Less Than Jake Biography
Formed in 1992 as a power pop trio with a heavy punk influence, a sense of humor, and a fixation with Pez candy, Less Than Jake metamorphosed into a ska-inspired punk band with the addition of several members from 1993 to 1995. Vocalist and guitarist Chris Demakes, bassist Shaun, and drummer/lyricist Vinnie Fiorello were the first incarnation of the group, based in Gainesville, FL; after Shaun became the group's roadie, however, he was eventually replaced by Roger Manganelli, who picked up bass just to join the band. During 1993-1994, the group added their first horn player, Jessica, and soon after came trombone player Buddy Schaub. Right before their first tour, however, Schaub went to Europe with friends, so saxophonist Derron Nuhfer filled in for shows during his absence.
With various 7" releases under their belt, Less than Jake debuted in 1994 with the album Pezcore, on Dill Records. Losers, Kings & Things We Don't Understand and Greased followed on No Idea until the group signed with Capitol for their major-label debut, 1996's Losing Streak. The album was full of the band's wry, fast-paced brand of ska-punk anthems, producing such fan favorites as "Johnny Quest Thinks We're Sellouts" and "Jen Doesn't Like Me Anymore." Upon the album's completion, Jessica left to pursue teaching, and (ex-Slapstick trombonist) Pete came on board. Around this time, Fiorello also started his own record label, Fueled by Ramen, with friend John Janick. Hello Rockview followed in 1998, and spawned a minor college radio hit with "History of a Boring Town." In fall 2000, the band released Borders & Boundaries on Fat Wreck, as well as landing the opening spot on Bon Jovi's North American tour.
Nuhfer left the band after the album's recording (and later went on to join Gunmoll), and Less Than Jake found his replacement in ex-Spring Heel Jack horn player Pete Wasilewski -- though to avoid any name confusion within the band, the second Pete was dubbed JR, and remained JR even after the first Pete decided to leave soon after the 2001 Warped Tour. Over the years, Less Than Jake has issued more 7" and limited-edition vinyl releases than most people can keep track of, so the bandmembers compiled some of their favorite tracks on one record for 2002's Goodbye Blue and White, named in honor of their original tour van. Anthem followed in 2003 for Sire; B Is for B-Sides was issued a year later, comprised of tracks that did not make it to Anthem's final cut. The DVD retrospective People's History of Less Than Jake appeared a month later. The four-song EP Absolution for Idiots and Addicts was released in April 2006, with their next full-length, In with the Out Crowd, following a month later. The latter's album slicker, pop-oriented nature received mixed reactions from fans. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
Popular Biographies:
N sync Biography: Like the Backstreet Boys before them, the teenage male vocal group *NSYNC emerged from Orlando, FL; though formed in 1996, their roots trace back much earlier to singers JC Chasez and Justin...
Sacrilege Biography: British thrashers Sacrilege are perhaps best remembered for having a female singer in Lynda Simpson -- always a rare development in the macho world of metal, but particularly thrash. Alongside...
Kayo dot Biography: Epic washes of crunchy guitar and sophisticated modern chamber music combine in the world of Kayo Dot. After the progressive metal-oriented Maudlin of the Well disbanded in late 2002, some of the...
Pignoise Biography: Spanish punk band Pignoise -- comprised of Alvaro (vocals and guitar), Polo (drums), and Pablo (bass) -- may never have existed were it not for an unfortunate soccer injury. Frontman Alvaro was a...
La guns Biography: L.A. Guns was formed by former Guns N' Roses guitarist Tracii Guns in 1987. Teaming with ex-Girl vocalist Phil Lewis, former W.A.S.P. drummer Steve Riley, bassist Kelly Nickles, and...
Tiffany Biography: In addition to scoring several big bubblegum pop hits in the late '80s, teen queen Tiffany also helped pave the way for the decade's ultimate (and most successful) teenybopper band, the New Kids on...
Europe Biography: Originally a progressive rock group, Europe didn't achieve any success until they reworked their sound into a bombastic yet melodic pop-metal. In their first incarnation, the Swedish band was called...
My chemical romance Biography: Based in New Jersey, My Chemical Romance is an alternative pop/rock and punk-pop band that has been compared to Thursday and, to a lesser degree, Cursive. Their name was inspired by author Irvine...