The Spin Doctors have been a fixture in the rock music scene since the late 1980s, known for their infectious blend of rock, funk, and blues. A key element of their enduring appeal is, of course, the talented musicians who have comprised the band over the years. If you’re a fan or just discovering the Spin Doctors, you might be curious about who exactly are the members of this iconic group, both past and present. This article provides a comprehensive look at the Spin Doctors Members, exploring their roles, instruments, and individual stories that have shaped the band’s journey.
Current Spin Doctors Members
As of late 2024, the Spin Doctors boast a dynamic lineup that blends original members with fresh talent, ensuring their signature sound continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. The core of the band features three of the original founding members, alongside a newer addition who has become an integral part of the Spin Doctors family.
Chris Barron (Vocals)
Chris Barron is the unmistakable voice of the Spin Doctors. Born Christopher Gross in Australia around 1968, he moved to the United States at a young age and later adopted the name Chris Barron. His journey into music began in Princeton, New Jersey, where he sang in the high school glee club alongside future Blues Traveler members Brendan Hill and John Popper. Barron’s charismatic stage presence and distinctive vocal delivery are cornerstones of the Spin Doctors’ sound. Beyond his vocal duties, Barron briefly played rhythm guitar during Anthony Krizan’s tenure and harmonica on occasion. Notably, he also plays acoustic guitar on “Can’t Kick The Habit,” a single released after the band’s reunion in 2001, demonstrating his versatility as a musician within the group. His songwriting partnership with Ben Lewis in their early days produced songs like “Pandora’s Box” and “Mary Jane,” showcasing his early talent and laying the groundwork for his future success with the Spin Doctors.
Aaron Comess (Drums)
Aaron Comess lays down the rhythmic backbone of the Spin Doctors as their drummer. Born around 1968 and raised in Deep Ellum, Texas, a vibrant hub of jazz music, Comess immersed himself in the local scene. His Deep Ellum jazz influences are crucial to the band’s funky, groove-oriented sound. Before joining the Spin Doctors, Comess honed his skills in various bands, including a fusion group called Spade, where he played alongside future bandmate Mark White. Beyond drums, Comess also contributes backing vocals and has even showcased his bass playing skills on occasion, underscoring his diverse musical talents within the band. His move to New York City and enrollment in the New School Jazz Program proved pivotal, as it was there he connected with Chris Barron and Eric Schenkman, setting the stage for the formation of the Spin Doctors.
Eric Schenkman (Guitar, Vocals)
Eric Schenkman is the guitarist and vocalist who, along with Chris Barron, co-founded the band. Born Eric Lyons in Toronto, Canada, around 1964, Schenkman’s musical journey led him to the New School Jazz Program in New York, where he met Barron. His guitar work is integral to the Spin Doctors’ sound, characterized by bluesy riffs and dynamic solos. Schenkman also contributes backing vocals and occasionally takes on lead vocals, adding another layer to the band’s vocal harmonies. In addition to guitar and vocals, he has been known to play keyboards on studio recordings, showcasing his multi-instrumental talents. His early connections in Toronto, including drummer Frankie LaRocka (of Bryan Adams’ band), who later produced several Spin Doctors albums, were instrumental in shaping his musical path and the band’s sound. Despite a period of absence in the mid-90s, Schenkman’s return in 2001 solidified the classic Spin Doctors lineup once again.
Jack Daley (Bass)
Jack Daley is the newest official member of the Spin Doctors, taking over bass duties. While he officially joined in August 2024, Daley had been touring and performing with the band since 2021, initially filling in for original bassist Mark White. A highly accomplished and versatile musician, Daley boasts an impressive resume, having played and produced with music icons like Lenny Kravitz, James Brown, Joss Stone, and Iggy Pop. His extensive experience across various genres seamlessly blends into the Spin Doctors’ eclectic style. Prior to joining full-time, Daley had collaborated with Spin Doctors members, particularly Aaron Comess, on side projects, indicating existing musical chemistry within the group. His official welcome into the band in 2024 marks a significant chapter, solidifying the Spin Doctors’ lineup for the future.
