Brothers and founding Manic Drive members Michael and Shawn Cavallo literally grew up writing and playing music, so forming a band was the next logical step in their progression. As One Cross, they released four independent albums between 1997 and 2002, winning several unsigned band contests along the way. In 2004, after playing a GMA music showcase, they were offered a record deal and the Toronto, Ontario, Canada natives said yes.

One Cross became Manic Drive and the rest, as they say, is history!

Michael Cavallo has obviously given a lot of thought to Halloween - from its beginnings to how he feels he should approach it. In talking about it, Michael says, "I guess for believers who 'celebrate' Halloween, they separate the ancient historical roots of the day from the more recent traditional innocence of kids dressing up, collecting candy door to door, and families hosting fun dress up parties for a laugh.  As for us [Manic Drive], we've been involved with family and church events over the years on Halloween that have been fun and exciting even for the surrounding community. It seems this is an issue of conscience and personal conviction."

The History of the Holiday

Michael continues, "Yes... historically speaking Halloween did derive from medieval Celtic pagan celebrations which welcomed the harvest season saying farewell to the passing summer (based on the Celtic calendar, their summer ended October 31st).  And yes...

it became a popular date adopted by witches in the 18th century. But, at the same time, we can look to many of our traditional celebrations - even Christmas and Easter -and see their pagan beginnings or influences. I can't imagine Christians not celebrating Christmas on December 25th, even though it carries influence of Norse and Roman paganism."
Something may start out as one thing, but become something else entirely. Cavallo touches on that when he says, "Even though Halloween may come from a mixed and even dark history, Christians should be careful not to judge and instead, simply do what they believe is consistent with scripture, their conscience and personal conviction.  I suppose we should celebrate and praise God no matter what the day... Halloween, Christmas... today!! I say... play games, dress up, share stories and eat pumpkin pie with family and friends on Halloween and any other day the feeling hits you!"