Reel Big Fish
Encyclopedia
Reel Big Fish is an American ska punk
band from Huntington Beach, California
, best known for the 1997 hit "Sell Out
". The band gained mainstream
recognition in the mid-to-late 1990s, during the third wave of ska with the release of the gold certified album Turn the Radio Off
. Soon after, the band lost mainstream recognition but gained an underground following. The band was no longer signed to a major record label in 2006 and is currently independent. After many line-up changes throughout the years, front man Aaron Barrett
remains the only founding member in the band.
took his place as lead singer. The band then changed their genre to ska.
Reel Big Fish's self-released debut album, Everything Sucks
, was successful and became an underground hit spread by word-of-mouth, which led to the band signing a deal with Mojo Records
. In August 1996, the band released the album Turn the Radio Off
on the new label, which appealed to fans of ska punk style, and the band began touring throughout the United States
. After the single "Sell Out
" became well known in mainstream venues, including MTV
, the album peaked at number 57 on the Billboard
charts, staying on the charts for 32 weeks. However, the ska revival was short-lived, and their 1998 album Why Do They Rock So Hard?
failed to match the sales of the band's previous record. In 1998, the band appeared in the movie BASEketball
, performing in the stands to rouse the crowd. The band also collaborated on the soundtrack
with a cover of a-ha
's "Take on Me
". Why Do They Rock So Hard? was the last album for three members of the band. Trombonist Grant Barry took leave and trumpet player Tavis Werts was fired. Drummer Andrew Gonzales left the team to spend more time with his family. Reel Big Fish then had a changing cast of drummers and trumpeters over the next six years.
drummer Carlos de la Garza and ex-Spring Heeled Jack U.S.A.
trumpeter Tyler Jones, who tracked for two songs on Cheer Up!
(because Werts had already done the majority of recording before his departure), were brought in. De la Garza's last concert with Reel Big Fish was on June 20, 2003 at the House of Blues
in Anaheim, California
. That concert was later released as a DVD in the The Show Must Go Off! series. Jones appeared in the Music Videos for Where Have You Been? and Monkey Man, and continued to play live in Reel Big Fish until early 2005. He was replaced by trumpeter John Christianson
, who had played with Barrett in The Forces of Evil
.
On April 5, 2005, Reel Big Fish released their fourth album on Mojo; We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy
. Justin Ferreira (who replaced De La Garza) was on drums for the recording, but left before the album's release to join the Orange County band Takota
and subsequently is listed as an additional musician on the CD. He was replaced by Ryland Steen
.
Compared to the previous album (Cheer Up!), which was more lighthearted and cheerful, Allmusic describes the songs in We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy as "angry" and "embittered", but also deemed the album as "super catchy". Common themes expressed throughout the songs include jealousy, regret, short-lasting fame, and disappointment toward mainstream record companies.
Aaron Barrett has stated that We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy was "the third record in a trilogy" that began with Turn the Radio Off
. "The first one was about being in a band and trying to make it. Then Why Do They Rock So Hard?
was like, 'we've made it, we're rock stars'. Cheer Up
we made because we had to make it. But We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy is about us being old and jaded now."
label. The band formed their own label and released a 3-disc live performance CD/DVD set, Our Live Album Is Better Than Your Live Album
. This package became available on July 18, 2006 on the Internet and in retail stores on August 22. Jive later released a Reel Big Fish greatest hits album, Greatest Hit...And More, because they owned the rights to all previous songs. The band did not approve of, or make any money from the album, and have spoken out against it.
On February 20, 2007, the band released Duet All Night Long
, which is a split EP with Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer
. It features six cover songs (three from each band), with the vocalist of each band performing in the other band's songs (except in the case of Scott Klopfenstein
singing in the song, "Say Say Say".)
Reel Big Fish released their first studio album since leaving Jive Records
; Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps For Free
worldwide on July 10, 2007, on the Rock Ridge Music
record label. On June 26, 2007, shortly before its release, the band announced in a Myspace blog that Matt Wong
was leaving the band to spend more time with his wife and newborn child. He was replaced by Derek Gibbs
who played bass in Jeffries Fan Club
and Aaron Barrett's now defunct side project, The Forces Of Evil
. Since Matt Wong was very popular with fans, some were skeptical of the new bassist's ability, but the band has stated that Derek is "Matt Wong Approved" and fans have nothing to worry about. Gibbs had been filling in for Wong on various tours since early 2002.
On December 19, 2007, the band announced that they would play the entire Warped Tour 2008
.
Reel Big Fish released a new studio album on January 20, 2009. The name of the album is Fame, Fortune and Fornication
, and it consists of 10 cover songs. Another album, A Best of Us for the Rest of Us
, featuring a 22-track disc of re-recorded songs and a 14-track disc of "Skacoustic" versions produced by lead singer Aaron Barrett, was released on July 20, 2010. An extended version of the album, A Best of Us for the Rest of Us (Bigger Better Bonus Deluxe Version), was released on June 21, 2011. They also intend to work on a new album, recording new songs in the fall of 2010. The band has also recorded a live DVD at The Grove
in Anaheim
, California, on January 4, 2009; which was released on July 21, 2009 with the title Reel Big Fish Live! In Concert!
