Michael Melchiondo Jr. (born September 25, 1970),[2] better known by his stage name Dean Ween, is an American guitarist, singer and a founding member of the alternative rock group Ween. He is currently active in the groups Ween, Moistboyz and The Dean Ween Group.
Biography
In 1984, Melchiondo met Aaron Freeman in a junior high school typing class, in their hometown of New Hope, Pennsylvania. The two adopted the fictitious surname Ween after the demon-god Boognish appeared to them, with Melchiondo taking up the name Dean Ween and Freeman the name Gene Ween.[3]
In 1991, Melchiondo formed the punk rock duo Moistboyz with Guy Heller.[4] Moistboyz have released five eponymous studio recordings.[5]
In 2009 Melchiondo received his captain's license and regularly leads fishing trips off the Jersey Shore as Mickey's Guide Service.[6][7][8]
In 2012, in the wake of Ween's breakup, Melchiondo formed The Dean Ween Group.[9] In August 2016 the Dean Ween Group's debut album, The Deaner Album, was announced with the release of the first track entitled "Mercedes Benz".[10] On October 7, 2016 Melchiondo's first-ever solo music video was released for the song "Exercise Man",[11] the music video was directed by Monica Hampton.[12][13] "The Deaner Album" was subsequently released on October 21, 2016 through ATO Records.[14] Melchiondo's second solo album under The Dean Ween Group moniker, rock2, was released on March 16, 2018.[15][16]
