86 Aspartame

86 Aspartame was a hard rock band from Ivoryton, Connecticut.

Initially named Gridlock. In 1991, guitarist Frank GW Thomas was working with a bassist named Mike Trink. Early 1992 Frank Thomas' dad and Mike Aresco's dad were working together at an insurance company. They happened to discuss that each of them has kids that played an instrument, but not in any bands. Mike and Frank contacted each other and got together one Saturday morning. They played nearly EVERY Van Halen song to that date.

A bond formed from that day on that would become Gridlock.

Recording a handful of originals, and a few covers before bassist Mike Trink later moved to go to college, and was replaced by Mike 'the weeze' Dicaprio in late '91. The band would have many bassists from that day on. Some were Mark Brey, Aaron Cornaroli, Chris Mclaren (who was 12 at the time while in the band!) and eventually Artie Green in 1998.

Vocalists were another revolving door for this band. Mik Monti, Liz Spires, Barbara Mae Schreier, Steve Neil, Jack Adonti, and later Frank moved to the full time singer. The band would record SEVERAL demos with all the different members through out the years.

The band ended when drummer Mike Aresco signed with SA SANCTUARY relocating to Texas in 1999.

86 Aspartame has never played again since

Signed to Macaw International

• Originaly named Gridlock
• Combined speed metal drums w/rock guitar

Other known band names:

• G-Lock
• Various Artists

Past Members were:

• **Frank Steven Thomas -vocals, guitar
• **Artie Green -bass
• **Mike Aresco -drums
• Chris Mclaren -bass
• Liz Spires -vocals
• Steve Neal -vocals
• Mik Monti -vocals
• Mike Trink -bass
• Jack Adonti -vocals
• Mark Brey -bass
• Barbara Schreier -vocals
• Chad Anderson -vocals
• Mike (weeze) Dicaprio -bass

NOTE: ** denotes last known line-up

links:

Official site

myspace.com/86aspartame <keywords content="86 aspartame,gridlock,barbara schreier,frank thomas,mykill,paiste,pellwood,liz spires,chris mclaren" />