In an interview with 'The Examiner', Aaron Barrett stated that he planned on releasing a new album, with all new material, in late 2011. Also in an interview with 'Rewritethescene.com', Aaron has stated interest in a Holiday album.
On January 11, 2011, the band announced that longtime member Scott Klopfenstein would be leaving the band to focus on raising a family. Matt Appleton of Goldfinger
began filling in for Scott on the band's 20th Anniversary Tour, and he has since been announced as a permanent replacement. This marks the first time since 1995 that the band has had a saxophone player.
Ska punk
Ska punk is a fusion music genre that combines ska and punk rock. It achieved its highest level of commercial success in the United States in the late 1990s. Ska-core is a subgenre of ska punk, blending ska with hardcore punk.The characteristics of ska punk vary, due to the fusion of contrasting...
band from Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach is a seaside city in Orange County in Southern California. According to the 2010 census, the city population was 189,992; making it the largest beach city in Orange County in terms of population...
, best known for the 1997 hit "Sell Out
Sell Out (song)
"Sell Out" is a song by California ska punk band Reel Big Fish, released as the first track on their 1996 album Turn The Radio Off. The song has proven to be one of Reel Big Fish's more popular releases. It has been interpreted as chronicling the payola scandals of early FM radio. However, it can...
". The band gained mainstream
Mainstream
Mainstream is, generally, the common current thought of the majority. However, the mainstream is far from cohesive; rather the concept is often considered a cultural construct....
recognition in the mid-to-late 1990s, during the third wave of ska with the release of the gold certified album Turn the Radio Off
Turn the Radio Off
Turn the Radio Off is the second full-length album by ska punk band Reel Big Fish. It was released in the U.S. in 1996 on Mojo Records.The single "Sell Out" received radio airplay and was a minor success during that year. "Sell Out" also appeared on the soundtrack to the video games FIFA 2000,...
. Soon after, the band lost mainstream recognition but gained an underground following. The band was no longer signed to a major record label in 2006 and is currently independent. After many line-up changes throughout the years, front man Aaron Barrett
Aaron Barrett
Aaron Asher Barrett is the lead singer, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter for the band Reel Big Fish. Prior to forming with Reel Big Fish, Barrett played trombone in another ska-punk act, The Scholars, along with future Reel Big Fish bandmates Scott Klopfenstein and Grant Barry...
remains the only founding member in the band.
Early success (1992-1999)
Reel Big Fish released a demo in 1992 which is now called "In The Good Old Days". With the departure of Ben Guzman, then backup vocalist Aaron BarrettAaron Barrett
Aaron Asher Barrett is the lead singer, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter for the band Reel Big Fish. Prior to forming with Reel Big Fish, Barrett played trombone in another ska-punk act, The Scholars, along with future Reel Big Fish bandmates Scott Klopfenstein and Grant Barry...
took his place as lead singer. The band then changed their genre to ska.
Reel Big Fish's self-released debut album, Everything Sucks
Everything Sucks (Reel Big Fish album)
Everything Sucks was Reel Big Fish's first full-length album. It was recorded at Sound Art Studios in 1994 and 1995, and released in 1995 on Reel Big Fish's independent label Piss Off Records. The album was engineered by John Gregorius....
, was successful and became an underground hit spread by word-of-mouth, which led to the band signing a deal with Mojo Records
Mojo Records
Mojo Records was a California-based record label founded in 1995 by producer Jay Rifkin. It became a joint venture with Universal Music Group in 1996 and then sold to the Zomba Group in 2001, who placed it under their subsidiary Jive Records...
. In August 1996, the band released the album Turn the Radio Off
Turn the Radio Off
Turn the Radio Off is the second full-length album by ska punk band Reel Big Fish. It was released in the U.S. in 1996 on Mojo Records.The single "Sell Out" received radio airplay and was a minor success during that year. "Sell Out" also appeared on the soundtrack to the video games FIFA 2000,...
on the new label, which appealed to fans of ska punk style, and the band began touring throughout the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. After the single "Sell Out
Sell Out (song)
"Sell Out" is a song by California ska punk band Reel Big Fish, released as the first track on their 1996 album Turn The Radio Off. The song has proven to be one of Reel Big Fish's more popular releases. It has been interpreted as chronicling the payola scandals of early FM radio. However, it can...
" became well known in mainstream venues, including MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
, the album peaked at number 57 on the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
charts, staying on the charts for 32 weeks. However, the ska revival was short-lived, and their 1998 album Why Do They Rock So Hard?
Why Do They Rock So Hard?
