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Ed Crawford
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Charles Edward Crawford (born January 26, 1964), known as ed fROMOHIO, is an American musician, best known as the lead singer and guitarist for Firehose, an alternative rock band he formed in 1986 with former Minutemen members Mike Watt (bass guitar) and George Hurley (drums).[1]

Biography

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In 1985, Minutemen vocalist and guitarist D. Boon was killed in a van wreck.[2] In 1986, Ed, a recent Ohio State University graduate and Minutemen fan, heard an erroneous rumor that Watt and Hurley were auditioning new guitarists[1] from Victor Krummenacher of Camper Van Beethoven.[3] Ed contacted Watt after obtaining his phone number at a show in Columbus, Ohio. Crawford called Watt and talked his way into visiting with Watt while visiting a friend in Southern California.[1] Watt and Hurley were still very much grief-stricken over the death of their friend and bandmate, and exhibited little interest in starting a new band. While in California, Crawford pestered Watt to meet and play. As Crawford was about to return to Ohio, at the last minute, Watt accepted Ed's offer to jam. Shortly after, Watt offered Crawford a spot in a new band. [1] Along with Hurley, they formed fIREHOSE. Shortly thereafter, the new band would record their first album, Ragin', Full On, and started touring. Eventually, he would record four more LPs with the band.

Crawford sang and played guitar with fIREHOSE until they broke up in 1994 after releasing five albums and touring extensively.

As of 2012, Crawford performed with a band called "Food"[4] which is an acronym for "Far Out Old Dudes".[1]

As of 2019, Crawford lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania[1] and played solo acoustic as well as electric gigs around town with his band, the Ed Crawford Trio. He appeared in the 2005 documentary film We Jam Econo. Since Firehose's break-up, he has also fronted the band Grand National (not to be confused with the UK band also named Grand National).

Crawford toured with several bands as a hired guitarist, including with the alt-country band Whiskeytown led by Ryan Adams, the Chapel Hill band Southern Culture on the Skids, and the Detroit band Mule. In August 2019, Crawford appeared on the "You Don't Know Mojack" podcast, where he spoke extensively about joining with Watt and Hurely to form fIREHOSE.[5]

References

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See also

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Ed Crawford

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Charles Edward Crawford (born January 26, 1964), known professionally as ed fROMOHIO, is an American musician best known as the and of the band fIREHOSE, which he co-founded in 1986 with former members and after the death of . Born in , Crawford graduated from and, as a fan, relocated to San Pedro, California, to join Watt and Hurley in fIREHOSE. The band released five albums on (1986–1990) and (1991–1994) before disbanding in 1994. Crawford has since been involved in projects including , (reunited as of 2012), the Ed Crawford Trio (formed 2019), and solo work, such as the 2024 demo album Demos released via . He resides in , . During the , Crawford faced unemployment and financial hardship, prompting a 2020 campaign for support. His role in fIREHOSE and the scene is featured in the 2005 documentary We Jam Econo: The Story of the .

Early life and education

Childhood in Ohio

Charles Edward Crawford, known professionally as Ed Crawford, was born on January 26, 1964, in . He spent his early years in the nearby town of , a small industrial community along the with a population of about 7,700 residents in 1970. Growing up in this rural setting provided a modest, working-class environment that shaped his formative experiences. Crawford's family maintained a weekly routine of driving approximately 50 miles to for shopping, groceries, and occasional entertainment outings, such as visiting amusement parks or attending events. These trips offered a contrast to the quiet pace of Toronto life, introducing him to the vibrancy of a larger urban center and broadening his worldview at a young age. In school, Crawford discovered an early affinity for music through participation in band programs, where he studied the trumpet and developed notable proficiency. His talent earned him a scholarship offer from , which he declined in favor of other opportunities.

