Fat Dog, funny name and all, formed in the winter of 1998-1999 in Marengo, Ohio. What started out as a jam band in the basement of Phil Estep's house soon morphed into a small bar acoustic band. Early gigs were played at such venues as Tommy Keegan's, Slapsy Maxie's and Double's Lounge, entertaining pub-goers with songs by such bands as Tom Petty, The Screaming Trees and other acoustically-driven artists. The band soon started adapting to larger venues as well as playing electric with a more heavy feel and sound, all the while staying consistent with being a 'cover band'. At the time, live music (particularly cover music) was very popular in well-known areas of Columbus like the Short North and Brewery District. Fat Dog began playing venues like Victory's, The Patio, Ludlow's, and The Brickyard...larger venues that certainly helped them gain noteriety and an increased fan base. Fat Dog was the only cover band at the time that was staying true to the heavier side of live cover music, with emphasis on an "Alice In Chains"-type of musical feel. Soon, crowds began requesting Tool and System Of A Down, along with Godsmack and Disturbed covers. The band happily obliged and became well-known as a hard rock cover band.
For the first 10 years, and over 1000 live shows together, the band consisted of Matt Sutton, Steve Miller, Phil Estep and Bryan Watson. The band had performed throughout the region ranging from Portsmouth to Put-In-Bay, Cleveland to Parkersburg, WV and all towns in between! Fat Dog was even featured on the main stage of Polaris Amphitheatre, as well as The Hard Rock Cafe in Cleveland. Other well-known events have been The Rally at Riverwatch tailgate for 3 years at every OSU home football game, multiple shows at the infamous Bogey Inn for the Memorial Golf Tournament, and New Year's Eve shows at the Hyatt downtown Columbus.
Coors Light became a corporate sponsor as a direct result of a show at the Bogey Inn in 2005. It has been an ongoing successful relationship and Fat Dog is proud to represent such a great company and even greater beer!
There was a change to take place in the spring of 2009 when the band ultimately realized that there was another adaptation to occur in the cover music venue scene. Clubs, and more importantly crowds, were expecting different genres of music from bands and in order to adapt to the environment and remain a working band, the band was forced to evolve. As a group, they decided to stay true to there earlier style of play, but be able to alter their playlists dependant upon the venue being played. Diversity was now the goal. To make the transition complete, Phil Estep and Bryan Watson were replaced by Jeff Robert and Nathan Hartley. The new formula seems to be working out very successfully, and although we all miss the earlier days and have unbelievable memories, change occurs whether we want it to or not.
Fat Dog is currently booking in new markets and promoting again outside of central Ohio. If you have seen the band outside of Columbus and enjoyed the show, please contact your local live music venue and request that they book Fat Dog. If they book the band as a result, you will receive permanent guest list treatment for every FD show!
We thank those of you who have been with us through all of the years and all of the changes...and all of the 'socials'! We hope that you will continue to support the band that has had so much fun entertaining you.
Look for a show coming to a town near you!
