The Adolescents
Encyclopedia
The Adolescents are an American punk band formed in 1980 in Fullerton
, California
. It is a punk
supergroup, made up of early members of Agent Orange
and Social Distortion
. They are often credited as one of the leading bands of the 1980s hardcore punk scene.
For more than 30 years after its inception, the Adolescents have had many member changes. The band broke up and reformed twice, sometimes with different guitarists, bass players and/or drummers. Their first break up was sometime after the release of their 1981 self-titled debut release, which is often considered an influential punk rock
album, when some members of the band were involved in their own projects, including Agent Orange
and D.I.. However, the Adolescents reunited in 1986 and released two more albums (Brats in Battalions
in 1987 and Balboa Fun*Zone in 1988) before splitting up again in 1989. The band once again reunited in 2001 for a 20th anniversary tour and have continued performing ever since. They released OC Confidential
, their first studio album in 17 years in 2005, followed by 2011's album The Fastest Kid Alive
.
The band has influenced many notable punk
, alternative
and hard rock
/metal
groups, including Bad Religion
, NOFX
, Face to Face
, Good Riddance
, The Offspring
, Pennywise
, Red Hot Chili Peppers
, Fu Manchu
, Mudhoney
, Blink-182
and The Vandals
.
after leaving Agent Orange
in December 1979. The original line-up was led by frontman Tony Cadena
, with Steve Soto
on bass, Frank Agnew
on guitar, John O'Donovan on guitar and Peter Pan on drums. Both O'Donovan and Pan left in June.
Later that year, the group released the classic punk single "Amoeba" on Posh Boy Records
. The track also appeared on the Rodney on the ROQ compilation, assembled by L.A. DJ Rodney Bingenheimer
. It is one of the band's best known songs.
The Adolescents signed with Frontier Records
in January 1981 and recorded their debut album, Adolescents, the following month. It quickly became one of the best-selling California punk albums, behind the Dead Kennedys
' Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
. Despite this success, Rikk Agnew
left the band in 1981, shortly before the band's second release, a 7" EP named "Welcome to Reality." He was replaced by Pat Smear
, formerly of The Germs
. This lineup lasted until the end of June, when Smear left. Cadena formed The Abandoned, Steve Soto and Frank Agnew joined Legal Weapon
, Royer fronted and formed D.I., and Rikk Agnew joined Christian Death
.
Rikk Agnew made his solo album in 1983 then joined D.I. with Alfie Agnew, Frank and Rikk's younger brother.
in the late summer. The record came out in August 1987 due to the band deciding to produce and release the album themselves with little cash or backing.
At the end of 1986 Alfie went to college and his place was taken by Dan Colburn
; by the end of the year Cadena and Colburn left.
In 1988 Rikk Agnew and Steve Soto decided to replace Colburn with Paul Casey and start singing themselves. Casey left after four months and Frank Agnew replaced him on guitar, after touring the band recorded their then-final album Balboa Fun Zone
.
The Adolescents broke up in April 1989. Steve Soto, Sandy Hansen and Frank Agnew started Joyride and Rikk Agnew did a couple of solo albums.
, in 2005 on Finger Records, a label owned and run by Mel Schantz out of Orange County, California.
In March 2007, bassist Steve Soto confirmed that the Adolescents had begun writing material for their follow-up to O.C. Confidential, which was possibly due for release "by the end of" that year. In late 2007, the Adolescents announced in a MySpace blog entry that they were working on the new album originally expected to released in the spring of 2008. In March 2009, the band announced that they were in the process of writing lyrics to the album and were to begin recording shortly. The record, "The Fastest Kid Alive" was released June 3, 2011, on Concrete Jungle Records.
The line-up always consists of two guitarists, but this varies from show to show, depending on performer's availability.
Fullerton, California
Fullerton is a city located in northern Orange County, California. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 135,161.It was founded in 1887 by George and Edward Amerige and named for George H. Fullerton, who secured the land on behalf of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. It is a punk
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
supergroup, made up of early members of Agent Orange
Agent Orange (band)
Agent Orange is an American punk rock band formed in Orange County, California in 1979. The band is one of the first to mix punk rock with surf music. They first gained attention with their song "Bloodstains" which they released on their own 7" E.P. An early demo of the song was presented to...
and Social Distortion
Social Distortion
Social Distortion is an American punk rock band formed in 1978 in Fullerton, California. The band currently consists of Mike Ness , Jonny Wickersham , Brent Harding and David Hidalgo, Jr...
. They are often credited as one of the leading bands of the 1980s hardcore punk scene.
