The Pink Spiders

by Kenyon Hopkin
Punk-pop trio the Pink Spiders -- who go under the names Matt Friction (vocals/guitar), Jon Decious (bass), and Bob Ferrari (drums) -- formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2003. Clad in pink and black and suggesting a rowdy, pretentious persona, the band released its first EP in early 2004, titled The Pink Spiders Are Taking Over!. They soon signed on with CI Records and in January 2005 released the full-length Hot Pink. In support of the record the band went on tour, which lead to their trailer catching on fire and sleeping in New York City subways. Their fortunes changed with several offers from major labels before settling with Geffen. In summer 2006, the Pink Spiders played the Vans Warped Tour and released their major-label debut, Teenage Graffiti, which was produced by Ric Ocasek.