SINCE FORMING IN 1986, SUGAR RAY HAS BEEN SPINNING SWEETNESS, AND NOW IS SET TO SERVE SOME AT AC’S HARD ROCK!

BY LAURA D.C. KOLNOSKI PHOTO BY KEVIN ESTRADA

Multi-platinum pop/rock hit-makers, Sugar Ray, led by Southern California native Mark McGrath, are still rocking out and topping charts its latest single, “Make It Easy,” to the 2019 album, Little Yachty, a reference to both rapper Lil Yachty and the fact that McGrath sometimes views Sugar Ray as a “yacht rock” band. Local fans can note with anticipation that the boys are set to drop anchor at Sound Waves at the Hard Rock in Atlantic City on February 7.

As the band’s lead singer/songwriter, McGrath helped create a string of top-10 hits, multi-platinum albums, and multiple sold-out tours. He has also become a media personality, hosting and appearing on an array of television shows. Sugar Ray accolades include being added to two Billboard Greatest of All Time lists: Greatest Alternative Artists and Greatest Alternative Songs.

Formed in 1986, the band found its first big success with the release of the 1995 album, Lemonade and Brownies, followed by a series of records McGrath describes as “love letters to the music we loved.” Chart-toppers include “Shot of Laughter,” “Fly,” “Falls Apart,” and “Mr. Bartender.” The group’s idiosyncratic style takes cues from hair metal, punk, hip-hop, funk, new wave, disco, and dub.

“We stand on our merits,” McGrath said. “When you have a number-one song, you have been validated. Four top-10 songs, ten million records. The older I get, the more proud I am of what we did.”

In addition to their many television appearances over the years, the charismatic combo has appeared in films including Ivan Reitman’s Father’s Day (1997), starring Robin Williams and Billy Crystal, and 2002’s live-action Scooby-Doo. McGrath’s personality and knowledge of pop culture made him a natural to host shows like Extra and American Idol, and events such as the Radio Music Awards and World Music Awards. He’s also made acting appearances on Law & Order and The Office.

Immediately after the Atlantic City show, McGrath, as a member of the Ezra Ray Hart band, will join the annual Sail Across the Sun cruise to the Bahamas out of Miami, along with Train, the Yacht Rock Review, and other artists.

“What I love is pop melodies, I love reggae, I love the Beach Boys,” McGrath offered on his on-line bio. “I always tried to steer the band in one direction, but it was a democracy. Everybody had their own records and lifestyles. Our songs mean a lot to people. I look into the crowds and see moms rocking out there, remembering where they were 15 years ago. I see 20-year-olds who call it ‘classic rock.’ You get people in their 60s and 70s enjoying the music…you get the whole gamut. You’ve gottta love it, and I’ll always love it.”

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