Musical beginnings and college years

During his high school years in , Crawford received early musical training on the trumpet, participating in activities. This experience marked his initial engagement with , though he had not yet formed a band of his own. Crawford later attended in Columbus, where he graduated in 1986 with a , though the specific field of study remains unspecified in available accounts. While a student there, he discovered through the , becoming an avid fan after attending two of their live performances in Columbus, including one where they opened for . His enthusiasm for the Minutemen intensified following the death of guitarist on December 22, 1985. As a dedicated fan, Crawford contacted bassist by writing multiple letters, expressing his admiration and encouraging Watt and drummer to continue making music.

Musical career

Formation and role in fIREHOSE

Following the death of Minutemen guitarist and vocalist in a December 1985 car accident, bassist and drummer sought to continue their musical partnership. Ed Crawford, a 21-year-old Minutemen fan and student with no prior professional experience, wrote multiple letters to Watt expressing his admiration for the band and interest in joining them. Impressed by Crawford's persistence and enthusiasm, Watt invited him to San Pedro, California, where he demonstrated his playing despite his inexperience, leading to his recruitment without a formal audition process. The trio named their new band fIREHOSE, drawing inspiration from a reading "firehose" in Bob Dylan's 1965 promotional video for "." Crawford assumed the roles of lead singer and guitarist, infusing the group with a raw, energetic performance style rooted in the Minutemen's DIY punk ethos of accessibility and immediacy. In late , fIREHOSE recorded and released their debut album, Ragin', Full-On, on , establishing an sound that fused punk's urgency with jazz improvisation and funk grooves. The album captured the band's loose, collaborative energy, with Crawford's enthusiastic vocals and guitar work complementing Watt's driving bass lines and Hurley's dynamic drumming.

fIREHOSE era and disbandment

During the late and early , fIREHOSE solidified their reputation through a series of influential releases on before transitioning to a major label. Following their debut, the band released the studio album If'n in 1987, noted for its energetic tracks. Their third album, fROMOHIO, arrived in 1989, capturing the band's raw energy with tracks emphasizing Crawford's lyrical introspection and the rhythm section's propulsive drive. In 1991, fIREHOSE signed with , marking a shift that broadened their distribution and exposure beyond the indie circuit. Their major-label debut, Flyin' the Flannel, released that year, featured polished production while retaining the band's signature urgency, with standout tracks like "Down with the Bass" showcasing Crawford's dynamic vocals and guitar work. The EP Live Totem followed in 1992, documenting their vigorous stage presence. The final studio album, Mr. Machinery Operator, emerged in 1993, exploring themes of labor and resilience amid evolving sonic textures. fIREHOSE's commitment to relentless touring defined this period, with the band performing over 1,000 shows from 1986 to 1994, often headlining clubs and supporting larger acts in a grueling schedule that embodied their DIY ethos. Crawford later reflected on this ethic, stating, "It was our job. We f**kin’ showed up every day," highlighting practices five days a week even amid weekend gigs. This approach built a devoted following but exacted a heavy toll, as the band balanced creative output with constant road demands. By 1994, fIREHOSE disbanded amid a confluence of factors, primarily creative exhaustion and personal burnout after nearly eight years of intense activity. Crawford described it as a "," noting no single cause but emphasizing the cumulative strain of touring and the need for Mike to pursue further artistic development, leading to a mutual decision to end the band without conflict. Crawford subsequently explored independent musical endeavors, marking the close of fIREHOSE's original run.

Later projects and reunions

Following the disbandment of fIREHOSE in 1994, Crawford relocated to and briefly joined the alt-country band as a touring guitarist for approximately six months in 1997–1998. Around 1999, he formed the trio in Chapel Hill with drummer and bassist Jenni Snyder, though the band never released any recordings. Crawford then spent about a year and a half with , initially serving as a roadie before transitioning to the role of touring rhythm guitarist. In 2012, Crawford launched the band —standing for "Far Out Old Dudes"—featuring bassist Eric Vermillion (formerly of Gumball) and drummer Mike Quinlan (of the Cynics), releasing the EP Four Pieces from Candyland that April as a playful extension of his roots. That same year, fIREHOSE reunited for a 14-date U.S. tour marking their first live performances in nearly two decades, culminating at the Music and Arts Festival and coinciding with the release of the anthology album lowFLOWS: The Columbia Anthology ('91-'93). By 2019, after relocating to the Pittsburgh area, Crawford began leading the Ed Crawford Trio for local electric and acoustic gigs centered on the regional music scene. He has also toured as a with the Detroit rock band and participated in various punk revival events, maintaining his connections to alternative and underground circuits. In April 2024, Crawford released a collection of demos on .

