Drugstore Ponies is an American rock band whose origins trace back to the Philadelphia music scene of the mid 90’s. Originally formed under the name Surge, they burst onto the local circuit with a loud, raw, high energy sound that soon garnered them the attention of the music industry. From the band’s first show at the historic Trocadero Theater, their fierce desire to be the best live band in the city was on full display with shows usually devolving into spectacle.

In 1996, Surge’s self produced 3 song demo landed the band their first radio play on 93.3 WMMR. Shortly after, their music was being added to the playlists of several regional college radio stations. When the tape landed on the desk of local promoting legend Larry Magid of Electric Factory Concerts, he was impressed enough to book the band in support of national tours such as Scorpions, Alice Cooper, and Butthole Surfers.

After two solid years of constant gigging, writing, and refining, in 1997 Surge went into the studio to record a 7 song EP. It was during this time the band learned of a new soft drink being marketed by Coca-Cola, to their dismay, the new beverage was named Surge. It was decided at that point a name change was in order, and with the new album coming out the timing was perfect for a re-brand. After much deliberation, and as the album neared its completion a new identity emerged and a new name was agreed upon...Mothergod.

As Mothergod settled into their new skin, cracks began to emerge in their inter-relationships. Differences creatively and personally began to seep to the front of every interaction until there was essentially an agreement to avoid communicating. This proved to be a challenge for a band setting out to promote a new album and still in search of a recording contract. On December 8, 1997 Mothergod headlined a show at the renowned Theater of The Living Arts in Philadelphia to officially release the self titled EP “Mothergod”. Unbeknownst to all in attendance... it would be their last performance, there would be no record deal.

After the band officially broke up the following year, the members began to pick up the pieces and carry on with life. As time passed, each grew into new careers and new relationships. Individual projects have come and gone but always in the shadow of what could have been. As time heals old wounds, over the course of the next 25 years relationships were restored, pride and ego were swallowed, and the love and respect for each other and the music they created, was reignited. In 2024, after years of conversations and months of preparation, the band went back into the studio to record new material under a brand new name... Drugstore Ponies.

Drugstore Ponies is a band born of fire, molded with love, and seasoned with time. The music they produce is rooted in the wisdom and experience of lives lived in the shadows of a dream.

Drugstore Ponies Are:

Brian Wright - Vocals, Percussion

Tim Cunnane - Bass, Vocals

Padraic Coursey - Guitar, Keys, Vocals

Justin Kitchenman - Guitar, Vocals