Ed Kowalczyk was the lead singer, lyricist, and main songwriter for the band
Live from its formation until 2009. When he left the band, the other three members issued a statement detailing what they felt were inappropriate actions by Kowalczyk in regards to contract and salary negotiations. Kowalczyk was sued by the band, seeking damages and an injunction against using the name "Live". Kowalczyk rejoined the band in December 2016 after months of rumors. In June 2022, Kowalczyk took a 55% controlling ownership of the band, immediately firing founding guitarist Chad Taylor from the band. In October 2022, Kowalczyk and three new touring musicians began performing as Live without
Patrick Dahlheimer and
Chad Gracey, leaving Kowalczyk as the sole remaining founding member of the band. '' in 2000 Following his departure from Live, Kowalczyk recorded his first solo album,
Alive, which was released in 2010. In 2012, he recorded
The Garden and in 2013
The Flood and the Mercy. In 2014-2016 he embarked on an extensive tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of
Throwing Copper, playing acoustic concerts across the U.S., Europe and Australia. Kowalczyk has worked with musicians
Stuart Davis and
Glen Ballard and singers
Anouk,
Neneh Cherry,
Adam Duritz of
Counting Crows,
Red Wanting Blue, and
Shelby Lynne. He featured on the song "Evolution Revolution Love," from the 2001
Tricky album
Blowback. He collaborated with
Chris Frantz,
Jerry Harrison and
Tina Weymouth (ex-
Talking Heads, then performing as The Heads) on the song "Indie Hair" from their 1996 album
No Talking, Just Head. He appeared in the
David Fincher film
Fight Club as a waiter, his only film acting credit to date. ==Political activities==