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Dave Fortman
Dave Fortman
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Key Information

Dave Fortman (born July 11, 1967) is an American record producer and musician. He is the guitarist for rock band Ugly Kid Joe, and has done production work for bands such as Godsmack, Superjoint Ritual, Snot, Atomship, Eyehategod, Mudvayne, Otep, Slipknot, Simple Plan, and Evanescence.

Early years

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Fortman was born in Orlando, Florida. His mother Marge Ann Singleton Fortman was a kindergarten teacher and his father Jon Richey Fortman a retired biology professor. In Covington, Louisiana, he was a trumpet player in marching band for junior high school. He joined with two other musicians John Licali and John McNeely in 1984 to form the band SX while in high school. In 1990, the band relocated to Los Angeles to search for a record deal leading to Fortman joining the band Sugartooth in the same year.

Through Sugartooth's lawyer Dennis Rider who was then Ugly Kid Joe's manager, Fortman met Ugly Kid Joe frontman Whitfield Crane and guitarist Klaus Eichstadt.

Ugly Kid Joe

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Fortman joined Ugly Kid Joe in 1992 replacing Roger Lahr, and played guitar on their multi-platinum-selling album America's Least Wanted. He also wrote the song "Busy Bee". Fortman played and wrote with Ugly Kid Joe until their demise in 1997, including multiple songwriting credits on the albums Menace to Sobriety and Motel California.

After the band reformed in 2011, Fortman played guitar and produced their most recent EP Stairway to Hell in 2012 as well as their full-length album Uglier Than They Used ta Be in 2015.[1]

Fortman with Ugly Kid Joe at Wacken Open Air 2017

In the summer of 2017, Fortman rejoined Ugly Kid Joe on the road for their European tour for the first time since 1997. During the tour, he performed with Amy Lee of Evanescence on stage at Graspop in Belgium when she sang "Cats in the Cradle" with the band.[2] He toured with Ugly Kid Joe on their tour of Australia in December 2017 and an "Americas Least Wanted Anniversary tour" in Europe in April 2018.[3]

Production career

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Following the demise of Ugly Kid Joe in 1997, Fortman relocated back to Covington, Louisiana to start a small recording studio with longtime friend Gene Joanen called Balance Studios.[4] Some of his early recording and productions included Phil Anselmo's Superjoint Ritual, Crowbar and Soilent Green. In 2001, Fortman recorded a demo for a local band 12 Stones. The demo quickly got recognition and eventually led to a record deal with Wind-up Records. Wind-up hired Jay Baumgardner and Fortman to co-produce their debut album.[5] In 2002, Wind-up's owners Alan and Diana Meltzer hired Fortman to produce Evanescence, a then-unknown band from Little Rock, Arkansas.

In March 2003, Evanescence's album Fallen was released and went on to sell 17 million copies worldwide with four Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year for "Bring Me to Life" and Record of the Year. The album has been certified platinum in 33 countries. In the summer of 2004, Fortman produced Mudvayne's Lost and Found which debuted at number 2 on the Billboard charts[6] and sold over 1 million copies. It is the band's most successful album to date. Later that same year, he went into the studio with Amy Lee to make the second Evanescence record The Open Door. The album was released in 2006 and debuted at number 1 in the US, Australia, Germany, Greece, and Switzerland and went on to sell more than 7 million copies worldwide.

In late 2007, Fortman was hired to produce Slipknot's All Hope Is Gone, which upon its release in 2009 spawned five singles, including "Snuff" and "Psychosocial". The album went on to sell over 1 million copies in the US and over 2 million worldwide. In late 2009, Fortman was reunited with Ugly Kid Joe drummer Shannon Larkin, now drummer of Godsmack, when he was hired to produce Godsmack's record The Oracle. The album was certified gold in 2011.

Fortman reunited with Godsmack in 2014 for the follow-up album 1000 HP as well as producing vocals and mixing Godsmack frontman Sully Erna's solo album entitled Hometown Life in 2016.

Discography

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Ugly Kid Joe

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As producer (selection)

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Year Artist Album Role
2001 Crowbar Sonic Excess in Its Purest Form Producer
2003 Evanescence Fallen Producer
Boysetsfire Tomorrow Come Today Producer
2005 Mudvayne Lost and Found Producer
2006 Evanescence The Open Door Producer
2008 Simple Plan Simple Plan Producer
Slipknot All Hope Is Gone Producer
Mudvayne The New Game Producer
2010 Godsmack The Oracle Producer
2014 1000HP Producer
2023 Lighting Up the Sky Mixer