For more than 30 years after its inception, the Adolescents have had many member changes. The band broke up and reformed twice, sometimes with different guitarists, bass players and/or drummers. Their first break up was sometime after the release of their 1981 self-titled debut release, which is often considered an influential punk rock
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
album, when some members of the band were involved in their own projects, including Agent Orange
Agent Orange (band)
Agent Orange is an American punk rock band formed in Orange County, California in 1979. The band is one of the first to mix punk rock with surf music. They first gained attention with their song "Bloodstains" which they released on their own 7" E.P. An early demo of the song was presented to...
and D.I.. However, the Adolescents reunited in 1986 and released two more albums (Brats in Battalions
Brats in Battalions
Brats in Battalions is the second album by punk band The Adolescents, which was released in 1987. This was the band's first album in six years.-Track listing:# "Brats in Battalions" - 2:33# "I Love You" - 4:14# "The Liar" - 1:59...
in 1987 and Balboa Fun*Zone in 1988) before splitting up again in 1989. The band once again reunited in 2001 for a 20th anniversary tour and have continued performing ever since. They released OC Confidential
OC Confidential
OC Confidential is the fourth album by the American punk rock band the Adolescents. It was released in 2005. This marked the first Adolescents studio album in 17 years, following 1988's Balboa Fun*Zone, the longest gap to date between two consecutive studio albums.-Track listing:All songs by Tony...
, their first studio album in 17 years in 2005, followed by 2011's album The Fastest Kid Alive
The Fastest Kid Alive
The Fastest Kid Alive is the fifth album by the American punk rock band the Adolescents, released June 3, 2011 through Concrete Jungle Records. It follows the band's first reunion album, 2005's O.C. Confidential. The band commenced work on the record in March 2007, but had not entered studio work...
.
The band has influenced many notable punk
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
, alternative
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
and hard rock
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
/metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
groups, including Bad Religion
Bad Religion
Bad Religion is a punk rock band that formed in Los Angeles in 1979. Their current line-up consists of Greg Graffin , Brett Gurewitz , Jay Bentley , Greg Hetson , Brian Baker and Brooks Wackerman . Gurewitz is also the founder of the label Epitaph Records, which has released almost all of the...
, NOFX
NOFX
NOFX is an American punk rock band from Los Angeles, California .The band was formed in 1983 by vocalist/bassist Fat Mike and guitarist Eric Melvin. Drummer Erik Sandin joined NOFX shortly after. In 1991 El Hefe joined to play lead guitar and trumpet, rounding out the current line-up...
, Face to Face
Face to Face (punk band)
Face to Face is an American pop punk band from Victorville, California formed in 1991 by frontman Trever Keith. Originally known as "Zero Tolerance", Keith had been the only constant member of the band during their years of touring and recording albums. The group was initially signed by Dr. Strange...
, Good Riddance
Good Riddance
Good Riddance was a punk rock band from Santa Cruz, California. They released seven full-length studio albums on Fat Wreck Chords, and their final album was a live recording of their farewell concert in 2007. Led by vocalist Russ Rankin, the band's longtime lineup included guitarist Luke Pabich,...
, The Offspring
The Offspring
The Offspring is an American punk rock band from Huntington Beach, California, formed in 1984. Known as Manic Subsidal until 1986, the band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Dexter Holland, lead guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman, bassist Greg K. and drummer Pete Parada...
, Pennywise
Pennywise (band)
Pennywise is a Californian punk rock band from Hermosa Beach, California, formed in 1988. The name is derived from the monster, It, from the Stephen King novel of the same title....
, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk, hip hop and psychedelic rock...
, Fu Manchu
Fu Manchu (band)
Fu Manchu is a Southern Californian stoner rock band, who released their debut single "Kept Between Trees" in 1990. They have been featured on compilations put together by Tony Hawk and ESPN's X Games, and invited to perform on the US television program Monster Garage...
, Mudhoney
Mudhoney
Mudhoney is an American alternative rock band. Formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1988 following the demise of Green River, Mudhoney's members are vocalist and rhythm guitarist Mark Arm, lead guitarist Steve Turner, bassist Guy Maddison, and drummer Dan Peters. Original bassist Matt Lukin left the...
, Blink-182
Blink-182
Blink-182 is an American rock band consisting of vocalist and bass guitarist Mark Hoppus, vocalist and guitarist Tom DeLonge, and drummer Travis Barker. They have sold over 27 million albums worldwide since forming in Poway, California in 1992...
and The Vandals
The Vandals
The Vandals are an American rock band established in 1980 in Huntington Beach, California. They have released ten full-length studio albums and two live albums and have toured the world extensively, including performances on the Vans Warped Tour...
