Backstory:
Glossy Illness was formed in the cramped backroom of a dingy, smoke-filled bar in downtown Seattle. The year was 1998, and the grunge era was on its last legs. Four young and rebellious musicians, tired of the over-commercialization of their beloved rock genre, decided to create something new, something raw, and something that would change the face of music forever. Hence, ‘Glossy Illness’ was born.
The band consisted of frontman and poet, Johnny ‘The Wraith’ McCall, lead guitarist and sonic wizard, Tommy ‘Steel Strings’ O’Rourke, bassist and brooding philosopher, Richie ‘The Edge’ Hart, and drummer and heartbeat, Joey ‘Thundersticks’ Russo. Their music was personal, their shows were chaotic, and their message was simple – question everything.
Genre:
Post-Grunge/Alternative Rock
Title:
“Shattered Mirrors”
Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G]Shattered mirrors on the floor
[C]Reflections of a life no more
[G]Haunted faces, silent screams
[C]Lost in the web of shattered dreams
(Chorus)
[D]Broken, [Em]Bleeding
[C]In the wreckage of our being
[D]Falling, [Em]Feeling
[C]The pain of unhealed healing
(Verse 2)
[G]Walls whisper our endless sins
[C]We’re much more than our broken grins
[G]In the echoes of our silent song
[C]We realize where we truly belong
(Chorus)
[D]Broken, [Em]Bleeding
[C]In the wreckage of our being
[D]Falling, [Em]Feeling
[C]The pain of unhealed healing
(Outro)
[G]In the chaos, we find peace
[C]In the illness, we find release
Favorite Fan:
Our favorite fan is a twenty-year-old college student named Abby McPherson. She first saw us play in a small venue in Portland and has been following us ever since. She has described our music as “a lifeline in the midst of a stormy sea, a voice in the wilderness.”
Abby’s Testimonial:
“Glossy Illness is more than just a band to me. They’re a beacon of truth in an ocean of lies. Their music speaks directly to my soul and gives voice to emotions I can’t always express. There’s an honesty and rawness in their songs that’s almost therapeutic. Their lyrics are profound and, in a bizarre way, comforting. You can feel the pain, the turmoil, and the hope in every chord and verse. They’re my favorite band because they make me feel seen, heard, and less alone in this chaotic world.”