Spin Doctors: Did You Know?

Fun Facts & Untold Stories About Spin Doctors

Spin Doctors burst onto the music scene in the early 90s with their infectious mix of funk, rock, and blues, becoming one of the defining bands of that decade. Best known for hits like Two Princes and Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong, they brought a playful yet musically intricate style to mainstream rock. While their songs have stood the test of time, there’s a lot more to Spin Doctors than meets the eye. Let’s explore some fun facts and lesser-known stories about the band that will give you a new appreciation for their unique journey.

1. They Started Out as a Jam Band

Before they became known for their chart-topping hits, Spin Doctors were a jam band playing long, improvisational sets in New York’s club scene. Much of their early success came from word-of-mouth, as they built a loyal following by playing venues like Wetlands Preserve and The Nightingale Bar in Manhattan. Their extended live shows often featured songs that could last upwards of 10 minutes, with heavy improvisation—a far cry from the three-minute radio hits they became known for later.

2. The Band Was Almost Called “Truckee River Band”

The group didn't always go by the name Spin Doctors. In fact, before settling on their final name, they briefly considered calling themselves the Truckee River Band. According to lead singer Chris Barron, they scrapped the name because it sounded too much like a generic blues band, which didn’t quite fit their eclectic sound. The eventual name, Spin Doctors, came out of the band’s desire to have a fun, quirky identity that didn’t tie them down to a specific genre.

3. Chris Barron’s Roller-Skating Accident Changed Their Path

One pivotal moment in Spin Doctors’ early career came when lead singer Chris Barron had a freak accident while roller-skating. The injury temporarily sidelined him, forcing the band to take a break from their intense performance schedule. During this downtime, the band focused on writing new material, which helped them refine the songs that would appear on their breakthrough album, Pocket Full of Kryptonite. In a way, the accident gave them the space to create the hits that would later define their career.

4. “Two Princes” Almost Didn’t Make the Album

One of the most iconic songs of the 90s, "Two Princes", almost didn’t make it onto the band's debut album, Pocket Full of Kryptonite. The song was initially considered too simple and repetitive by some of the band members, who were worried it didn’t reflect the complexity of their live performances. However, producer Peter Denenberg convinced them to include it, sensing its potential as a hit. His intuition was spot-on—"Two Princes" went on to become the band’s biggest success, earning Grammy nominations and cementing their place in 90s rock history.

5. They Opened for the Rolling Stones

While many people remember the Spin Doctors for their own massive tours, they also had the honor of opening for The Rolling Stones on their 1994 Voodoo Lounge tour. It was a surreal experience for the band, as they went from playing small clubs to sharing the stage with rock legends. Chris Barron has recounted stories of hanging out with Mick Jagger and watching the Stones rehearse backstage, calling it a “dream come true” for the young band.

6. The Band Members Have Some Interesting Hobbies

Beyond music, the members of Spin Doctors have some unique hobbies. Chris Barron is an avid fisherman, often retreating to remote locations for fishing trips during his downtime. Eric Schenkman, the band’s guitarist, has a deep passion for motorcycles and often incorporates the spirit of the open road into his songwriting. These hobbies help the band members recharge and stay creatively inspired.

7. Chris Barron’s Vocal Struggles

In 1999, just as Spin Doctors were preparing for a comeback, Chris Barron suddenly lost his voice due to a rare form of vocal cord paralysis. Doctors initially told him he might never sing again. This was a devastating blow, especially since the band was starting to regain momentum. After months of silence and vocal therapy, Barron miraculously regained his ability to sing, though he had to completely relearn how to use his voice. His recovery is considered one of the most inspiring parts of the band’s story, and he’s since returned to performing with his distinctive vocal style.

8. Their Love for Comics

The band’s debut album, Pocket Full of Kryptonite, wasn’t just a catchy title—it was inspired by their love for comic books, specifically Superman. The title refers to Superman’s one weakness, and the band saw it as a metaphor for human vulnerability. Chris Barron, in particular, is a huge fan of comics, and his admiration for the superhero genre found its way into the band’s imagery and lyrics, giving their music an extra layer of fun and fantasy.

9. They Made a Comeback on the Jam Band Circuit

After their initial success, Spin Doctors’ popularity waned as alternative rock evolved in the late 90s. But instead of fading away, the band found new life on the jam band circuit, playing festivals like Bonnaroo and Gathering of the Vibes. Their roots as a jam band helped them transition into this scene, and they earned a new generation of fans who appreciated their musicianship and improvisational skills. This unexpected second wave allowed the band to keep touring and making music well into the 2000s.

10. They Played a Concert on Top of a Skyscraper

In a move that seemed straight out of rock-and-roll lore, the Spin Doctors once performed a concert on top of the Chrysler Building in New York City. It was part of a promotional event for a radio station, and the band performed for a small, lucky group of fans with the Manhattan skyline as their backdrop. The show became one of their most iconic live performances, and the band still talks about it as one of the highlights of their career.

From their humble jam band beginnings to their unlikely rise to 90s rock fame, Spin Doctors have remained a unique and resilient group. With infectious hits, deep musicality, and a love for comic books and quirky performance venues, they’ve carved out a place in music history that’s uniquely their own. And while everyone remembers them for Two Princes, the band’s untold stories reveal a much richer tapestry of creativity, perseverance, and fun. One of the most meaningful lines from the Spin Doctors comes from their hit song "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong":

"Ain't nobody gonna bow no more when you sound your gong."

This line reflects a sense of freedom and empowerment, cutting ties with someone who once had control or influence over the narrator. It captures the band's playful, irreverent style while also conveying a deeper message about moving on from toxic relationships and reclaiming independence. It's a relatable and uplifting moment, wrapped in the Spin Doctors' signature upbeat sound.