.
The beginning, first album and hiatus (1980–1985)
The Adolescents were formed by Steve SotoSteve Soto
Steve Soto is an American musician. He was once part of California punk band Agent Orange, and joined The Adolescents in 1980.When The Adolescents broke up, Soto, together with Frank Agnew, joined the Los Angeles based band Legal Weapon....
after leaving Agent Orange
Agent Orange (band)
Agent Orange is an American punk rock band formed in Orange County, California in 1979. The band is one of the first to mix punk rock with surf music. They first gained attention with their song "Bloodstains" which they released on their own 7" E.P. An early demo of the song was presented to...
in December 1979. The original line-up was led by frontman Tony Cadena
Tony Cadena
Anthony Brandenburg — also known by the stage names Tony Cadena, Tony Montana, Tony Adolescent, and Tony Reflex — is an accomplished punk rock singer/songwriter and poet....
, with Steve Soto
Steve Soto
Steve Soto is an American musician. He was once part of California punk band Agent Orange, and joined The Adolescents in 1980.When The Adolescents broke up, Soto, together with Frank Agnew, joined the Los Angeles based band Legal Weapon....
on bass, Frank Agnew
Frank Agnew
Frank Agnew is an American guitarist, best known for being a member of punk band The Adolescents.Agnew joined The Adolescents in 1980 after leaving Social Distortion. He left when The Adolescents broke up in the summer of 1981, and joined the band Legal Weapon with Steve, and then played with TSOL...
on guitar, John O'Donovan on guitar and Peter Pan on drums. Both O'Donovan and Pan left in June.
Later that year, the group released the classic punk single "Amoeba" on Posh Boy Records
Posh Boy Records
Posh Boy Records was a Hollywood, California based record label owned by Robbie Fields, a high school substitute teacher and former copyboy at the L A Times who took an interest in the emerging punk rock scene in Orange County, California during the late 1970s...
. The track also appeared on the Rodney on the ROQ compilation, assembled by L.A. DJ Rodney Bingenheimer
Rodney Bingenheimer
Rodney Bingenheimer, born December 15, 1947, is a radio disc jockey on the long-running Los Angeles rock station KROQ who is notable for helping numerous iconic bands become successful in the American market. His contribution to the music business has been described as important...
. It is one of the band's best known songs.
The Adolescents signed with Frontier Records
Frontier Records
Frontier Records is an independent record label, started in 1980 in Los Angeles by Lisa Fancher, a former employee of Bomp! Records and writer of the liner notes for the first album by The Runaways....
in January 1981 and recorded their debut album, Adolescents, the following month. It quickly became one of the best-selling California punk albums, behind the Dead Kennedys
Dead Kennedys
Dead Kennedys are an American punk rock band formed in San Francisco, California in 1978. The band became part of the American hardcore punk movement of the early 1980s. They gained a large underground fanbase in the international punk music scene....
' Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables is the debut album by the American hardcore punk band Dead Kennedys. It was released in September 1980 through Faulty Products in the United States and through Cherry Red Records in the United Kingdom.It has been certified by BPI gold.The best selling and...
. Despite this success, Rikk Agnew
Rikk Agnew
Richard Francis Agnew, Jr. , more commonly known as Rikk Agnew, is an American guitarist who has played in some of the most influential bands of the Orange County hardcore punk scene, as well as the influential deathrock band Christian Death.- Biography:With Casey Royer, Agnew played in Social...
left the band in 1981, shortly before the band's second release, a 7" EP named "Welcome to Reality." He was replaced by Pat Smear
Pat Smear
Pat Smear is a rock musician who has been a guitarist in several well-known bands including The Germs and Nirvana. He is currently a guitarist for the Foo Fighters...
, formerly of The Germs
The Germs
The Germs are an American punk rock band from Los Angeles, California, originally active from 1977 to 1980. The band's early lineup consisted of singer Darby Crash, guitarist Pat Smear, bassist Lorna Doom, and their most consistent drummer Don Bolles. Germs have since reformed in 2005 with Shane...
. This lineup lasted until the end of June, when Smear left. Cadena formed The Abandoned, Steve Soto and Frank Agnew joined Legal Weapon
Legal Weapon
Legal Weapon was an early Southern California punk band, initially composed of singer Kat Arthur, guitarist Brian Hansen, drummer Charlie Vartanian, bassist Patricia Morrison and guitarist Mike R. Livingston...
