Candlebox is a Seattle-based band that formed in December 1991, with bassist Bardi Martin, guitarist Peter Klett, vocalist/guitarist Kevin Martin (not related to Bardi), and drummer Scott Mercado. They took their name from a line of the Midnight Oil song, "Tin Legs and Tin Mines." The line was "boxed in like candles." In 1992, they recorded their first demo, which they raised money for by selling most of their stuff.

They went on to perform private shows for record labels and in 1993, they released their first cd, cleverly titled "Candlebox," on Maverick Records. They spent the next two years touring almost nonstop. In 1995, they released their second cd, Lucy. In 1997, Scott left the band. He was replaced by former Pearl Jam drummer, Dave Krusen. The third cd, Happy Pills, was released on July 21st, 1998. Dave and Bardi left the band in early 1999. Dave left to be with his family, Bardi left to complete his history degree. Dave is temporarily being replaced by Shannon Larkin (formerly of Ugly Kid Joe) and Bardi was replaced by Rob Redick.