Ed Kowalczyk

As the lead singer of anthemic '90s alt-rock giants Live, Ed Kowalczyk rode a bombastic and angsty style of songwriting to frequent chart success. The last few years, though, have seen a decline in the band’s stateside popularity, and in June of 2009 a hiatus was announced. Soon after, allegations surfaced that Kowalczyk demanded a “lead singer bonus” and attempted to gain sole control of the band’s publishing rights. Unsurprisingly, a lawsuit ensued, turning Live’s hiatus into a full-fledged split. Having released his first solo album, Alive, in May, he seems quite contented to be unburdened by his former band. Toning down his former band’s hard-rock tendencies and dialing up the earnest spirituality still further, Alive finds Kowalczyk sounding energized and uncharacteristically saccharine, a sound that should suit his set at the Kidzapalooza stage just fine. 

Updated 07/28/2010