Former Spin Doctors Members
Over their long career, the Spin Doctors have seen a few changes in their lineup, with various talented musicians contributing to the band’s evolution. While the current lineup is firmly established, recognizing the contributions of past members is crucial to understanding the full history of the Spin Doctors.
Mark White (Bass)
Mark White was the original bassist for the Spin Doctors and a key part of their signature sound from the late 1980s until 1999. Hailing from Queens, New York, and born around 1961, White brought a strong rhythmic foundation to the band. Before joining the Spin Doctors, he played in several bands, including Spade with Aaron Comess. Known for his preference for Ibanez 4-string basses, White’s basslines were integral to the band’s hits like “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong.” He cited musical and personal differences with Chris Barron and Aaron Comess, particularly regarding the album “Here Comes the Bride,” as reasons for his departure. Despite the circumstances of his exit, White’s contribution to the Spin Doctors’ early success and iconic sound remains undeniable.
Anthony Krizan (Guitar, Vocals)
Anthony Krizan stepped in as guitarist for the Spin Doctors after Eric Schenkman’s initial departure in 1994. From North Plainfield, New Jersey, Krizan brought a rock and soul-infused guitar style to the band. He was with the Spin Doctors from 1994 to 1996 and contributed to the album “You’ve Got to Believe in Something.” Before and after his time with the Spin Doctors, Krizan was involved in various musical projects, including a band with Jimi Hendrix Experience bassist Noel Redding. His guitar work added a different dimension to the Spin Doctors’ sound during his tenure, though he eventually departed amicably in 1996.
Eran Tabib (Guitar)
Eran Tabib took over guitar duties for the Spin Doctors after Anthony Krizan’s departure, joining in 1997 and staying until 1999. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, around 1972, Tabib brought a distinctive guitar style shaped by his diverse musical background. He appears on the album “Here Comes the Bride.” Prior to joining the Spin Doctors, Tabib served in the Israeli army and later moved to New York City in 1993. He has also collaborated with jazz musicians like Avishai Cohen, showcasing his range as a guitarist. While his time with the Spin Doctors was relatively short, Tabib’s guitar work contributed to the band’s sound during the late 1990s.
Ivan Neville (Keyboards, Vocals)
Ivan Neville joined the Spin Doctors as a keyboardist and backing vocalist from 1997 to 1999, adding a soulful and bluesy dimension to their music. Son of the renowned Aaron Neville of the Neville Brothers, Ivan has a successful solo career in blues and soul music. He toured with the Spin Doctors in the summer of 1996 before officially joining as a member. Neville’s keyboard skills on clavinet, piano, and organ, along with his backing and occasional lead vocals, are featured on “Here Comes the Bride.” Despite his contributions, Neville remained focused on his solo career and eventually departed from the Spin Doctors as the band’s activity waned in the late 90s.
Carl Carter (Bass)
Carl Carter briefly filled in on bass for the Spin Doctors in 1999 after Mark White’s departure. A highly respected bassist, Carter has played with music legends such as Maxwell and Dizzy Gillespie, highlighting his versatility across genres. His tenure with the Spin Doctors was short, lasting from April to July 1999, during a period of transition for the band. While not a long-term member, Carter’s presence ensured the band could continue performing during this time.
Spin Doctors Band History and Member Evolution
The Spin Doctors’ journey began in the late 1980s, evolving from earlier musical collaborations and friendships forged in New York City and Princeton, New Jersey. Understanding their formation and lineup changes provides context to the band’s enduring legacy.
