Bickley (band)

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Bickley
Background information
Origin	Houston, Texas
Genre(s)	punk rock
Years active	1995 — 2001
Former members
Ben Fondled Uncle Dig Dave Wreckoning Rubio Coconut Bill Fool

Bickley's first 7", titled:
Down The Hatch

Bickley: Cover art: Pogo Au Go-Go

Bickley was a punk rock band from Houston, Texas from 1995 until 2001. The band's name is a word derived from Robert DeNiro's character in Taxi Driver, Travis Bickle.

Influenced primarily by the likes of The Vindictives, The Queers and Screeching Weasel, Bickley delivered a simple yet powerful sound. Bickley's first full-length studio recording was Pogo Au Go-Go (PaperDoll), a full-length CD issued in 1996. They quickly developed a loyal following in the Houston, Texas area. By 1998, Bickley had been picked up by Fearless Records, and the Pogo Au Go-Go CD was re-released under that label. In late 1998, Bickley released their second CD Kiss The Bunny, also on Fearless records. By this time their fan base extended across the US, and they often toured the Southwest US region, with short stints across the West Coast, East Coast, and the Deep South.

Bickley's final release Fat, Drunk and Stupid captured their raucous live show at their favorite venue, Fitzgerald's, in Houston Texas. Fat, Drunk and Stupid was released in August 2001 through PaperDoll Records.

Bickley were also noted by the music press for the adult content of their songs, and the unique character of lead singer Ben Fondled's voice.

Bickley's core lineup (singer Ben Fondled, guitarist Uncle Dig, and drummer Dave Wreckoning) did not change from the time of their 1998 re-release under Fearless Records. Bickley switched between two bass players in the 1998-2001 period, driven by the availablility of the players: Rubio Coconut (from the successful Houston punk rock band, 30footFALL) and Bill Fool.

In 2001, at the peak of their popularity, Bickley split up citing the need for more personal time with their respective families. The band has reunited at various times since August 2001 for special benefit and reunion shows.