The original lineup of Jack Vigliatura IV on vocals, guitarist Travis Tooke, drummer Jay Russell and bassist Bill White played around the area, and released Baypath Rd. in early 1994. After tours of the East Coast and the release of the EP Plymouth, For Squirrels signed with Sony/550 Music. The group then replaced Russell with Jack Greigo and in mid-1995 recorded their major-label debut, Example.

On September 8, however, the band's van blew a tire and overturned on the way back to Florida from a gig at CBGB's in New York. Vigliatura, White, and manager Tim Bender were killed, while Tooke and Greigo also suffered injuries. Example, released less than a month later, received overwhelming support from college radio. Tooke and Greigo were encouraged and decided to continue the band with high-school friend Andy Lord on bass. ~ John Bush