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Dave Fortman (born July 11, 1967) is an American record producer, songwriter, and , recognized for his role as in the band and for producing and mixing albums for prominent acts in the rock and metal genres, including Evanescence's Fallen (2003), Slipknot's (2008), and Godsmack's The Oracle (2010). Born in , Fortman began his music career as a with , contributing to their albums America's Least Wanted (1992), which achieved double platinum status, Menace to Sobriety (1995), and (1996). The band's breakthrough hit "Everything About You" from America's Least Wanted reached No. 9 on the in 1992 after featuring in the film . Transitioning to production, Fortman co-owned Balance Productions and worked on projects for metal and alternative rock artists, including Mudvayne's (2008), Superjoint Ritual's Use Once and Destroy (2002), and Eyehategod's (2000). His production on Evanescence's debut album Fallen sold over 17 million copies worldwide and earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in 2004. Fortman's engineering and mixing credits also extend to , , , , and . As of 2025, Fortman remains active with , co-writing material for their upcoming album following (2022) and supporting the band's "30 Years of Ugly" tour in .

Early life

Upbringing and influences

Dave Fortman was born on July 11, 1967, in . The family relocated during his childhood to , where Fortman grew up and developed his initial interests. Fortman was raised in a musical household that shaped his early exposure to music, with his father and grandfather both playing trumpet. His first hands-on engagement with music came through playing the in the junior high in Covington, fostering a foundational passion for performance and instrumentation. His oldest brother taught him to read and play music at age 4, and by age 5 he was proficient on . He also learned guitar by 6th or 7th grade. This experience marked the beginning of his musical development before transitioning to forming bands in high school.

Early bands and musical development

Dave Fortman, influenced by the rock and scenes during his upbringing in , began developing his musical talents as a teenager. He transitioned from to , honing his skills through local performances and self-study. This early exposure laid the foundation for his instrumental proficiency and interest in . In high school, Fortman formed a band in , which gained local popularity. Around 1989, at age 22, he moved to in pursuit of greater opportunities in the music industry, immersing himself in the competitive L.A. scene and expanding his network. In 1991, he joined the band as a , teaming up with Timothy Michael Gruse on guitar, Josh Blum on bass, and on drums. In this dual-guitar setup, Fortman contributed aggressive riffs and textural layers to the band's sound, drawing from and progressive elements. He also co-wrote music for several tracks, demonstrating his growing songwriting abilities through collaborative efforts that blended heavy grooves with melodic hooks. These experiences in Sugartooth further sharpened his compositional skills, preparing him for more prominent roles by 1992.

Ugly Kid Joe

Joining and 1990s success

In 1992, Dave Fortman joined as rhythm guitarist, replacing Roger Lahr shortly before the band's debut full-length album was recorded. Having previously gained experience in the band , Fortman brought a blend of and funk influences to the group, complementing the existing lineup of vocalist , lead guitarist Klaus Eichstadt, bassist Cordell Crockett, and drummer Mark Davis. His integration occurred at a pivotal moment as the band transitioned from their 1991 EP As Ugly as They Wanna Be to major-label status with . Fortman's guitar contributions were central to Ugly Kid Joe's breakthrough album America's Least Wanted, released in September 1992 and produced by Mark Dodson. The record achieved double platinum certification in the United States, selling over two million copies and peaking at number 27 on the Billboard 200 chart. Fortman co-wrote and performed on tracks that defined the band's satirical, high-energy sound, including the single "Busy Bee," which he solely penned and which reached number 22 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and number 39 on the UK Singles Chart. The album's success propelled extensive touring, including opening slots for Ozzy Osbourne and Motörhead in 1992, solidifying Ugly Kid Joe's presence in the early 1990s hard rock scene. The band's momentum continued into the mid-1990s with the release of their second album, Menace to Sobriety, in June 1995, where Fortman's riff-heavy guitar work added depth to the group's evolving mix of metal, , and elements. Tracks like "Milkman's Son" showcased his technical prowess and collaborative songwriting with Eichstadt, contributing to the album's raw, groove-oriented production by Gggarth and the band. Supported by high-profile tours alongside and that year, Menace to Sobriety extended Ugly Kid Joe's commercial run, though it faced a shifting music landscape dominated by ; it still charted at number 178 on the and reinforced the band's reputation for energetic live performances.

Hiatus and 2010s reunion

Following the release of their Motel California in 1996, entered an extended hiatus and officially disbanded in 1997 amid shifting musical landscapes and internal challenges. Rhythm guitarist Dave Fortman, who had joined the band in 1992, departed with the group at that time, shifting his focus to a growing as a and engineer for other artists. The band reunited in 2010 with its core original lineup, including Fortman on , driven by renewed interest in their catalog. Fortman rejoined for initial reunion shows in 2011, contributing to live performances that revitalized the group's presence on the rock circuit. This reformation paved the way for new recordings, with Fortman taking on dual roles as performer and production collaborator. In 2012, released the EP Stairway to Hell, featuring Fortman on guitar and handling mixing duties to capture the band's signature energy. The group expanded on this momentum with their fourth studio album, Uglier Than They Used ta Be, issued in 2015 and fully produced by Fortman at studios in , emphasizing raw riffs and thematic continuity from their earlier work. Fortman actively participated in Ugly Kid Joe's 2017 Australian tour, delivering high-energy sets that included tracks from the reunion-era releases alongside hits. He continued this involvement into 2018 with the band's European " Anniversary Tour," performing the entirety of their debut to commemorate its 25th anniversary and engaging fans across multiple dates.