Why Do They Rock So Hard? is the third full-length release by the ska punk band Reel Big Fish.This is the first, and so far only Reel Big Fish studio album where the band line-up has not changed from the previous album....
failed to match the sales of the band's previous record. In 1998, the band appeared in the movie BASEketball
BASEketball
BASEketball is a 1998 American David Zucker comedy starring South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with Dian Bachar, Robert Vaughn, Ernest Borgnine, Yasmine Bleeth, and Jenny McCarthy...
, performing in the stands to rouse the crowd. The band also collaborated on the soundtrack
BASEketball (soundtrack)
-Track listing:#Reel Big Fish: "Take on Me" – 3:02#Nerf Herder: "Don't Hate Me " – 2:46#Deep Blue Something: "Tonight" – 3:42#Supersuckers: "Psyched Out" – 2:52#Plastiscene: "Lemon Yellow" – 4:09...
with a cover of a-ha
A-ha
A-ha were a Norwegian pop band formed in Oslo in 1982. The band was founded by Morten Harket , Magne Furuholmen , and Pål Waaktaar...
's "Take on Me
Take on Me
"Take on Me" is a song by the Norwegian pop band A-ha. Written by the band members, the song was produced by Alan Tarney for the group's first studio album Hunting High and Low, released in 1985...
". Why Do They Rock So Hard? was the last album for three members of the band. Trombonist Grant Barry took leave and trumpet player Tavis Werts was fired. Drummer Andrew Gonzales left the team to spend more time with his family. Reel Big Fish then had a changing cast of drummers and trumpeters over the next six years.
Major label years (2000-2005)
In 2002 the band fared much better on the rock charts, particularly because of the single "Where Have You Been?", which did not prominently feature the horn section. Former Suburban RhythmSuburban Rhythm
Suburban Rhythm was a ska punk band from Long Beach, California. Formed in 1990, the band had a short-lived but prolific career. They played numerous shows in small-venue clubs with many now famous O.C. bands opening their performances, including Sublime, No Doubt, and Reel Big Fish. Suburban...
drummer Carlos de la Garza and ex-Spring Heeled Jack U.S.A.
Spring Heeled Jack U.S.A.
Spring Heeled Jack U.S.A. was a third wave ska band based out of New Haven, Connecticut. The band was formed by guitarist/vocalist Ron Ragona and drummer Dave Karcich in 1991. After a short breakup, Ragona and Karcich reformed the band with a new lineup. This lineup went on to record two albums...
trumpeter Tyler Jones, who tracked for two songs on Cheer Up!
Cheer Up!
Cheer Up! is the fourth full length release from ska punk band, Reel Big Fish.It is a slight departure from the band's other releases, veering toward more of a rock sound as opposed to ska, especially on the first five tracks, where nary a syncopated drum beat or upstroke on the guitar is heard...
(because Werts had already done the majority of recording before his departure), were brought in. De la Garza's last concert with Reel Big Fish was on June 20, 2003 at the House of Blues
House of Blues
House of Blues is a chain of 13 live music concert halls and restaurants in major markets throughout the United States. House of Blues first location was in Cambridge's Harvard Square. It was opened in 1992 by Isaac Tigrett, co-founder of Hard Rock Cafe, and Dan Aykroyd, star of The Blues Brothers...
in Anaheim, California
Anaheim, California
Anaheim is a city in Orange County, California. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was about 365,463, making it the most populated city in Orange County, the 10th most-populated city in California, and ranked 54th in the United States...
. That concert was later released as a DVD in the The Show Must Go Off! series. Jones appeared in the Music Videos for Where Have You Been? and Monkey Man, and continued to play live in Reel Big Fish until early 2005. He was replaced by trumpeter John Christianson
John Christianson (musician)
John Christianson is one of the current trumpet players in the California-based ska punk band, Reel Big Fish in which his nickname is "Little Johnny Christmas."...
, who had played with Barrett in The Forces of Evil
The Forces of Evil
The Forces of Evil was an Orange County-based third wave ska band, formed in January 2001 with the intention of creating a ska supergroup. The band split in 2005 after releasing a four-song EP, which was available on their website...
.
On April 5, 2005, Reel Big Fish released their fourth album on Mojo; We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy
We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy
We're Not Happy 'til You're Not Happy is the fifth LP by Orange County ska punk band, Reel Big Fish.The follow-up to the band's moderately successful Cheer Up!, We're Not Happy 'til You're Not Happy was released on April 5, 2005 on Mojo Records...
. Justin Ferreira (who replaced De La Garza) was on drums for the recording, but left before the album's release to join the Orange County band Takota
Takota
Takota is an Orange County, California band formed in 2005.The band consists of vocalist Grant Arnow, who is a classically trained singer, drummer Drew Langan, guitarists Brett Anderson and Sergio Ruelas and bassist Danny Roddy...
and subsequently is listed as an additional musician on the CD. He was replaced by Ryland Steen
Ryland Steen
Ryland David-Burton Steen is the current drummer for the California-USA-based ska punk band, Reel Big Fish....
.