Personal life

Residences and relocations

Following the disbandment of fIREHOSE in 1994, Crawford relocated to , where he resided for approximately 13 years and formed the band . In the late 2000s, Crawford moved to , , a decision influenced by family considerations; his aging parents relocated there to be closer to his siblings, prompting him to join them in the area. This relocation brought him near his childhood roots in , just across the state line. By 2019, Crawford had established a long-term residence in the Pittsburgh area, such as in nearby Oakdale, and became integrated into the local music scene through performances at venues like Gooski's.

Challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ed Crawford faced severe financial hardships in Pittsburgh, where he had resided for many years. Unemployed since March 2020 due to the economic shutdowns, Crawford relied on limited income that covered only basic sustenance, leaving him without stable housing and forcing him to sleep in his car since July of that year. The approaching winter exacerbated these challenges, as high heating costs in the city threatened his ability to secure shelter and utilities, compounded by the loss of his music-related income streams in an industry devastated by canceled performances and tours. In October 2020, a campaign was launched by friend David Ciley to address Crawford's immediate needs, initially targeting $8,000 for first and last month's rent, a , and utility payments. The campaign quickly surpassed this goal, prompting increases to $20,000 and eventually $25,000 to cover ongoing expenses, including groceries and medical costs after Crawford was hospitalized with a diagnosis. By the campaign's progress, it had raised over $44,000, providing crucial support for housing stability and winter preparations. The effort garnered widespread support from the music community, with endorsements from members of and fellow fIREHOSE bandmates, highlighting solidarity among peers in the punk and scenes. This response underscored the broader vulnerability of aging musicians like Crawford, who often lack steady income or retirement benefits, making them particularly susceptible to the pandemic's disruptions in live entertainment and gig economies.

Legacy and influence

Impact on punk and alternative rock

Ed Crawford played a pivotal role in perpetuating the Minutemen's legacy through fIREHOSE, which formed in 1986 following guitarist D. Boon's death in 1985. As the band's vocalist and guitarist, Crawford helped transform the group's grief into a creative continuation, blending the Minutemen's raw punk energy with improvisational jazz and funk elements, characterized by polyrhythmic drumming from George Hurley, intricate bass lines from Mike Watt, and Crawford's freewheeling, conversational vocals. This fusion created an eclectic sound that pushed boundaries beyond traditional hardcore, serving as both homage and evolution of the Minutemen's innovative approach to independent rock. Crawford's advocacy for the "do-it-yourself" ethic exemplified punk's core principles, influencing the broader landscape of the by prioritizing self-reliance over commercial excess. fIREHOSE embodied this through relentless touring—over 1,000 shows in seven years—often in a van without label advances, funding operations from gig profits and selling handmade T-shirts directly to fans after performances. This model of consistent, engagement provided a for indie musicians, emphasizing accessibility and community over stardom, and helped solidify fIREHOSE's status as pioneers in the pre-grunge alternative surge. Crawford's as an "everyman" fan-turned-performer further democratized punk's accessibility, inspiring a generation to view music-making as an approachable pursuit rather than an elite endeavor. A college student and avid enthusiast from , he auditioned for the band after a fan letter and incorrect of an opening, transitioning from audience member to collaborator without formal rock credentials. This relatable trajectory reinforced punk's inclusive ethos, encouraging ordinary enthusiasts to form bands and engage directly with scenes, thereby broadening alternative rock's appeal beyond coastal hubs.

