From their Website: Fat Dog, funny name and all, formed in the winter of 1998-1999 in Marengo, Ohio. What started out as a jam band in the basement of Phil Estep's house soon morphed into a small bar acoustic band. Early gigs were played at such venues as Tommy Keegan's, Slapsy Maxie's and Double's Lounge, entertaining pub-goers with songs by such bands as Tom Petty, The Screaming Trees and other acoustically-driven artists. The band soon started adapting to larger venues as well as playing electric with a more heavy feel and sound, all the while staying consistent with being a 'cover band'. At the time, live music (particularly cover music) was very popular in well-known areas of Columbus like the Short North and Brewery District. Fat Dog began playing venues like Victory's, The Patio, Ludlow's, and The Brickyard...larger venues that certainly helped them gain noteriety and an increased fan base. Fat Dog was the only cover band at the time that was staying true to the heavier side of live cover music, with emphasis on an "Alice In Chains"-type of musical feel. Soon, crowds began requesting Tool and System Of A Down, along with Godsmack and Disturbed covers. The band happily obliged and became well-known as a hard rock cover band.