Plain White T's

Born in the suburbs of Chicago, lead singer Tom Higgenson was originally fascinated with the drums, performing in various pop and rock bands in high school. One of these groups was Harvey's Daughter, where he met bass player Ken Fletcher. The group disbanded but another was re-formed, with Higgenson taking over lead duties as songwriter and singer. Friend and drummer Dave Tirio joined and, in the fall of 1997, the pop-punk group was formed. Plain White T's performed around various Chicago clubs gaining a small but devout following. In the summer of 1999, Higgenson was almost killed in a car accident. The event, which resulted in a ruptured kidney and lacerated lung, gave him a newfound appreciation for life. As a result, the songwriting process grew and the band was being noticed.