Recognition in media and documentaries

Ed Crawford featured prominently in the 2005 documentary We Jam Econo: The Story of the , where he provided insights into the origins of fIREHOSE as a continuation of the 's punk legacy following D. Boon's death. In a 2012 interview with Phoenix New Times, Crawford discussed fIREHOSE's rigorous work ethic and DIY ethos, emphasizing the band's commitment to performing over 1,000 shows in more than seven years and their fusion of , and funk influences, stating, "It was our job. We fuckin’ showed up every day." Similarly, a 2008 profile in Pittsburgh City Paper highlighted Crawford's role in fIREHOSE's formation after he connected with and , underscoring the band's road-warrior spirit and its roots in the 's punk traditions. Crawford appeared on the "You Don't Know Mojack" podcast in April 2019, reflecting on his career trajectory, fIREHOSE's high-energy performances, and the band's place within the catalog. During the , Crawford faced significant hardships, including job loss, a involving a blood clot, and , sleeping in his car in . A campaign launched by friend David Ciley in October 2020 raised over $25,000 from the music community to cover housing and medical expenses, with tributes from peers such as underscoring his enduring respected status among punk and figures.

References

  1. https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/firehoses-ed-crawford-it-was-our-job-we-f-kin-showed-up-every-day-6604611
  2. https://www.discogs.com/artist/329425-Ed-Crawford
  3. https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2012/05/17/Rock-on-FOOD-Far-Out-Old-Dudes-making-music-again/stories/201205170257
  4. https://edcrawford.bandcamp.com/album/demos
  5. https://www.gofundme.com/f/ed-fromohio-firehose-crawford-needs-our-help
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0470732/
  7. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ed-crawford-mn0000179327
  8. https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1970a_oh1-02.pdf
  9. https://www.pghcitypaper.com/arts-entertainment-2/save-a-seat-at-gooskis-for-firehose-guitarist-ed-crawford-1339817/
  10. https://earpollution.com/vol2/aug00/profiles/mikewatt/mikewatt2.html
  11. https://jambands.com/features/2012/04/05/firehose-revisited/
  12. https://drummagazine.com/george-hurley-a-minute-by-minuteman/
  13. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-07-20-ca-16901-story.html
  14. https://www.houstonpress.com/music/ed-crawford-and-co-rekindle-their-firehose-6756821/
  15. https://www.discogs.com/master/30211-fIREHOSE-Ragin-Full-On
  16. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/firehose-mn0000143749
  17. https://www.allmusic.com/album/ifn-mw0000651452
  18. https://www.discogs.com/release/466710-fIREHOSE-Ifn
  19. https://www.legacyrecordings.com/2012/03/01/firehose-reforms-for-tour-and-readies-release-of-lowflows-the-columbia-anthology-91-93/
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/1346161-fIREHOSE-Flyin-The-Flannel
  21. https://www.allmusic.com/album/mr-machinery-operator-mw0000094154
  22. https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/firehoses-ed-crawford-it-was-our-job-we-f-kin-showed-up-every-day-6604611/
  23. https://nodepression.org/whiskeytown-borderline-london-england/
  24. https://phratryrecords.com/bands/detail/food
  25. https://www.pghcitypaper.com/arts-entertainment-2/former-firehose-frontman-serves-up-food-1524406/
  26. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mike-watt-on-the-firehose-reunion-189115/
  27. https://pitchfork.com/news/45611-the-firehose-reunion-now-includes-an-anthology/
  28. https://alchetron.com/Ed-Crawford
  29. https://www.hootpage.com/hoot_gallery-edward.html
  30. http://www.ampline.net/home.php
  31. https://edcrawford.bandcamp.com/
  32. https://www.brooklynvegan.com/gofundme-launched-for-firehoses-ed-fromohio/
  33. https://www.popmatters.com/157994-firehose-lowflows-the-columbia-anthology-91-93-2495855712.html
  34. https://musicianguide.com/biographies/1608000539/fIREHOSE.html
  35. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-03-13-ca-10275-story.html
  36. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0446071/
  37. https://podcasts.apple.com/sn/podcast/079-firehose-ragin-full-on-w-ed-crawford/id1268343240?i=1000434388489
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