Biography

Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania-based pop-punk band Digger comprised of singer/guitarist Phil Nelson, singer/guitarist Chris Benner, singer/bassist Matthew Gregorec and drummer Mike Fisher. After coming to the attention of California's Hopeless Records in 1996 following a radio performance on WMUH-NJ, the band inked a deal with the label and made their debut the following year with 'Powerbait'. Rounds of touring took place before the group returned in 1998 with 'The Promise of an Uncertain Future', 'Monte Carlo appeared in early 2000, 'Trainwreck' in May 2001, and 'Keystone' in late 2002. In early 2003, the band was forced to cancel its nationwide tour in support of the record when bassist Ben Stephens and guitarist Garrett Hoskins left to pursue other interests...Benner and then-drummer Mike Kelly looked for replacements. The 'Tattoo Broken Hearts' EP, arrived in April 2003 via Italy's Wynona Records and soon after Digger announced new members Warren Cooke and Tim Wright. Touring followed, however Digger officially announced its dissolution in the summer of 2004. In 2015, Digger re-united with original members Matthew Gregorec (switching to guitar from bass), and Chris Benner, joining former member Ben Stephens, and Ryan Keller on drums... a few years later Tom Cobb replaced Stephens (who had family obligations but still shows up from time to time!) to complete the current lineup R.I.P. Phil Nelson (1976-1999)