Grey Daze is the origin story of one of the most recognisable rock voices in a generation, little told on these shores, until now.
Formed in Phoenix AZ in 1993, Grey Daze drummer and co-founder Sean Dowdell met Chester Bennington through mutual friends while they were still in high school. The bond was palpable, the results ground-breaking and Grey Daze relentlessly toured off the back of two successful albums between 1994 and 1998.
As Chester’s star rose after joining Linkin Park and major label success beckoned, Grey Daze ground-breaking canon seemingly disappeared into obscurity. Sean and Chester remained great friends and business partners, forming a hugely successful brand ‘Club Tattoo’ in the US.
In 2016, Chester instigated the reformation of Grey Daze, with the band due to perform at Club Tattoo’s anniversary party in September 2017. On 20th July 2017, Chester’s tragic and untimely passing sent shock waves across the globe. The Grey Daze reunion show, also featuring original bass player Mace Beyers and newly recruited guitarist Cristin Davis, never happened. Chester Bennington, dedicated husband and father of six, died at the age of 41.
Emerging from the tragedy, the remaining members of Grey Daze who had already begun working with Chester on a new album, unearthed the original recordings of Chester’s unmistakeable vocals. After much deliberation, this inspired them to finish the work so it could be celebrated for years to come.
In 2020, Amends was released on Loma Vista Recordings reaching #1 in the UK rock & metal album charts. The album featured guest appearances from members of Korn, POD, Bush, Breaking Benjamin and even featuring vocal performances from Chester’s family who were hugely involved in the project.
Given the success of Amends, Grey Daze released the second posthumous album to immortalise Chester’s distinct vocal in 2022 entitled The Phoenix. This reached #2 in the UK rock and metal chart and featured guitar playing from Dave Navarro, Richard Patrick from Filter and even twins Lily and Lila Bennington who got to sing with their father one last time.
In 2023, Grey Daze were invited to perform live by long-time supporter, Phoenix AZ radio station 98KUPD at U-FEST in front of a crowd of over 10,000. Apprehensive of filling Chester’s shoes, Grey Daze recruited LA-based emerging rock singer Cris Hodges to front the band. This event cemented the current four-piece, where Hodges uses his own immense vocal talent to pay tribute to Chester’s unique and unforgettable legacy in Grey Daze and ensure that fans will get to enjoy these now-unhidden gems in a live concert setting, as well as on record, after all.
Grey Daze perform in the UK for the very first time in May 2024, marking 30 years since their first release.
UK TOUR 2024
Sun 12th May BRISTOL Thekla
Tue 14th May NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms
Wed 15th May GLASGOW Cathouse
Thu 16th May MANCHESTER Rebellion
Fri 17th May WOLVERHAMPTON KK’s Steel Mill
Sat 18th May LONDON The Garage
Tickets on general sale 10am (GMT) on 3rd Nov 2023. Tickets and info: www.greydazemusic.com