The Loved Ones

Philadelphia-based punk trio the Loved Ones formed in late 2003 and are comprised of singer/guitarist Dave Hause, bassist Michael "Spider" Cotterman, and drummer Mike Sneeringer. Already longtime friends, the bandmembers had previously done time playing in groups like Kid Dynamite, Paint It Black, the Curse, and Trial by Fire. In the past, Hause had also worked in various managing/roadie positions for bands such as Sick of It All, Bouncing Souls, Kid Dynamite, and the Explosion, which eventually inspired him to follow his own dreams of playing music for a living. The Loved Ones released their self-titled EP on Jade Tree in February 2005, and soon found themselves opening shows for the likes of Against Me!, Bad Religion, and NOFX. Their polished punk sensibilities combined with singalong choruses and raspy vocals next brought the guys to the attention of Fat Wreck Chords; the label issued their full-length debut, Keep Your Heart, a year later. Much touring ensued in support, and though Cotterman had exited the group by the first days of 2007, the Loved Ones continued on with a replacement for a string of headlining dates through mid-March. When former tourmates the Explosion broke up a few months later, Hause and Sneeringer brought members Chris Gonzalez (bass) and David Walsh into the Loved Ones, and the band released Build & Burn in February of 2008.