Out with the Old, in with the Cold

Words by Ambar Ramirez and Carmen Macri 

When we started digging into our March rock ‘n’ roll issue, we had the chance to catch up with Damien Starkey — as you should already know — and he laid down one simple rule: We had to include Cold. No ifs, ands or buts. Because let’s be real, no story about Jacksonville’s rock scene would be complete without one of its most beloved underground bands. Starkey graciously connected us with Cold’s frontman, Scooter Ward, by passing along his email. Unfortunately, Cold was on tour, and Ward’s response came well after our deadline, but like Starkey said, we needed to include him. 

So, without further ado …

“Local music in the late 80s into the 90s allowed all the bands to be free to form their own sound. We were fortunate to have a very eclectic scene,” Ward shared. “You could go from club to club that were all on the same block and see a metal, reggae or a punk band on any given night.”

The original members crashed into each other at Fletcher High School — the way the loud ones always do. They called themselves Grundig and tore through garages, backyards and busted house parties, hauling beat-up amps and scraping by on whatever power they could steal from a wall. The crowds packed tighter, the noise got louder, and before long, the gigs outgrew the houses and spilled into the clubs.

Grundig eventually landed a record deal, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing from there. Not long after, the German stereo company Grundig came calling, offering to let them keep the name — for a steep licensing fee. Around the same time, Limp Bizkit’s Wes Borland, who had been talking with Ward’s producer, casually tossed out a new idea: Cold. And honestly, it fit like a glove. So, the group decided out with the old and in with the Cold.

For nearly four decades, Cold has been hitting stages around the world, leaving a trail of wreckage and loyal fans in their wake. Lineups have shifted, faces have changed, but with Ward at the wheel, their raw, bruised alternative metal sound never wavered. These days, Cold is back on the road, celebrating 25 years of “13 Ways to Bleed on Stage” and 20 years of “A Different Kind of Pain” — two albums that carved their names deep into the walls of rock history.

Folio: Cold was born out of Jacksonville’s music scene in the late ’80s. What role did the city itself play in shaping the early sound and attitude of the band?

Ward: Local music in the late ’80s into the ’90s allowed all the bands to be free to form their own sound. We were fortunate to have a very eclectic scene. You could go from club to club that were all on the same block and see a metal, reggae or a punk band on any given night. That also allowed the scene to not really have any animosity between the bands, and everyone was very accepting of the other’s genre. I would watch a Chronic Reality set, then walk next door to see Pili Pili, and both were at a high level of musicianship. I believe that raised all the artists in our area to be able to create a unique original sound. 

Folio: Looking back, which moment in Cold’s journey stands out as a defining experience?

Ward: There were many throughout the years, but the first time it all really seemed like we had made an impact was when our album “Year of the Spider” hit No. 3 on the Billboard charts. I remember getting the call from the label one morning while on tour.  It was a surreal moment for us all and a milestone we never expected to reach.

Folio: Cold has been through lineup changes and hiatuses. What has kept you grounded and motivated to keep the band going?

Ward: Our fan base keeps me motivated with their loyalty throughout all the years. Couldn’t ask for a better group of people to play for. Every show now feels like a big family reunion. I’m forever thankful and humbled that I’m able to still do this after all these years.

Folio: If Cold could tour with any band, past or present, who would be your dream tour mates and why?

Ward: The Cult and Bad Brains would be my dream tour. Both bands were and will always be an inspiration to me.

Folio: What was one of your favorite or most memorable shows in Jacksonville?

Ward: I grew up going to the Jacksonville Coliseum to see the big bands that would come to town periodically through my youth. Then years later, I was able to play that same building while on tour with Godsmack and Staind. It would be the last rock concert at the Coliseum as they were destroying it to build something new… Another surreal moment.

Folio: Cold has gone through different eras—from the post-grunge energy of “13 Ways to Bleed on Stage” to the more melodic and atmospheric tones of “The Things We Can’t Stop.” How do you stay true to Cold’s identity while continuing to evolve?

Ward: Always write from the heart. Ignore all the noise and what’s popular. Say the things you want to say. That’s been the way Cold has always created music and will continue until our last song.