Compared to the previous album (Cheer Up!), which was more lighthearted and cheerful, Allmusic describes the songs in We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy as "angry" and "embittered", but also deemed the album as "super catchy". Common themes expressed throughout the songs include jealousy, regret, short-lasting fame, and disappointment toward mainstream record companies.
Aaron Barrett has stated that We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy was "the third record in a trilogy" that began with Turn the Radio Off
Turn the Radio Off
Turn the Radio Off is the second full-length album by ska punk band Reel Big Fish. It was released in the U.S. in 1996 on Mojo Records.The single "Sell Out" received radio airplay and was a minor success during that year. "Sell Out" also appeared on the soundtrack to the video games FIFA 2000,...
. "The first one was about being in a band and trying to make it. Then Why Do They Rock So Hard?
Why Do They Rock So Hard?
Why Do They Rock So Hard? is the third full-length release by the ska punk band Reel Big Fish.This is the first, and so far only Reel Big Fish studio album where the band line-up has not changed from the previous album....
was like, 'we've made it, we're rock stars'. Cheer Up
Cheer Up!
Cheer Up! is the fourth full length release from ska punk band, Reel Big Fish.It is a slight departure from the band's other releases, veering toward more of a rock sound as opposed to ska, especially on the first five tracks, where nary a syncopated drum beat or upstroke on the guitar is heard...
we made because we had to make it. But We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy is about us being old and jaded now."
Independent work (2006-present)
While on tour in early 2006, Reel Big Fish were dropped from the Jive RecordsJive Records
Jive Records was a record label based in New York City, operating under RCA Music Group. Jive was primarily known for a string of successes with hip hop artists in the 1980s, and in teen pop and boy bands in the late 1990s. The word "jive" was inspired by Township Jive, a form of South African...
label. The band formed their own label and released a 3-disc live performance CD/DVD set, Our Live Album Is Better Than Your Live Album
Our Live Album Is Better Than Your Live Album
Our Live Album Is Better than Your Live Album is a 2-disc live album by ska-punk band Reel Big Fish composed of both an extended length Reel Big Fish live set list, and a DVD of a March 2006 live show that also includes documentary footage on the band. The DVD portion was directed by Jonathan...
. This package became available on July 18, 2006 on the Internet and in retail stores on August 22. Jive later released a Reel Big Fish greatest hits album, Greatest Hit...And More, because they owned the rights to all previous songs. The band did not approve of, or make any money from the album, and have spoken out against it.
On February 20, 2007, the band released Duet All Night Long
Duet All Night Long
Duet All Night Long is a split EP release by Reel Big Fish and Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer. It contains six cover songs of which three are performed by each band. Both Rachel Minton of Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer and Aaron Barrett of Reel Big Fish sing on every track, hence the title of...
, which is a split EP with Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer
Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer
Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer is a pop rock band that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania through core members Vince Ratti and Rachel Minton alongside Anthony Green...
. It features six cover songs (three from each band), with the vocalist of each band performing in the other band's songs (except in the case of Scott Klopfenstein
Scott Klopfenstein
Scott Allen "Scotty" Klopfenstein is an American musician and a former member of the band Reel Big Fish. He plays trumpet, guitar, keyboard, and sings....
singing in the song, "Say Say Say".)
Reel Big Fish released their first studio album since leaving Jive Records
Jive Records
Jive Records was a record label based in New York City, operating under RCA Music Group. Jive was primarily known for a string of successes with hip hop artists in the 1980s, and in teen pop and boy bands in the late 1990s. The word "jive" was inspired by Township Jive, a form of South African...
; Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps For Free
Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free
Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free is the sixth studio album from Reel Big Fish, and their first studio album since being dropped by Jive Records. It was released on July 10, 2007....
worldwide on July 10, 2007, on the Rock Ridge Music
Rock Ridge Music
Rock Ridge Music is an independent record label based in Newark, New Jersey. Some of the more recognized artists on the Rock Ridge roster include Reel Big Fish, Sister Hazel, Psychostick, Attack! Attack! UK, The Ike Reilly Assassination, and Ingram Hill....
record label. On June 26, 2007, shortly before its release, the band announced in a Myspace blog that Matt Wong
Matt Wong
Matthew Wong, is a bassist and one of the founding members of the California-based ska punk band, Reel Big Fish...
was leaving the band to spend more time with his wife and newborn child. He was replaced by Derek Gibbs
Derek Gibbs
Derek Gibbs is the current bass player for Reel Big Fish, and the now defunct Forces of Evil and Jeffries Fan Club. He was chosen to replace the band's previous bass player Matt Wong, who left the band to spend more time with his family and new born child...
who played bass in Jeffries Fan Club
Jeffries Fan Club
Jeffries Fan Club was a southern California Third-wave ska band formed in 1996. The band released several albums on now-defunct Vegas Records before breaking up in 2001. The band played their final show January 6, 2001 at The Glasshouse in Pomona, which was later released on CD under the title...
and Aaron Barrett's now defunct side project, The Forces Of Evil
The Forces of Evil
The Forces of Evil was an Orange County-based third wave ska band, formed in January 2001 with the intention of creating a ska supergroup. The band split in 2005 after releasing a four-song EP, which was available on their website...