Early Days and Formation
The seeds of the Spin Doctors were sown when Chris Barron and Eric Schenkman, both students at the New School Jazz Program, formed a band called Trucking Company with John Popper and Brendan Hill (both later of Blues Traveler). Initially, Barron wasn’t in Trucking Company, but after its inception, Popper restarted his high school band, Blues Traveler. When Blues Traveler needed a roommate, they invited Barron, who had been living in Princeton. To help with rent, Barron secured a gig opening for Blues Traveler at the Nightingale Bar, a venue that would become significant for both bands, as well as God Street Wine and Joan Osborne.
As Blues Traveler and Trucking Company gained traction, Popper faced scheduling conflicts and prioritized Blues Traveler. He then invited Barron to become the lead vocalist for Trucking Company, with Popper contributing vocals when available. Despite an initial clash between Barron and Schenkman during their first rehearsal, they resolved their differences. When Popper and Hill dedicated themselves fully to Blues Traveler, Aaron Comess, a fellow New School Jazz Program student, replaced Hill on drums.
The band went through several bassists before settling on someone named Ross temporarily. By this point, their sound was evolving. Their first gig as a new entity was at a Delta Phi fraternity party at Columbia University. Eric Schenkman christened this new band “Spin Doctors.” They played extensively in the New York college circuit. In the spring of 1989, Mark White, a self-taught bassist from Queens who had previously played with Aaron Comess in Spade, joined, solidifying the classic Spin Doctors lineup.
The Original Lineup Era
With Chris Barron, Aaron Comess, Eric Schenkman, and Mark White, the Spin Doctors’ sound truly crystallized. Their diverse musical tastes—White’s Prince fandom, Comess’s jazz inclinations, Schenkman’s love for Al Green, and Barron’s appreciation for The Who—fused into a unique blend. As Schenkman noted, this fusion of diverse tastes was key to their sound. The chemistry with Mark White was immediate; after just three days of playing together, they were on stage, realizing their musical connection was something special.
This lineup propelled the Spin Doctors to international fame with their debut album “Pocket Full of Kryptonite” in 1991, featuring hit singles like “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” and “Two Princes.” Their follow-up album, “Turn It Upside Down,” while considered less commercially successful, still sold over two million copies worldwide. However, the intense touring and creative pressures began to strain the band dynamics.
Changes and Departures
In 1994, Eric Schenkman left the band due to creative and personal differences. Mark White described a growing rift regarding the band’s sound and the influence of Schenkman’s “guitar guru.” Anthony Krizan replaced Schenkman, bringing a different guitar style to the band for albums like “You’ve Got to Believe in Something.” Krizan’s tenure lasted until 1996, followed by Eran Tabib, who joined in 1997 and played on “Here Comes the Bride.” During the Tabib era, Ivan Neville also joined as a keyboardist and vocalist, further diversifying the band’s sound.
Mark White departed in 1999, citing dissatisfaction with the band’s direction, particularly the “Here Comes the Bride” album, where Aaron Comess played multiple instruments. Carl Carter briefly filled in on bass before the band essentially went on hiatus due to Chris Barron’s vocal cord paralysis in 1999, which severely hampered their ability to tour and promote “Here Comes the Bride.”
The Reunion and Current Era
After a period of inactivity, the original lineup of Chris Barron, Aaron Comess, Eric Schenkman, and Mark White reunited in 2001 for a gig at the closing Wetlands Preserve in NYC, a venue significant to their early career. This reunion gig, initially intended as a one-off event, sparked renewed energy and enthusiasm within the band. They embarked on a “Below The Radar” tour in 2002 and eventually reactivated as a band, touring and recording new music.
In 2021, Jack Daley began touring with the Spin Doctors, initially substituting for Mark White. By August 2024, Daley was officially welcomed as the newest member, marking a new chapter for the band while retaining the core of their original sound with Barron, Comess, and Schenkman still at the helm. This current lineup continues to perform and keep the Spin Doctors’ music alive for fans old and new.
Instruments and Gear of Spin Doctors Members
The distinctive sound of the Spin Doctors is not only shaped by the individual musical styles of its members but also by the instruments they play and the gear they use to create their signature tones.
