California natives Zoo Story took their name from Edward Albee's one-act play of the same name, although lead singer Randy Coleman claims that he had considered the name before he knew the play existed. Either way, the band was formed when Coleman asked fellow members Carlos Rivera, Nick Sample, and former Tonic drummer Kevin Shepard to help him put together a solo record. When they realized their chemistry, they instead formed a band and recorded their debut album, 2002's Come Out and Play.