, Royer fronted and formed D.I., and Rikk Agnew joined Christian Death
Christian Death
Christian Death is an American deathrock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1979. The band was founded and fronted by Rozz Williams. Christian Death is most notable for their first album Only Theatre of Pain....
.
Rikk Agnew made his solo album in 1983 then joined D.I. with Alfie Agnew, Frank and Rikk's younger brother.
Reunion and second hiatus (1986–2000)
In 1986 the Adolescents reformed with their original line-up and started to work on a new album. Before recording Casey Royer and Frank Agnew left the band. Royer had wanted to keep D.I. going (until 1995), and Agnew lost interest. Sandy Hansen took Royer's place on drums and Alfie took Frank's place on guitar. They recorded Brats in BattalionsBrats in Battalions
Brats in Battalions is the second album by punk band The Adolescents, which was released in 1987. This was the band's first album in six years.-Track listing:# "Brats in Battalions" - 2:33# "I Love You" - 4:14# "The Liar" - 1:59...
in the late summer. The record came out in August 1987 due to the band deciding to produce and release the album themselves with little cash or backing.
At the end of 1986 Alfie went to college and his place was taken by Dan Colburn
Dan Colburn
Dan Colburn is an Orange County, Californian musician most known as a guitarist for the Southern-California punk band The Adolescents from 1987-1989. He also played bass for D.I. from 1990–1992, appearing on their Live at a Dive CD. Colburn has been a member of many other Orange County bands since...
; by the end of the year Cadena and Colburn left.
In 1988 Rikk Agnew and Steve Soto decided to replace Colburn with Paul Casey and start singing themselves. Casey left after four months and Frank Agnew replaced him on guitar, after touring the band recorded their then-final album Balboa Fun Zone
Balboa Fun Zone
The Balboa Fun Zone is a small amusement park located on the Balboa Peninsula in the city of Newport Beach, Orange County, California. However, little is left of the original park....
.
The Adolescents broke up in April 1989. Steve Soto, Sandy Hansen and Frank Agnew started Joyride and Rikk Agnew did a couple of solo albums.
Second reunion and the future of the band (2001–present)
The band regrouped to tour for the 20th anniversary of their self-titled album in 2001 and have continued to perform. Live guitarists can vary depending on who is available—their summer 2006 tour had Joe Harrison and Matt Beld in place of the Agnews. They released their first reunion album, OC ConfidentialOC Confidential
OC Confidential is the fourth album by the American punk rock band the Adolescents. It was released in 2005. This marked the first Adolescents studio album in 17 years, following 1988's Balboa Fun*Zone, the longest gap to date between two consecutive studio albums.-Track listing:All songs by Tony...
, in 2005 on Finger Records, a label owned and run by Mel Schantz out of Orange County, California.
In March 2007, bassist Steve Soto confirmed that the Adolescents had begun writing material for their follow-up to O.C. Confidential, which was possibly due for release "by the end of" that year. In late 2007, the Adolescents announced in a MySpace blog entry that they were working on the new album originally expected to released in the spring of 2008. In March 2009, the band announced that they were in the process of writing lyrics to the album and were to begin recording shortly. The record, "The Fastest Kid Alive" was released June 3, 2011, on Concrete Jungle Records.
Current members
- Tony CadenaTony CadenaAnthony Brandenburg — also known by the stage names Tony Cadena, Tony Montana, Tony Adolescent, and Tony Reflex — is an accomplished punk rock singer/songwriter and poet....
– Vocals (1979–1981, 1986–1987, 2001–present) - Steve SotoSteve SotoSteve Soto is an American musician. He was once part of California punk band Agent Orange, and joined The Adolescents in 1980.When The Adolescents broke up, Soto, together with Frank Agnew, joined the Los Angeles based band Legal Weapon....
– Bass (1979–1981, 1986–1989, 2001–present), Vocals (1988–1989), Guitar (2007 and 2008 European tours) - Frank AgnewFrank AgnewFrank Agnew is an American guitarist, best known for being a member of punk band The Adolescents.Agnew joined The Adolescents in 1980 after leaving Social Distortion. He left when The Adolescents broke up in the summer of 1981, and joined the band Legal Weapon with Steve, and then played with TSOL...
– Lead Guitar (1980–1981, 1986, 1988–1989, 2001–present) - Mando Del Rio – Drums (2008–present)
- Joe Harrison – Rhythm Guitar (2006–present)
- Mike McKnightMike McKnightMike McKnight is an American keyboardist, musical director, music programmer, and journalist who is best known for his work on live tours of major artists such as Madonna, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Shakira, and many more. He is also a columnist for Keyboard Magazine.-External links:**...
