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Pennywise (band)

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Pennywise

Pennywise is an American punk rock band that was formed in 1988, and is named after the monster from the Stephen King novel, It.

Since their 1991 self-titled debut, Pennywise had released an album every two years on Epitaph Records, a label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. To date, Pennywise have released nine full-length studio albums, one live album, two EPs and one DVD. Their most recent studio album is 2008's Reason to Believe, which was released for free through a partnership between MySpace, and Textango, a mobile music distributor. In addition the album would be for sale in stores through MySpace Records in the United States and Epitaph in Europe.

Pennywise has had their current line-up, consisting of Jim Lindberg (vocals), Fletcher Dragge (guitars), Randy Bradbury (bass) and Byron McMackin (drums), since 1996. They kept their original line-up until former bassist Jason Thirsk committed suicide in 1996, after which Bradbury joined as his replacement.

Biography

Early career (1988-1992)

Pennywise were formed in 1988 in Hermosa Beach, California, by singer Jim Lindberg, guitarist Fletcher Dragge, drummer Byron McMackin and bassist Jason Thirsk. To date, this line-up is considered a classic. They released two EPs A Word from the Wise and Wildcard (both 1989). Each of the band members had played in other bands in the Hermosa Beach area and attended the same high school.

The group signed to Epitaph Records in 1990 and released their first album Pennywise (1991). The album quickly spread throughout the punk community, earning the band some nation-wide recognition. Lyrics in the album endorsed a positive mental attitude, helping promote progressive ideals for Generation X. Lindberg left the band soon after the debut record. Bass player Randy Bradbury joined the lineup as Thirsk took over lead vocal duties. In 1992, The Vandals lead singer Dave Quackenbush took over on vocals for a brief stint. Bradbury left the band and Thirsk returned to bass.

Increasing popularity and aftermath of Thirsk's death (1993-2003)

Lindberg got married and returned to the group in 1992 in time for their second album Unknown Road (1993), an underground hit that established the band as a force in punk music. By 1995, punk bands The Offspring and Rancid hit the mainstream and Pennywise refused invitations to join several major labels. About Time (1995) was another indie hit.

In 1996, Pennywise began recording their fourth album. Thirsk left the band in an attempt to conquer alcoholism. He was successful but relapsed and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest on July 29, 1996.

Following Thirsk's death, Bradbury rejoined the band and recorded their next two albums, Full Circle (1997) and Straight Ahead (1999). This was followed by a live album, Live at the Key Club (2000), as well as Land of the Free? (2001) and From the Ashes (2003).

Recent history (2004-present)

Home Movies, the band's only video, was re-released on DVD for the first time in 2004. The video was originally released in 1995 and had been out of print since 1997. More footage of Pennywise can be seen on 45 Revolutions: A Slice of XVI St. Life, XVI St. being the place where Jason and Fletcher hung out in Hermosa Beach.

The band's eighth album, The Fuse, was released in Europe on June 27 and in North America on August 9, 2005. The band's Australian tour was cancelled leading to breakup rumors, which Lindberg denied. Also that year, digitally-remastered versions of the first four studio albums were released.

Pennywise recently recorded a cover of Sick of It All's "My Life" for the band's tribute album Our Impact Will Be Felt.

The band returned to the studio in 2007 to begin work on their ninth album, Reason to Believe, which was released on March 25, 2008. In a 2007 interview with Fletcher, the band had written nearly 60 songs and were trying to decide which ones to record for their new album. In November 2007, it was revealed that the band would release Reason to Believe for free through a partnership between MySpace, and Textango, a mobile music distributor [1]. In addition the album would be for sale in stores through MySpace Records in the United States and Epitaph in Europe.[2]

Discography

For all releases, see Pennywise discography.

Members

Pennywise has had numerous line-up changes, Fletcher Dragge and Byron McMackin are the only two constant members.

Dates & releases Members & prominent instruments Notes
(1988-1991)
A Word from the Wise,
Wildcard and
Pennywise
  • First line-up of Pennywise.
  • The classic Pennywise line-up.
(1991-1992)
(1992)

Quackenbush filled in for Lindberg while he was on hiatus from touring.

(1992-1995)
Unknown Road and
About Time
  • The classic Pennywise line-up.
  • Although not yet credited as a member of the band, Bradbury contributed some tracks on the Unknown Road album.
(1995-present)
Full Circle,
Straight Ahead,
Live @ the Key Club,
Land of the Free?,
From the Ashes,
The Fuse and
Reason to Believe
  • Randy joined the group in October 1995 when Jason was on hiatus to visit rehab. [1]
  • Prior to Jason's suicide, Randy was supposed to switch to rhythm guitar when Jason returned, but this never happened. Thus, Randy became the band's permanent bass player.

Trivia

  • The band rerecorded the song "Bro Hymn" from their self titled LP as a tribute to fallen friends Carlos Canton, Tim Colvin, and Tom Nichols. It was released on the Full Circle LP as "Bro Hymn Tribute" to serve as a tribute to band mate Jason Thirsk who took his own life. The new version features Thirsk's little brother Justin, drummer for 98 Mute, singing one of the verses, in which he says "Jason, my brother, this one's for you!" At 3:25 of the track he takes over and finishes the drumming. The band plays this song at the end of each show and encourages everyone in the crowd to come onstage.

References

  1. ^ Pennywise On MySpace Records, Free Album
  2. ^ Punknews.org | Pennywise: "Something to Live For"
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