. Since Matt Wong was very popular with fans, some were skeptical of the new bassist's ability, but the band has stated that Derek is "Matt Wong Approved" and fans have nothing to worry about. Gibbs had been filling in for Wong on various tours since early 2002.
On December 19, 2007, the band announced that they would play the entire Warped Tour 2008
Warped Tour 2008
Warped Tour 2008 was the 2008 installment of the annual Summer Warped Tour music festival. Vans Shoes was again the tour's primary sponsor.-Main stage:*The Academy Is...*Against Me! *All That Remains...
.
Reel Big Fish released a new studio album on January 20, 2009. The name of the album is Fame, Fortune and Fornication
Fame, Fortune and Fornication
-Personnel:Reel Big Fish:* Aaron Barrett - Lead guitar, lead vocals* John Christianson - Trumpet* Derek Gibbs - Bass guitar* Scott Klopfenstein - Trumpet, vocals* Dan Regan - Trombone* Ryland Steen - DrumsAdditional Musicians:...
, and it consists of 10 cover songs. Another album, A Best of Us for the Rest of Us
A Best of Us for the Rest of Us
A Best of Us for the Rest of Us is a greatest hits compilation from ska-punk band Reel Big Fish. It was released on July 20, 2010 and sold exclusively through Best Buy stores...
, featuring a 22-track disc of re-recorded songs and a 14-track disc of "Skacoustic" versions produced by lead singer Aaron Barrett, was released on July 20, 2010. An extended version of the album, A Best of Us for the Rest of Us (Bigger Better Bonus Deluxe Version), was released on June 21, 2011. They also intend to work on a new album, recording new songs in the fall of 2010. The band has also recorded a live DVD at The Grove
The Grove of Anaheim
The City National Grove of Anaheim is an indoor, live music venue in Anaheim, California operated by Nederlander Concerts of Los Angeles. Its approximate capacity is 1,700....
in Anaheim
Anaheim, California
Anaheim is a city in Orange County, California. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was about 365,463, making it the most populated city in Orange County, the 10th most-populated city in California, and ranked 54th in the United States...
, California, on January 4, 2009; which was released on July 21, 2009 with the title Reel Big Fish Live! In Concert!
Reel Big Fish Live! In Concert!
Reel Big Fish Live! In Concert! is the name of Reel Big Fish's third DVD recorded at The Grove of Anaheim in California on January 4th, 2009. The DVD became available for sale on July 21, 2009.-Tracklist:# "Sell Out"# "Another F.U...
In an interview with 'The Examiner', Aaron Barrett stated that he planned on releasing a new album, with all new material, in late 2011. Also in an interview with 'Rewritethescene.com', Aaron has stated interest in a Holiday album.
On January 11, 2011, the band announced that longtime member Scott Klopfenstein would be leaving the band to focus on raising a family. Matt Appleton of Goldfinger
Goldfinger (band)
Goldfinger is a Los Angeles pop punk/ska punk band that formed in 1994. Currently, the band is composed of vocalist/guitarist John Feldmann, guitarist Charlie Paulson, bassist Kelly LeMieux, and drummer Darrin Pfeiffer...
began filling in for Scott on the band's 20th Anniversary Tour, and he has since been announced as a permanent replacement. This marks the first time since 1995 that the band has had a saxophone player.