- Rhythm Guitar (2009–present)
The line-up always consists of two guitarists, but this varies from show to show, depending on performer's availability.
Previous members
- Alfie Agnew (Guitar 1987)
- Rikk AgnewRikk AgnewRichard Francis Agnew, Jr. , more commonly known as Rikk Agnew, is an American guitarist who has played in some of the most influential bands of the Orange County hardcore punk scene, as well as the influential deathrock band Christian Death.- Biography:With Casey Royer, Agnew played in Social...
(Guitar 1979–1989, 2001–2003) - Jeff Beans (Bass 1982)
- Dan ColburnDan ColburnDan Colburn is an Orange County, Californian musician most known as a guitarist for the Southern-California punk band The Adolescents from 1987-1989. He also played bass for D.I. from 1990–1992, appearing on their Live at a Dive CD. Colburn has been a member of many other Orange County bands since...
(Guitar 1987–1989) - John O'Donovan (Guitar 1979)
- Sandy Hansen (Drums 1987–1989)
- Rick Herschbein (Guitar 1982)
- Peter Pan (Drums 1979)
- Paul Casey (Guitar 1988–1989)
- Steve Roberts (Guitar 1981–1982)
- Casey RoyerCasey RoyerCasey Royer is an American musician who began his career playing drums for punk band, Social Distortion at age 21 in 1979. He then moved on to play for The Adolescents from 1980–87. While The Adolescents were on hiatus from 1981–86, Casey went on to form D.I. in 1982, a Southern California punk...
(Drums 1979–1987) - Pat SmearPat SmearPat Smear is a rock musician who has been a guitarist in several well-known bands including The Germs and Nirvana. He is currently a guitarist for the Foo Fighters...
(Guitar 1981) - Frank Angew Jr. (Guitar 2006–2007)
- Derek O'Brien – Drums (2001–2008)
- Warren Renfrow- Bass (2007 and 2008 European tours)
- Dan Root (2010–2011)
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1981 | Adolescents | Debut release. Reissued in 1997, then again in 2001. |
| 1987 | Brats in Battalions Brats in Battalions Brats in Battalions is the second album by punk band The Adolescents, which was released in 1987. This was the band's first album in six years.-Track listing:# "Brats in Battalions" - 2:33# "I Love You" - 4:14# "The Liar" - 1:59... |
The first Adolescents album since their first break up. |
| 1988 | Balboa Fun*Zone | Final album before breaking up again. |
| 2005 | OC Confidential OC Confidential OC Confidential is the fourth album by the American punk rock band the Adolescents. It was released in 2005. This marked the first Adolescents studio album in 17 years, following 1988's Balboa Fun*Zone, the longest gap to date between two consecutive studio albums.-Track listing:All songs by Tony... |
First album since their second reunion; chosen as one of the "ten best OC albums of the first ten years of 21st Century" by OC Weekly. |
| 2011 | The Fastest Kid Alive The Fastest Kid Alive The Fastest Kid Alive is the fifth album by the American punk rock band the Adolescents, released June 3, 2011 through Concrete Jungle Records. It follows the band's first reunion album, 2005's O.C. Confidential. The band commenced work on the record in March 2007, but had not entered studio work... |
Other releases
| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1980 | Amoeba | 7" |
| 1981 | Welcome to Reality EP | EP (Re-released in a re-issue of self-titled album) |
| 1987 | Rat Music for Rat People, Vol. 3 | CD Presents Compilation |
| 1989 | Live in 1981 and 1986 | Live album |
| 1997 | Return to the Black Hole Return to the Black Hole (live) Return to the Black Hole is a live album by punk band The Adolescents. It was released in 1997.-Track listing:# "No Way" – 3:29# "Who is Who" – 1:28# "Word Attack" – 1:11# "Self Destruct" – 0:42# "L.A... |
Live album |
| 2003 | Live at the House of Blues 10/3/03 (The Show Must Go Off!) | Live album; CD/DVD Set |
| 2004 | Unwrap and Blow Me | EP |
| 2005 | The Complete Demos 1980–1986 | Compilation album |
| 2009 | Split 12" with Burning Heads | split LP with French band Burning Heads Burning Heads Burning Heads is a melodic hardcore punk rock band from Orleans, France. The group formed in the late '80s, and started out releasing records independently before signing with Play It Again Sam in 1994. They became more popular in America with the release of their 1998 record, Be One with the... |