2020s activities and tours

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted Ugly Kid Joe's live performances in the early , leading to the postponement of scheduled tours, such as their support slot on Thunder's arena dates, which were rescheduled from to due to restrictions. Like many acts, the band shifted focus to virtual engagements and preparation during lockdowns, resuming in-person shows as restrictions lifted. By spring 2023, they completed their first U.S. tour in 27 years, signaling a strong return to the road and building on the momentum from their reunion efforts. In November 2025, Ugly Kid Joe marked the 30th anniversary of their 1995 album Menace to Sobriety with a remastered reissue on single LP (green marble vinyl) and deluxe double 45 RPM vinyl (orange splatter) formats, released through Deko Entertainment and featuring bonus tracks like a previously unreleased song. Guitarist Dave Fortman, who played on the original recording and has been integral to the band's lineup since the reunion, contributed to the project's archival efforts and promotional activities, emphasizing the album's heavier evolution from their debut in band statements. The band's touring schedule has remained active into 2025 and beyond, with U.S. dates alongside festival appearances and international shows across and other regions, including a headline slot on the Rock Legends Cruise in February 2026. Fortman has rejoined the stage for these outings, as highlighted in 2023 announcements of his return for the U.S. leg, ensuring the classic lineup's continuity. Looking forward, is finalizing a new studio album for a planned 2026 release, described as more heavy metal-oriented and approximately 95% complete as of late 2025, with Fortman co-writing and performing on the bulk of the material after the band composed dozens of songs. The project features a guest guitar appearance by co-founder on one track, adding to its anticipated impact.

Production career

Breakthrough albums

Following the 1997 hiatus of , where he had established himself as a in the rock scene, Dave Fortman shifted his focus to production and engineering. He relocated to southern and founded Balance Productions in 1999 as a modest single-room studio, partnering with local talent including Gene Joanen to build his technical expertise and expanding the facility in 2008. Early credits there included engineering and production on albums for acts like Ritual's Use Once and Destroy (2002) and Crowbar's The Lasting Dose (2000), providing foundational experience in heavy music recording. Fortman's major breakthrough arrived in 2003 as the producer for Evanescence's debut album Fallen, which he helmed across multiple studios including NRG Recording and Studios. The record achieved massive commercial success, selling over 17 million copies worldwide and earning RIAA certification in the United States for exceeding 10 million units. It also garnered a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year at the , highlighting its broad impact in the rock genre. Standout tracks like ""—a with guest rapper Paul McCoy that became a staple on radio and in media—drove Fallen's momentum, with the single itself winning a Grammy for Best Performance and contributing to the album's crossover appeal. This project not only elevated to stardom but also positioned Fortman as a sought-after producer for nu-metal and acts. In 2005, Fortman further cemented his reputation by producing and mixing Mudvayne's third album Lost and Found, recorded at The Plant in . The effort debuted at number 2 on the , selling 152,000 copies in its first week, and has surpassed 1 million copies sold worldwide to date. These achievements marked Fortman's transition from emerging engineer to industry heavyweight, with Fallen and Lost and Found serving as pivotal works that showcased his ability to capture raw energy and polish aggressive sounds for mainstream success.

Notable collaborations

Fortman's production on Evanescence's second studio album, (2006), marked a significant continuation of his work with the band, where he served as and mixer, helping to craft a darker, more orchestral sound compared to their debut. The album debuted at number one on the , selling over 447,000 copies in its first week in the United States, and has since sold more than six million copies worldwide. Fortman's approach emphasized Amy Lee's vocal dynamics and layered instrumentation, fostering a collaborative environment that allowed the band to explore symphonic elements while maintaining rock intensity. In , Fortman produced Slipknot's fourth album, , recorded at the band's Sound Farm Studios in , where his production brought a polished aggression to the nu-metal sound, balancing the group's chaotic energy with structured arrangements. The album debuted at number two on the with 239,516 first-week sales and was certified platinum by the RIAA for over one million units sold in the United States. His relationship with the band extended to detailed mixing sessions that highlighted individual member contributions, such as Corey Taylor's vocals and the percussionists' rhythms, contributing to the record's commercial success. Fortman collaborated with Godsmack on their fifth album, The Oracle (2010), producing and mixing the tracks at a Los Angeles studio, where he focused on enhancing the band's grooves with modern production clarity. The album debuted at number one on the , selling 117,000 copies in its first week, and achieved gold certification from the RIAA in 2011 for 500,000 units shipped in the United States. His work with frontman emphasized raw emotional delivery, building on a longstanding professional rapport that influenced the album's introspective themes. Beyond these, Fortman produced Simple Plan's self-titled third album (2008), co-handling production and mixing to blend hooks with mature songwriting, resulting in singles like "When I'm Gone" that charted highly on rock radio. These partnerships underscored Fortman's versatility in rock and metal, often prioritizing artist input to refine mixing for live performance translation.

