The band was formed in 1996 by R.E.M.'s Peter Buck (guitar), Barrett Martin of the Screaming Trees (drums and percussion), Justin Harwood of Luna and The Chills (bass guitar, double bass), and Skerik of Critters Buggin (saxophones). The band was named, at Harwood's suggestion, after a reptile from his native New Zealand.
Barrett Martin
Justin Harwood