Band members
| (1992–1994) In the Good Old Days |
|
|---|---|
| (1994) Return of the Mullet |
Saxophone The saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846... Trumpet The trumpet is the musical instrument with the highest register in the brass family. Trumpets are among the oldest musical instruments, dating back to at least 1500 BCE. They are played by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound which starts a standing wave vibration in the air... |
| (1994) Buy This |
Dan Regan Dan Regan is the trombone player for the Southern California-based ska punk band Reel Big Fish. Regan has also played trombone in The Littlest Man Band with Scott Klopfenstein and currently has a hip-hop side project under the alias Black Casper.- External links :... - trombone Trombone The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate... |
| (1994–1995) Everything Sucks Everything Sucks (Reel Big Fish album) Everything Sucks was Reel Big Fish's first full-length album. It was recorded at Sound Art Studios in 1994 and 1995, and released in 1995 on Reel Big Fish's independent label Piss Off Records. The album was engineered by John Gregorius.... |
Robert Quimby Robert Quimby is an American astronomer who received his Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Texas at Austin. As a lead member of the Texas Supernova Survey, Quimby and his team used the relatively small 18-inch ROTSE-IIIb robotic telescope on McDonald Observatory’s Mount Fowlkes, along with... - trombone |
| (1995–1998) Turn the Radio Off Turn the Radio Off Turn the Radio Off is the second full-length album by ska punk band Reel Big Fish. It was released in the U.S. in 1996 on Mojo Records.The single "Sell Out" received radio airplay and was a minor success during that year. "Sell Out" also appeared on the soundtrack to the video games FIFA 2000,... Keep Your Receipt Why Do They Rock So Hard? Why Do They Rock So Hard? Why Do They Rock So Hard? is the third full-length release by the ska punk band Reel Big Fish.This is the first, and so far only Reel Big Fish studio album where the band line-up has not changed from the previous album.... |
Grant Barry Grant Barry, from Seal Beach California, is the former trombone player of Reel Big Fish. Before he was in Reel Big Fish he was in The Scholars with Scott Klopfenstein and Aaron Barrett. He can be heard on the albums Turn The Radio Off and Why Do They Rock So Hard?, having joined the band prior to... - trombone Scott Klopfenstein Scott Allen "Scotty" Klopfenstein is an American musician and a former member of the band Reel Big Fish. He plays trumpet, guitar, keyboard, and sings.... - trumpet, keyboards, backing vocals |
| (1998–1999) live shows only |
|
| (1999–2001) Cheer Up Cheer Up Cheer Up is the debut album by Plexi, released on Sub Pop Records on October 8, 1996. It was recorded by Jeff Powell at Oceanway Studios , Fox Force Five Studios , and Ardent Studios .-Overview:... |
Carlos de la Garza Carlos de la Garza is a Los Angeles based record producer, engineer, composer and multi-instrumentalist. He began his career as a drummer and guitar player the mid-1990s for such bands as F.Y.P, Suburban Rhythm, Colony of Heaven, and Action League before becoming a full-time touring drummer for the... - drums |
| (2001–2003) Live at the House of Blues Live at the House of Blues (Reel Big Fish video) Reel Big Fish Live at the House of Blues is a selection from the The Show Must Go Off! DVD concert series.- Track listing :#Alternative Baby#*"We made it through..."#Join The Club#Ban The Tube Top#*"Hello California..."#Cheer Up#*Dan's Mohawk... |
|
| (2003–2004) live shows only |
|
| (2004–2005) We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy We're Not Happy 'til You're Not Happy is the fifth LP by Orange County ska punk band, Reel Big Fish.The follow-up to the band's moderately successful Cheer Up!, We're Not Happy 'til You're Not Happy was released on April 5, 2005 on Mojo Records... |
John Christianson (musician) John Christianson is one of the current trumpet players in the California-based ska punk band, Reel Big Fish in which his nickname is "Little Johnny Christmas."... - trumpet |
| (2005–2007) Duet All Night Long Duet All Night Long Duet All Night Long is a split EP release by Reel Big Fish and Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer. It contains six cover songs of which three are performed by each band. Both Rachel Minton of Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer and Aaron Barrett of Reel Big Fish sing on every track, hence the title of... Our Live Album is Better Than Your Live Album Our Live Album Is Better Than Your Live Album Our Live Album Is Better than Your Live Album is a 2-disc live album by ska-punk band Reel Big Fish composed of both an extended length Reel Big Fish live set list, and a DVD of a March 2006 live show that also includes documentary footage on the band. The DVD portion was directed by Jonathan... Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free is the sixth studio album from Reel Big Fish, and their first studio album since being dropped by Jive Records. It was released on July 10, 2007.... |
Ryland Steen Ryland David-Burton Steen is the current drummer for the California-USA-based ska punk band, Reel Big Fish.... - drums |
| (2007–2011) Fame, Fortune and Fornication Fame, Fortune and Fornication -Personnel:Reel Big Fish:* Aaron Barrett - Lead guitar, lead vocals* John Christianson - Trumpet* Derek Gibbs - Bass guitar* Scott Klopfenstein - Trumpet, vocals* Dan Regan - Trombone* Ryland Steen - DrumsAdditional Musicians:... A Best of Us for the Rest of Us A Best of Us for the Rest of Us A Best of Us for the Rest of Us is a greatest hits compilation from ska-punk band Reel Big Fish. It was released on July 20, 2010 and sold exclusively through Best Buy stores... " |
Derek Gibbs Derek Gibbs is the current bass player for Reel Big Fish, and the now defunct Forces of Evil and Jeffries Fan Club. He was chosen to replace the band's previous bass player Matt Wong, who left the band to spend more time with his family and new born child... - bass |
| (2011–present) |
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Current members
- Aaron BarrettAaron BarrettAaron Asher Barrett is the lead singer, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter for the band Reel Big Fish. Prior to forming with Reel Big Fish, Barrett played trombone in another ska-punk act, The Scholars, along with future Reel Big Fish bandmates Scott Klopfenstein and Grant Barry...
– guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, lead vocals (1992–present) - Dan ReganDan ReganDan Regan is the trombone player for the Southern California-based ska punk band Reel Big Fish. Regan has also played trombone in The Littlest Man Band with Scott Klopfenstein and currently has a hip-hop side project under the alias Black Casper.- External links :...