Chris Barron’s Instruments
Primarily known for his vocals, Chris Barron has occasionally played other instruments within the band. He played rhythm guitar on some songs during Anthony Krizan’s time and harmonica on certain tracks. Notably, he plays acoustic guitar on “Can’t Kick The Habit,” demonstrating his instrumental versatility beyond his lead vocals. His main instrument, however, remains his voice, which is central to the Spin Doctors’ identity.
Aaron Comess’s Instruments
Aaron Comess is primarily the drummer for the Spin Doctors, providing the rhythmic foundation for their music. However, he is also multi-talented and contributes backing vocals. Interestingly, on the “Here Comes the Bride” album, Comess showcased his versatility by playing not only drums but also bass lines and other instrumentation, highlighting his broad musical capabilities within the studio setting.
Eric Schenkman’s Guitars and Equipment
Eric Schenkman’s guitar sound is crucial to the Spin Doctors’ music. Over the years, he has used a variety of guitars and amps to achieve his signature tone. In the early days, he often played a modified Stratocaster with multiple pickups. More recently, he has been seen playing Gibson SGs and Flying Vs, favoring guitars with humbucker pickups. He also uses a Time Electronics modified Stratocaster with three humbuckers, built for him by Time Electronics in NJ. For amps, Schenkman prefers Marshall JMP or JCM800 100-Watt heads and Marshall 4×12 cabinets. He also sometimes uses a Vox AC30 or a Fender Twin Reverb. Effects-wise, he is known to use a wah pedal (brand unspecified) and likely an Ibanez Tube Screamer or similar overdrive pedal to boost his amp for solos and heavier tones. He uses a Palmer PDI-09 speaker simulator direct box for live performances, often instead of micing his amp cabinets directly.
Mark White’s Basses
Mark White, the original bassist, is known for primarily using Ibanez 4-string basses. These basses contributed to his punchy and melodic basslines that are a hallmark of the Spin Doctors’ early sound. While specific models are not detailed, his consistent use of Ibanez basses is a notable aspect of his gear preferences.
Anthony Krizan’s Instruments
Details on Anthony Krizan’s specific guitar models and gear used with the Spin Doctors are less documented compared to Schenkman. However, as a guitarist in the band from 1994-1996, he would have used guitars and amplification suitable for rock and blues-rock, aligning with the band’s style during that period.
Eran Tabib’s Instruments
Specific details about Eran Tabib’s gear used with the Spin Doctors are also not widely documented. As a guitarist who replaced Krizan from 1997-1999, he would have utilized guitars and amps that fit within the band’s evolving sound during the “Here Comes the Bride” era.
Ivan Neville’s Instruments
Ivan Neville’s primary instruments within the Spin Doctors were keyboards, specifically clavinet, piano, and organ. These instruments added a layer of funk and soul to the band’s sound, particularly during his tenure from 1997-1999 and on the “Here Comes the Bride” album. His keyboard setup would have included standard stage keyboards and potentially Hammond organs or clones to achieve his signature sounds.
Jack Daley’s Instruments
As the current bassist, Jack Daley is known for his versatility and adaptability across genres. While specific bass models he uses with the Spin Doctors are not extensively detailed publicly, as a professional bassist with experience playing with top artists, he likely uses high-quality basses suitable for rock, funk, and blues, aligning with the Spin Doctors’ musical style.
Conclusion
The Spin Doctors’ journey is as much about the individuals who have been members as it is about their music. From the founding quartet of Chris Barron, Aaron Comess, Eric Schenkman, and Mark White, to the contributions of Anthony Krizan, Eran Tabib, Ivan Neville, Carl Carter, and now Jack Daley, each member has left their mark on the band’s sound and history. The current lineup, blending original members with the seasoned talent of Jack Daley, ensures the Spin Doctors continue to deliver their unique musical fusion to audiences worldwide. Understanding the story of the Spin Doctors members is crucial to appreciating the depth and evolution of this enduring band.
