Willknots were formed in 1998 by Douglas Deibel and a few of his close friends. After some line-up changes, the band solidified with guitarist Shawn Richardson, bassist Eric Foxxx and drummer Kyle Peasely. “I always had an idea of what I wanted the music to come across as", says Douglas. "It took a little while to get to the point where everyone is on the same page musically. It makes a huge difference in the song writing process, you can just feel it when the songs are coming together."

Willknots earliest recording effort, I.C.F. (1998 Self Released EP) sold 1,500+ copies at local shows and record stores. In 1999 the band was asked to open for B93.1 FM's Summer Fest concert, where the band performed for a sold out crowd of 10,000+. The band went over so well with the crowd, Donna Miller (B93.1 Music Director) asked the band back for the 2000 Summer Fest.

In 2000, the band had a bonnified hit with their single "Crush" (Produced by Mark Needham/ not released on CD), which was put into heavy rotation on KWOD 106.5 FM (See Radio & Records June 2000 enclosed). The single hit #2 on KWOD's request charts for weeks and received spins on LIVE 105 FM (San Francisco) as well.

Willknots have toured regularly all along the west coast, hitting all ages venues and high schools. Self-managed, Willknots have successfully broken into commercial radio, college radio and are building followings in a number of west coast markets

Encouraged by the response from the radio air play and their live shows, the band headed back into the studio to record a new EP. The result was "Hook Line and Sink Her", a five song EP including the single "4 AM"(Produced by Mark Needham). The single was picked up by KWOD 106.5 and received numerous spins on Buzz Bin, specialty airplay and overnights. Also picked up by Live 105 FM in San Francisco, Music Director Aaron Axelson added the single to their Soundcheck playlist. Live 105 chose the band as a finalist for their BFD summer concert contest, based on the song. EMG Production company approached the band about shooting a video for "4 AM". The video was shot in a day and within a week it was up on the front page of KWOD.com... receiving hundreds of downloads a day. To date, the EP has sold over 1,500 copies (distributed only online/at shows).

Stepping up in support again was KWOD 106.5, announcing the Willknots would be playing their Really Big Show 4, with Blink 182. The show sold out 15,000, and was a huge momentum builder for the band. The Willknots were added to Blink 182's online Zine Dungbeatle (loserkids.com).

Willknots have taken the stage with such acts as Blink 182, New Found Glory, Fenix TX, Papa Roach, The Flys, Pennywise, Oleander, Simon Says, NOFX , Less than Jake and playing at the Vans Warped Tour 2000, 2001 and 2002. Willknots have become well known for their impressive and energetic live performances.

Their latest studio project was July 2002 demo session with producer Barrett Jones (Foo Fighters, Presidents of the US, Bush), which yielded four new songs, including the single "Bouncing off the Walls" which has been added to KWOD 106.5 FM regular rotation. The single was in the top 5 Phone Requests for over 6 weeks at or around #1 for most of the time.
"Bouncing Off The Walls" also recieved 3 weeks of airplay on LIVE 105's Sound Check program, winning the contest over bay area bands, recieving praise from MD Aaron Axelson. The band is currently shopping the demo to labels. Already 4,000+ copies of the 4 song demo has been sold at shows and tour stops.
Willknots are currently writing/recording new material and will be showcasing in early 2003....