Where it started
First public performance as Gag Order - May 2nd, 2002 at the Wooden Nickel in Ypsilanti, MI
Source of the song title "From the Ashes" - What became "Gag Order" formed up in early September, 2001. Our second practice was held two days after the September 11th attacks. Merge had saved the front page from the Detroit Free Press, which had the headline "From The Ashes." Originally, that was going to be the band's name, but some Canadian band had already taken it. So it went back into the vault and was resurected when Merge and Erik realized that the lyrics "....rise up once again" fit well with the title "From the Ashes."
Who came up with the name "Gag Order?" - Rick did.
What other names were considered for the band?" - Aside from "From the Ashes," we considered calling the band "Plunger" but decided it sounded like crap (literally). For a time in Fall 2001 the band was called "Stone Mojo," mainly because we brought in a bass player (Scott Siegler) who suggested the name and already had a web site ready to go. (Michele was pushing for Bad Monkey with the first album being "No Spit for You")
Song working titles: "Lately" was originally "Circus Act." "Better Days" was originally "Rick Jam." "Fade Away" had a working title of "G.H.B."
