Oleander frontman Thomas Flowers joined me on Rocking With Jam Man, and we covered a lot in under 20 minutes. We got the story behind a song fans have waited 25 years to hear, Woodstock ’99, the band’s return, and even some Buffalo wings.
Oleander’s lost “Bruise” is coming back
I asked Thomas about “Bruise,” the song that showed up in American Pie 2 but never got an official release. He confirmed the band has re-recorded it. Fans have been asking about that song for years, and Thomas said they’re aiming to release it in late October or early November 2026. This is the same “Bruise” from the movie, not a new track with the same title.
One thing Oleander won’t give up again
With Oleander now signed to SBG Records, I wanted to know what the band learned from the big-label years. Thomas said the major labels treated them well, but he would not want to give up control of their master recordings again. He told me that meeting with Shan at SBG Records made the new partnership an easy decision.
Woodstock ’99, Aftershock, and life outside the band
Thomas remembers Woodstock ’99 as one of the biggest moments of Oleander’s career. Everyone knows the awful things that happened, but he also saw people helping each other when the heat and lack of water were getting dangerous. We talked about those moments that rarely make the documentaries.
We also went back to Sacramento and Aftershock. Thomas said the best backstage moment was having his wife and son with him before taking the stage. It says a lot about how much life has changed for him. He talked about being on the road for months at a time back in the day and why being home, healthy, and present for his family became so important.
The lost joy of making music — and what’s next
Thomas told me that once music becomes a business, it’s easy to start thinking about sales, chart positions, and numbers instead of why you loved making music. Now he gets to enjoy writing, recording, and performing again. And he said 2027 is going to be a big year for Oleander, with more shows and singles lined up that he can’t announce just yet.
My death-row meal question — and the Buffalo connection
I couldn’t let Thomas leave without my death-row meal question. He was torn between a Double-Double Animal Style with raw onion and fries from In-N-Out and his wife’s meatloaf.
After the official interview wrapped, Thomas asked where I live. When I said near Buffalo, he remembered playing in the brutal winter cold and heading straight for wings at the Anchor Bar. He told me he’d love for me to come to a show when Oleander gets back to this area.
Watch the complete interview
Watch the full Rocking With Jam Man interview with Thomas Flowers of Oleander (recorded October 16, 2026).
The interview is also scheduled for YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Watch for clips from the conversation, including the “Bruise” story, Woodstock ’99, and his final meal pick.
Follow the band on Instagram at @oleandermusic. Oleander’s current lineup is Thomas Flowers, Doug Eldridge, Dan Camacho, Steve Brown and Art Padilla.