Zug Island

Zug Island is a heavily industrialized island primarily within the city of River Rouge near the southern city limits of Detroit in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located where the mouth of the River Rouge spills into the Detroit River. Zug Island is not a natural island in the river; it was formed when a shipping canal was dug along the southwestern side of the island, allowing ships to bypass several hundred yards of twisting waterway near the mouth of the natural course of the lowest portions of the River Rouge.

History

Originally a marsh-filled peninsula at the mouth of the River Rouge, it served as an uninhabited Native American burial ground for thousands of years. Upon European arrival, the land was incorporated into Ecorse Township, making up the very northeast corner of the township. The beginning of interest in developing the land came when Samuel Zug came to Detroit from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania in 1836 to make his fortune in the furniture industry with the money he earned as a bookkeeper. Shortly after, Marcus Stevenson, a Detroit financier, went into business with him.

Zug Izland

Zug Izland is an alternative rock band from Detroit, Michigan currently signed to Psychopathic Records. The group sometimes refers to its fans as "zuggalos".

Background

Zug Izland formed in 2001, named after an industrial site in Detroit. The band was formed by Insane Clown Posse member Violent J (Joseph Bruce) and Mike Puwal, out of Bruce's love of rock music. Bruce wanted to know what a "Juggalo Rock" band would sound like. Zug Izland's songs were written and developed during the recording of Insane Clown Posse's album The Wraith: Shangri-La.

Bruce and Puwal completed the basic tracks for two songs, but still required a lead singer. Bruce wanted a singer similar to Kurt Cobain, Eddie Vedder, Jim Morrison or Axl Rose. Although Syn was sought by three other bands at the time, he joined Zug Izland as their official singer. The band broke onto the national competitive music scene in 2003 with their debut album, Cracked Tiles.

The album peaked at No. 48 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and at No. 31 on the Top Independent Albums chart. Zug Izland released a follow-up album 3:33 the 1st of June 2004. It peaked at No. 26 on the Top Heatseekers chart and at No. 22 on the Top Independent Albums chart. The release of the 3:33 album amicably fulfilled Psychopathic Records contract with Zug Izland.