Smell the Glove to Disband

Most critics agree that the band recorded the seminal version of Rick Springfield's "Jesse's Girl." Another signature of any Smell the Glove performance was "Kiss Off" by the Violent Femmes, delivered with wrenching angst by the enigmatic guitarist Dave Sommerness. Always versatile, the Glove was equally at ease with a funky Black Crowes tribute or a delicate rendition of "Superman" by REM. As Nirvana and artists on the Sub Pop label embodied the Seattle sound, it was widely recognized that Smell the Glove pioneered the Ann Arbor sound, and the band's sudden departure leaves no clear standard bearer of the style.

Known for sporadic rehearsals and energetic live appearances, Smell the Glove could be seen often in the band's birthplace, 931 Dewey Street. Many observers say that the raw atmosphere of the Dewey basement pushed the band to its highest creative levels. It was a common phenomenon for dancers to have out-of-body experiences as they pulsated to the massive Glove beat.

The group's personnel will embark on a variety of new artistic avenues. Co-lead singer Jon Korbonski is planning to open a bar in Chicago to provide a launch pad for other promising young musicians. He is also considering a film debut in Die Hard IV. Rob Fisher, who shared singing duties and played rhythm guitar for the Glove, will begin showcasing some of his performance poetry on the Washington, D.C. literary circuit. Loyal Glove fans will recall the moving haikus Fisher recited between numbers at the band's shows. Mystery man Dave Sommerness is taking his 6-stringed axe to Minneapolis. He has reportedly changed his name to the symbol "@", and will soon be putting out some of his unreleased studio sessions (including "Rwanda") on the Paisley Park label. A forthcoming tour will not include Louisiana appearances, as @ was banned from performing publicly there following the New Orleans incident. The renegade of the group, Jamie Burgess, is headed to Memphis to live out his lifelong dream of playing on the Elvis-impersonation scene. The talented bassist also intends to market a line of lactose-free ice cream products for dairy-challenged consumers. Drummer Aron Knickerbocker will remain in Ann Arbor, where he will start up an aura consulting and psychic meridian balancing service. On a philanthropic note, Knickerbocker plans to form a support group called "2-3-Pop!" that uses a twelve step program to help Glove fans through the difficult bereavement and mourning period.