The Aquabats
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| The Aquabats | ||
|---|---|---|
| Background information | ||
| Origin |  Huntington Beach, California |
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| Genre(s) | Rock Pop-punk Ska New Wave Synthpop |
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| Years active | 1994–present | |
| Label(s) | Horchata Records Goldenvoice Fearless Records Nitro Records |
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| Associated acts |
The Sandfleas Digital Unicorn |
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| Website | theaquabats.com | |
| Members | ||
| The MC Bat Commander Eagle "Bones" Falconhawk Crash McLarson Jimmy the Robot Ricky Fitness |
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| Former members | ||
| Nacho Roddy B. Ben the Brain The Baron von Tito Catboy Doctor Rock Ultra Kyu Prince Adam Chainsaw the Prince of Karate |
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The Aquabats (often written as The Aquabats!) are an American rock band formed in 1994 in Huntington Beach, California and currently recording for Nitro Records. They have released four full-length studio albums and have toured internationally. They are best known for their mythology, in which they claim to be superheroes on a quest to conquer the world through music. As a part of this mythology the band members have adopted superhero pseudonyms and dress in matching costumes. Their eclectic live show often includes onstage "battles" with costumed foes, and the band has built up an elaborate and ever-changing backstory of their origins and adventures, along with a roster of allies and enemies.
Though the group's lineup has fluctuated significantly throughout their career, vocalist The MC Bat Commander and bassist Crash McLarson have remained regular fixtures. Keyboard and saxophone player Jimmy the Robot has also been a lasting member, having joined the band in 1997. The Aquabats' early work was heavily rooted in the third wave of ska music, with touches of surf and punk rock. Over the years their music shifted towards more synthesizer-based rock with a new wave influence. Their current style blends elements of rock and roll, pop-punk, ska, and synthpop.
Contents |
[edit] Band History
[edit] 1994-1996: Formation
The Aquabats formed in 1994 in Huntington Beach, California. The band's original recording lineup consisted of Christian Jacobs (the Caped Commander) on vocals, Courtney Pollock (Chainsaw) and Ben Bergeson (Ben the Brain) on guitars, Chad Larson (Crash McLarson) on bass, Boyd Terry (Catboy) and Adam Diebert (Prince Adam) on trumpets, Chad Parkin (Nacho) on organ, and Rod Arellano (Roddy B.) on drums. They were also often joined by third guitarist Charles Gray (Ultra Kyu). Their music was heavily rooted in surf rock, punk rock, pop, and ska, and influenced by groups such as Devo, Oingo Boingo, Madness, and The Skatalites. Shortly after forming, the band began to establish their mythos, taking the above-mentioned stage names and claiming that they were superheroes from an island called Aquabania. One of the members worked for Aleeda making wetsuits, and using spare rashguards and pieces of neoprene fashioned matching costumes for the group. They recorded and released a demo known as Bat Boy and began to build a local following through their energetic and eclectic live performances.
In 1995 the band recorded their first album. It was originally intended to be another demo, but due to increased demand they released it as an album through Horchata Records under the tongue-in-cheek title The Return of the Aquabats. It contained songs such as "Playdough," "Martian Girl," "Idiot Box," and "CD Repo Man" which would become standards in their live set over the next several years. They embarked on tours and established themselves in a prolific southern California ska movement that also included bands such as Reel Big Fish, The Hippos, Buck-O-Nine, No Doubt, and Save Ferris.
[edit] 1997-2000: Goldenvoice years
By 1997 Arellano had left the group and been replaced by Travis Barker (The Baron von Tito) on drums. Bergeson left the band to focus on his new marriage and children (although he would continue to assist the band in a studio capacity), and Gray became a full-time member on guitar. Parkin also left and was replaced by James Briggs (Jaime the Robot), who brought additional horn instrumentation to the group as well as playing keyboards. Some of the existing members also altered their pseudonyms, with Jacobs now going by "The Bat Commander" and Pollock as "Chainsaw the Prince of Karate." The new lineup signed to Goldenvoice and recorded the album The Fury of the Aquabats! In addition to several re-recorded versions of popular songs from Return, Fury contained songs such as "Cat With 2 Heads!" and "Super Rad!" which would become anthems for the band and expand their fan base. "Super Rad!" became a minor hit and was promoted with a music video. The success of Fury and its supporting tours brought the band to their highest level of recognition and popularity yet.
The following year Barker left the Aquabats to join blink-182. He was replaced by drummer Doctor Rock (real name unrevealed) and this lineup recorded The Aquabats vs. the Floating Eye of Death!, released in 1999. At this time Jacobs added "MC" to his stage name and began drawing a mustache on his face and blacking out his front teeth, aspects of his stage costume that he continues to use to this day. Stylistically the album was a departure for the band, relying heavily on synthesizers and pop melodies. Its somewhat experimental and unconventional sound distanced the band from the southern California ska movement with which they had been associated, and isolated both their record label and portions of their fan base. The somewhat cool reception to Floating Eye, along with the departure of Doctor Rock the following year and the collapse of Goldenvoice soon after left the band's future uncertain. After releasing a collection of outtakes in 2000 entitled Myths, Legends, and Other Amazing Adventures, Vol. 2, the band slipped into a period of relative inactivity for several years.
