John Piasentin – Guitar and Vocals
Space Nelson's unique sound has been best described as "melodic hard rock with a progressive edge." The Detroit four piece, which likes to explore the boundaries of syncopation and timing, delivers driving rhythms and catchy hooks with skill and emotion. Influences spanning Rush, The Who, and Tool, can be heard on their latest release, "Don’t Panic."
Space Nelson formed in 1996 and has three past releases: "Cutting Edge Pinball" (1997), “Slackjawed" (1999), and “Evil Computer From the Future” (2002). The band’s current release, "Don’t Panic" (2005), displays the band's progression as songwriters and showcases their individual talents.
Space Nelson has been receiving airplay on all of the major Detroit rock radio stations including WRIF, 89X, WKRK, and The Drive 106.7. For the past two years, tracks from “Evil Computer” have regularly been aired on WRIF's Drew and Mike Show. The band has also been featured as in studio guests on both 89X and WRIF, as a spotlight Detroit act.
Space Nelson was twice selected by the Ernie Ball Company to represent the Detroit music scene at the Vans Warped Tour shows in Michigan (2000 & 2001). Also in 2001, Space Nelson won a listener polled Battle of the Bands competition held on Detroit's The Drive 106.7. In the past two years, the band has performed at national Detroit venues including the Royal Oak Music Theater, St. Andrew's Hall, the Majestic Theater, the Emerald Theater, the Shelter, the Magic Bag, and Clutch Cargos.
Space Nelson consists of founding members John Piasentin on guitar / vocals and Eric Fischer on drums. The band also features Gary Lock on bass guitar and Pete Hopersberger on keyboards / vocals, both of whom joined the band in 2000.