Max Q[1] is a Houston-based rock band whose members are all astronauts. It was formed in early 1987 by Brewster Shaw and Robert L. Gibson, recruiting George Nelson. Gibson has stated that he came up with the name "Max Q" (though recognizes that Shaw has also claimed having come up with the name himself), the engineering term for the maximum dynamic pressure from the atmosphere experienced by an ascending spacecraft. He joked that like the Space Shuttle, the band "makes lots of noise but no music".[2]
The band's rotating line-up often changes due to flight crew assignments, training, and the occasional retirement.[1] In 2009, members included:[1]
Former members include:[1] [2]
...with the original members having been:
The genesis of this band is connected to the Challenger disaster, as it was in the wake of that severely somber event that Dan Brandenstein, as Chief of the Astronaut Office, suggested that they hold a party to lighten things up. Brewster Shaw then approached Hoot Gibson, who he had performed a few songs with at astronaut parties, with the idea of forming a four-piece group to play at this party. The band was well-liked. They decided to add a keyboard player, and their success continued, playing many weddings, and at hotels for events like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. They also performed live on Good Morning America. In Gibson's last year with the group, Max Q was the warm-up band for Cheap Trick on their tour which came through Houston.[2]