who, for a short time, was rock’s next big thing. Despite their failure to live up to the promise, Jonathan Fire* Eater left an indelible mark on the scene even if they didn’t enjoy much success themselves. Bands like Interpol and Yeah Yeah Yeahs count themselves among their many fans.
“Oh yeah, they had an enormous influence on me,” — Karen O in Meet Me in the Bathroom.
So, who was Jonathan Fire Eater? Let’s take a look back at one of rock music’s most tragic casualties.
The future bandmates first met in the early 90s as students at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C. Stewart Lupton, Jonathan Fire* Eater’s future frontman, first met Walter Martin when they were in the fifth grade, and very soon, they began making music together. Not long after, Matt Barrick and…
