Several of 1997's members previously played in the Chicago bands Constance, Funeral Etiquette, and October Fall.[1] The name 1997 has been discussed widely, but via the band's Myspace blog, they have rejected all claims of
... Several of 1997's members previously played in the Chicago bands Constance, Funeral Etiquette, and October Fall.[1] The name 1997 has been discussed widely, but via the band's Myspace blog, they have rejected all claims of the name's origination. They began practicing together in October 2005, and after strong local performances signed with Victory Records in 2006. Victory issued their debut album, entitled A Better View of the Rising Moon, in April 2007, as the group toured the US with The Audition and The Graduate. Keyboardist/vocalist Kerri Mack left the group in April 2007 after recording the album, and was replaced with keyboardist/vocalist Alida Marroni.[1] The group benefited heavily from online buzz; it was named band of the day by SPIN on April 27, 2007,[2] and has received many reviews from press sites.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] In the fall of 2007, the group toured the US with Aiden, Still Remains, and Drop Dead, Gorgeous.[14]
The band's second album, "On the Run," was released on May 27th, 2008, again on Victory records. The band toured in support of the album, playing several dates on the 2008 Vans Warped Tour on Skate Ramp Stage and the Kevin Says Stage. On August 5, 2008 the band posted an entry on their Myspace Blog informing fans that Alida Maroni and Alan Goffinski had parted with the group on July 28. The first signs of trouble apparently came after the band failed to appear for a hometown show in Chicago in support of their sophomore album. The band asked keyboard and vocalist Alida to leave the band because friendship between her and the band fell through, and boyfriend Alan Goffinski, the band's bassist, left with her. The band is currently touring with female vocalist Arthi Meera until they find a permanent replacement. Matt Wysocki, the bands photographer, and photographer for many other various Victory Records artists, joined the band in September of 2008. As of now the band is currently in pre-production for their third album.