– tromboneTromboneThe trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate...
, backing vocals (1994–present) - John ChristiansonJohn Christianson (musician)John Christianson is one of the current trumpet players in the California-based ska punk band, Reel Big Fish in which his nickname is "Little Johnny Christmas."...
- trumpet, backing vocals (2004–present) - Ryland SteenRyland SteenRyland David-Burton Steen is the current drummer for the California-USA-based ska punk band, Reel Big Fish....
– drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(2005–present) - Derek GibbsDerek GibbsDerek Gibbs is the current bass player for Reel Big Fish, and the now defunct Forces of Evil and Jeffries Fan Club. He was chosen to replace the band's previous bass player Matt Wong, who left the band to spend more time with his family and new born child...
– bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, backing vocals (2007–present) - Matt Appleton – saxophoneSaxophoneThe saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
, backing vocals (2011–present)
Former members
- Ben Guzman – vocals (1992–1994)
- Zach Gilltrap – keyboardsElectronic keyboardAn electronic keyboard is an electronic or digital keyboard instrument.The major components of a typical modern electronic keyboard are:...
/synthesizerSynthesizerA synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
s (1992–1994) - Lisa Smith – guitar (1992–1994)
- Eric Vismantes – trumpet (1994)
- Stephan Reed – saxophone (1994)
- Robert QuimbyRobert QuimbyRobert Quimby is an American astronomer who received his Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Texas at Austin. As a lead member of the Texas Supernova Survey, Quimby and his team used the relatively small 18-inch ROTSE-IIIb robotic telescope on McDonald Observatory’s Mount Fowlkes, along with...
– trombone (1994–1995) - Adam Polakoff – saxophone (1994–1995)
- Grant BarryGrant BarryGrant Barry, from Seal Beach California, is the former trombone player of Reel Big Fish. Before he was in Reel Big Fish he was in The Scholars with Scott Klopfenstein and Aaron Barrett. He can be heard on the albums Turn The Radio Off and Why Do They Rock So Hard?, having joined the band prior to...
– trombone (1995–1998) - Andrew Gonzales – drums (1992–1998)
- Tavis Werts – trumpet (1994–2001)
- Carlos de la GarzaCarlos de la GarzaCarlos de la Garza is a Los Angeles based record producer, engineer, composer and multi-instrumentalist. He began his career as a drummer and guitar player the mid-1990s for such bands as F.Y.P, Suburban Rhythm, Colony of Heaven, and Action League before becoming a full-time touring drummer for the...
– drums (1999–2003) - Tyler Jones – trumpet (2001–2004)
- Justin Ferreira – drums (2003–2005)
- Matt WongMatt WongMatthew Wong, is a bassist and one of the founding members of the California-based ska punk band, Reel Big Fish...
– bass, backing vocals (1992–2007) - Scott KlopfensteinScott KlopfensteinScott Allen "Scotty" Klopfenstein is an American musician and a former member of the band Reel Big Fish. He plays trumpet, guitar, keyboard, and sings....
– trumpet, guitar, keyboards, lead backing vocals (1995–2011)
Discography
Studio albums- Everything SucksEverything Sucks (Reel Big Fish album)Everything Sucks was Reel Big Fish's first full-length album. It was recorded at Sound Art Studios in 1994 and 1995, and released in 1995 on Reel Big Fish's independent label Piss Off Records. The album was engineered by John Gregorius....
(1995) - Turn the Radio OffTurn the Radio OffTurn the Radio Off is the second full-length album by ska punk band Reel Big Fish. It was released in the U.S. in 1996 on Mojo Records.The single "Sell Out" received radio airplay and was a minor success during that year. "Sell Out" also appeared on the soundtrack to the video games FIFA 2000,...
(1996) - Why Do They Rock So Hard?Why Do They Rock So Hard?Why Do They Rock So Hard? is the third full-length release by the ska punk band Reel Big Fish.This is the first, and so far only Reel Big Fish studio album where the band line-up has not changed from the previous album....
(1998) - Cheer Up!Cheer Up!Cheer Up! is the fourth full length release from ska punk band, Reel Big Fish.It is a slight departure from the band's other releases, veering toward more of a rock sound as opposed to ska, especially on the first five tracks, where nary a syncopated drum beat or upstroke on the guitar is heard...
(2002) - We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not HappyWe're Not Happy 'Til You're Not HappyWe're Not Happy 'til You're Not Happy is the fifth LP by Orange County ska punk band, Reel Big Fish.The follow-up to the band's moderately successful Cheer Up!, We're Not Happy 'til You're Not Happy was released on April 5, 2005 on Mojo Records...
(2005) - Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for FreeMonkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for FreeMonkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free is the sixth studio album from Reel Big Fish, and their first studio album since being dropped by Jive Records. It was released on July 10, 2007....
