( Artist Update )

Written by: Jake Beach   

In Detroit, where music and survival often go hand in hand, The Muggs have spent over twenty years showing that lasting power can matter just as much as loudness. Starting in the early 2000s, the band made their mark in the city’s blues-rock scene by playing countless shows, sticking to their raw sound, and refusing to give up even when things got tough.

The Muggs formed in February 2000, anchored by guitarist and vocalist Danny Muggs (born Danny Methric) and bassist Tony Muggs (born Tony DeNardo). Early lineups rotated through drummers Matt Rost, Todd Glass, and Zach Pliska, but the core identity was set from the beginning: heavy blues riffs, unvarnished rock energy, and performances that prioritized sweat over spectacle. In Detroit's club circuit, where authenticity is currency, the band quickly built momentum. Fans from their earliest gigs still recall the intensity of those nights, with one early show-goer reminiscing, 'They rattled the bar stools at the Lager House.'

That progress almost stopped on September 4, 2001. As the band was starting to find its way, DeNardo had a hemorrhagic stroke at age 28. The health crisis nearly took his life and brought the band to a sudden stop. For many bands, this would have been the end. For The Muggs, it was a turning point.

DeNardo spent two years in intense physical therapy, relearning basic movements and facing the fact that his right hand was permanently paralysed. He could no longer play bass the way he used to, but quitting music was never on the table. Instead, he found a new way to play, moving the bass parts to a Fender Rhodes piano. This change gave the band a heavier, richer sound while keeping their music’s strong energy.

The reconfigured lineup, often referred to by fans as “The Muggs 2.0,” returned to the stage not as a revival act but as a band newly defined by resilience. The shift did more than keep the group alive; it embedded their music with a sense of urgency that would carry through the rest of their career.

Their albums show how the band has changed over time. The Muggs’ first album, released in 2005, captured their raw blues-rock style. On With The Show (2008) focused more on groove and attitude, while the Bite Of The Weredog 7-inch (2008) showed off their powerful sound in a short, punchy format. Born Ugly (2011) added new layers to their music, mixing grit with tighter songs. Full Tilt: Live At Cadieux Cafe (2013), a two-disc live album, caught the band at their best, playing off the crowd’s energy in a classic Detroit venue.

Later albums like Straight Up Boogaloo (2015) and Slave To Sound Vol. 5 (2020) showed the band’s focus on rhythm and groove, choosing feeling over following trends. Over six studio albums and a live record, The Muggs have kept their style steady yet fresh, always improving rather than starting over.

Recognition came naturally. The band has won several Detroit Music Awards, including Outstanding Instrumentalist awards for both Danny and Tony Muggs, as well as honours for Outstanding Rock Band and Album. In 2007, they reached a national audience by appearing on FOX’s The Next Great American Band, sharing their music with people outside Detroit. Europe welcomed them too: since January 2007, The Muggs have toured there six times, gaining loyal fans who appreciate their honest style.

Recently, the band hasn’t focused on nostalgia for its own sake, even though they respect their history. For instance, in November 2025, The Muggs opened for Blue Öyster Cult at the Royal Oak Music Theatre, bringing together different generations of American rock. Two months later, on January 13, 2026, Danny and Tony Muggs held a “Time Warp-Vintage” live session, looking back at important shows, discussing their journey, and sharing plans for the future.

During 2025 and into 2026, the band also looked back at their beginnings by highlighting their 2005 self-titled debut, known to fans as “Doc Mode,” through special releases and shows. Instead of just celebrating past success, these moments reminded everyone how much the band has grown and why they still matter.

In Detroit, lasting as a band is never easy, and survival isn’t always glamorous. The Muggs’ story isn’t about changing just to change, but about adapting when faced with challenges. After twenty years, they’re still a true working band, shaped by tough times, made stronger by sticking with it, and still making music that demands to be heard.

As 2026 begins, excitement about The Muggs is growing. Fans in Detroit and around the world are waiting for news about a new album or more tour dates. There haven’t been any official announcements yet, but recent events, from special shows in late 2025 to open conversations during January 2026 live sessions, show that the band is still active. For longtime fans, the hope isn’t just about reliving the past, but about seeing The Muggs keep moving forward and adding to their story of persistence and purpose.

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