Hailing from Orlando, Florida, My Friend Steve was led by singer/songwriter Steve Burry, a veteran of innumerable local bands as well as an occasional solo performer with a strong area cult following. In early 1998, after self-releasing an EP called The Schooling, he formed My Friend Steve with Eric Steinberg, Dave McMahon and Pat Koch, all three members of the popular Gainesville band Big White Undie; eventually recruiting drummer Eric Gardner, the group recorded their debut LP Hope and Wait, issued that autumn on the Mammoth label. ~ Jason Ankeny