(2007) - Fame, Fortune and FornicationFame, Fortune and Fornication-Personnel:Reel Big Fish:* Aaron Barrett - Lead guitar, lead vocals* John Christianson - Trumpet* Derek Gibbs - Bass guitar* Scott Klopfenstein - Trumpet, vocals* Dan Regan - Trombone* Ryland Steen - DrumsAdditional Musicians:...
(2009)
Band members' other projects
- Scott KlopfensteinScott KlopfensteinScott Allen "Scotty" Klopfenstein is an American musician and a former member of the band Reel Big Fish. He plays trumpet, guitar, keyboard, and sings....
and Dan ReganDan ReganDan Regan is the trombone player for the Southern California-based ska punk band Reel Big Fish. Regan has also played trombone in The Littlest Man Band with Scott Klopfenstein and currently has a hip-hop side project under the alias Black Casper.- External links :...
were also members of The Littlest Man BandThe Littlest Man BandThe Littlest Man Band was started by Scott Klopfenstein of Orange County, California. Scott was a long-time member of Reel Big Fish, a popular ska punk band. Scott had written a number of songs over the years that didn't conform to the usual style of Reel Big Fish...
. - Aaron BarrettAaron BarrettAaron Asher Barrett is the lead singer, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter for the band Reel Big Fish. Prior to forming with Reel Big Fish, Barrett played trombone in another ska-punk act, The Scholars, along with future Reel Big Fish bandmates Scott Klopfenstein and Grant Barry...
, Derek GibbsDerek GibbsDerek Gibbs is the current bass player for Reel Big Fish, and the now defunct Forces of Evil and Jeffries Fan Club. He was chosen to replace the band's previous bass player Matt Wong, who left the band to spend more time with his family and new born child...
and John ChristiansonJohn ChristiansonJohn Aaron Christianson Born November 23, 1923 in Langruth, Manitoba, Canada-Died December 15, 2010 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He served in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as a Progressive Conservative from 1959 to 1962 and was a cabinet minister in the government of Dufferin...
were also members of The Forces of EvilThe Forces of EvilThe Forces of Evil was an Orange County-based third wave ska band, formed in January 2001 with the intention of creating a ska supergroup. The band split in 2005 after releasing a four-song EP, which was available on their website...
, along with former members of Jeffries Fan ClubJeffries Fan ClubJeffries Fan Club was a southern California Third-wave ska band formed in 1996. The band released several albums on now-defunct Vegas Records before breaking up in 2001. The band played their final show January 6, 2001 at The Glasshouse in Pomona, which was later released on CD under the title...
and other Orange CountyOrange County, CaliforniaOrange County is a county in the U.S. state of California. Its county seat is Santa Ana. As of the 2010 census, its population was 3,010,232, up from 2,846,293 at the 2000 census, making it the third most populous county in California, behind Los Angeles County and San Diego County...
skaSkaSka |Jamaican]] ) is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s, and was the precursor to rocksteady and reggae. Ska combined elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues...
musicians. This band broke up in early 2005. - Before they were members of Reel Big Fish, Aaron BarrettAaron BarrettAaron Asher Barrett is the lead singer, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter for the band Reel Big Fish. Prior to forming with Reel Big Fish, Barrett played trombone in another ska-punk act, The Scholars, along with future Reel Big Fish bandmates Scott Klopfenstein and Grant Barry...
, Scott KlopfensteinScott KlopfensteinScott Allen "Scotty" Klopfenstein is an American musician and a former member of the band Reel Big Fish. He plays trumpet, guitar, keyboard, and sings....
, and Grant BarryGrant BarryGrant Barry, from Seal Beach California, is the former trombone player of Reel Big Fish. Before he was in Reel Big Fish he was in The Scholars with Scott Klopfenstein and Aaron Barrett. He can be heard on the albums Turn The Radio Off and Why Do They Rock So Hard?, having joined the band prior to...
were members of a band called The ScholarsThe Scholars (band)The Scholars were an American band. Like the Nuckle Brothers, No Doubt and Reel Big Fish, they are one of the main founding bands of the Orange County ska scene....
. - Scott Klopfenstein was also a member of a ska band called the Nuckle BrothersNuckle BrothersThe Nuckle Brothers were a third wave ska band from Huntington Beach that was part of the early 1990s Orange County, California music scene, inspiring such bands as Reel Big Fish, Save Ferris and The Aquabats. Playing their first show in March 1992 at the Ocean View High School Battle of the Bands,...
and another band called 'Pal' - Dan ReganDan ReganDan Regan is the trombone player for the Southern California-based ska punk band Reel Big Fish. Regan has also played trombone in The Littlest Man Band with Scott Klopfenstein and currently has a hip-hop side project under the alias Black Casper.- External links :...
has a technoTechnoTechno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the United States during the mid to late 1980s. The first recorded use of the word techno, in reference to a genre of music, was in 1988...
project called Black Casper. Notably, he remixed Reel Big Fish's cover of "Talkin' Bout A Revolution", incorporating different sound bites, including Ali Tabatabaee from Reel Big Fish's live DVD, You're All In This Together.