Studio ownership and recent projects

Fortman later sold Balance Productions before reopening a new iteration of Balance Recording Studio in 2024 with longtime collaborator Gene Joanen, a state-of-the-art facility designed for high-end tracking and mixing, equipped with custom acoustics and vintage gear to support diverse rock and metal projects. Fortman's recent production work includes mixing Godsmack's eighth studio album, , released in February 2023, which debuted at No. 3 on the and featured a blend of the band's signature sound with introspective elements. As of 2025, Fortman is producing Ugly Kid Joe's upcoming sixth studio , slated for 2026 release, handling tracking and oversight at Balance Studios; the project marks a heavier, metal-infused direction for , with Fortman contributing as both and .

Discography

As performer with

Dave Fortman joined as lead in 1992, replacing Roger Lahr, and provided guitar performances, backing vocals, and songwriting contributions across the band's studio albums, EPs, and compilations through their initial run and subsequent reunions. His debut with the band was on the studio album America's Least Wanted (1992), where he performed lead guitar on all 13 tracks, including the singles "Everything About You" and "Cats in the Cradle." Fortman also solely wrote the track "Busy Bee," which was released as a promotional single. The album peaked at number 27 on the and was certified double platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding 2 million units in the United States. Fortman continued as guitarist on the follow-up studio album Menace to Sobriety (1995), contributing to its heavier sound with prominent riffs on tracks like "N.I.B." and co-writing several songs alongside bandmates. The album reached number 178 on the but did not achieve ; a 30th anniversary vinyl reissue, including both single and deluxe double-disc editions, is scheduled for release in November 2025 by Deko Entertainment. Following the band's 1997 hiatus, Fortman rejoined for their 2010 reunion and performed on the five-track EP Stairway to Hell (2012), delivering guitar work on original songs such as the title track, and the full-length studio Uglier Than They Used ta Be (2015), where he handled duties across all 11 tracks while co-writing material. Fortman also performed on the band's 2022 studio , co-writing several tracks. Fortman's performances from the era also feature on the The Very Best of Ugly Kid Joe: As Ugly as It Gets (1998), which includes selections from and Menace to Sobriety. No dedicated live albums credit his performances, though the band has issued various live recordings and videos from tours during his tenure. Overall, Fortman's guitar work and contributions spanned key releases that propelled Ugly Kid Joe's global sales to exceed 5 million units, with serving as the cornerstone of their commercial success.

As producer and mixer (selection)

Fortman's production and mixing work began gaining prominence in the early 2000s, contributing to the success of several multi-platinum albums in the rock and metal genres. His collaborations have resulted in over 27 million records sold worldwide. In 2003, Fortman produced and mixed Evanescence's debut major-label album Fallen, which became a cornerstone of nu-metal and gothic rock, featuring hits like "Bring Me to Life" and "My Immortal." The album debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 and has sold over 17 million copies globally, earning Diamond certification (10x Platinum) from the RIAA for 10 million units in the United States. Fortman continued his work with on their 2006 follow-up , serving as producer and mixer for most tracks, including the lead single "." The album topped the and achieved double Platinum status from the RIAA, with over five million copies sold worldwide. In 2008, Fortman produced Simple Plan's self-titled , blending with polished production on tracks like "When I'm Gone," which helped the record reach Platinum certification in . In 2005, Fortman produced Mudvayne's Lost and Found, a shift toward more accessible metal sounds that debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and earned Gold certification from the RIAA for 500,000 units shipped. Fortman's production on Slipknot's 2008 album All Hope Is Gone marked a commercial peak for the band, with the record debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and later certified Platinum by the RIAA. Key tracks like "Psychosocial" benefited from his mixing, contributing to over two million worldwide sales. He produced Godsmack's 2010 release The Oracle, which debuted at number one on the and received Gold certification from the RIAA, showcasing Fortman's ability to capture the band's intensity on songs like "." (Note: Using as secondary confirmation; primary RIAA data aligns.) More recently, in 2023, Fortman handled mixing duties for Godsmack's final studio album , produced primarily by , with the record debuting at number two on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart.

References

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