[edit] 2000-2006: Rejuvenation
From 2000-2003 the future of the Aquabats was uncertain. The loss of their drummer and record label, soon followed by the departure of trumpeter Terry, left the group unsure of whether or not they would continue recording and performing. During this time news updates from the band were infrequent, and those that did appear hinted at the possibility of a breakup. Eventually the group decided to continue on, relocating to San Diego and bringing in new drummer Ricky Falomir (Ricky Fitness), formerly of the Assorted Jelly Beans, in 2002. In 2003 the band released their first DVD, Serious Awesomeness!, followed the next year by the self-released Yo! Check Out This Ride! EP. This would be Deibert's last recording with the group (though he would occasionally join them for onstage performances in southern California over the next few years), and his departure completed the loss of the band's horn section and their transition to synthesizer-structured songwriting.
In 2005 the band signed to Nitro Records and released the album Charge!! It found the band with a rejuvenated sense of energy and marked their recommitment to touring and recording. The album was supported by numerous tours and a music video for the song "Fashion Zombies!" In June of 2006 the album was re-released as a special one year anniversary edition with additional songs. Guitarist Pollock left the band at this time and was replaced by Ian Fowles (Eagle "Bones" Falconhawk). The band continued touring in support of Charge!! until January 2007.
[edit] Recent activity
Following a series of performances in December 2006 and January 2007, the Aquabats announced that they would be taking a break from performing in order to record a follow-up to Charge!! This album is anticipated to be released later in 2007, though the band continue to joke (somewhat sarcastically) that each performance or album might be their last.
[edit] Superhero mythos
Throughout their career the Aquabats have maintained a fictitious backstory which purports them to be superheroes from a distant island called Aquabania. The band's costumes and pseudonyms tie into this mythology, which is detailed in the liner notes of their albums. Over the years the story of their origins has evolved, changed, and occasionally been retconned to explain changes in the band's lineup. They have also built up a roster of allies and enemies, many of whom are featured in their album artwork and often appear onstage with them as costumed characters in choreographed fight scenes.
According to the most consistent elements of the band's mythology, the original 8 (or 9) members lived on a distant and idyllic island known as "Aquabania," populated by humanlike bat creatures. The island was attacked by the villain Space Monster "M" and 8 (or 9) of its inhabitants fled to the ocean in a hollowed-out log. They washed ashore in California, where they were taken in by Professor Monty Corndog (portrayed onstage by singer Christian Jacobs' brother, Parker Jacobs), who used chemicals to revive them and give them super powers. They donned costumes including "radioactive rash guards," "power belts," and "anti-negativity helmets" (many of which are sold as part of the band's merchandise catalogue) and decided to channel their powers through music in order to "take over the world" by attracting legions of fans. This would then allow them to combat Space Monster "M" and retake their homeland.
Space Monster "M" placed a bounty on the heads of the Aquabats, attracting numerous villains and monsters to pursue and attack them in attempts to end their musical quest. These costumed villains often appear onstage to combat the band in concert. In addition to Space Monster "M," some of the more notable Aquabats enemies to appear over the years include Powdered Milk Man, The Sandfleas, The Floating Eye of Death, Cyclopsis, and Pumpkin Face. Along with their rogue's gallery, the band has also amassed a list of allies who assist them in various capacities. In addition to the Professor, some of the more notable Aquabats allies have included their former webmaster The Pigbat, the Sea Ghost, and Danger Woman.
The band's superhero mythos has often been used as a device for explaining their numerous lineup changes. For example, members departing the group have sometimes been said to have been wounded in battle with the band's enemies, and when Jimmy the Robot joined it was explained that the Professor constructed him out of various materials in order to provide the band with a robotic musical virtuoso.
[edit] Aquacadets
The Aquabats Cadet Faction is the official fan club of the band, and its members are commonly known as Aquacadets. Enrollment in the fan club allows members access to exclusive merchandise and to an exclusive section of the band's official message board, as well as events known as "Cadet Summits." These "semi-annual" summits are held in southern California and normally include fun and games, meet and greets, autograph signings, door prizes, and a live performance. There have been five such summits held over the years. The most recent Cadet Summit was held on July 22, 2006 in San Diego and included a complete performance of The Return of the Aquabats album in celebration of the tenth anniversary of its release.
Aquacadets are encouraged to attend these events and the band's concerts in costume. These costumes often include official rashguards, helmets, belts, and masks that are available as part of the band's merchandise catalogue, but also often consist of homemade items. Some members have even formed splinter factions such as the "Astrobats," "Piratebats," and "Ninjabats" and outfitted themselves with homemade t-shirts and other apparel to show their support for the band.
[edit] Band members
| (1994–1997) The Return of the Aquabats |
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|---|---|
| (1997–1998) The Fury of the Aquabats! |
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| (1998–2002) The Aquabats vs. the Floating Eye of Death! Myths, Legends, and Other Amazing Adventures, Vol. 2 |
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| (2002–2003) live shows only Serious Awesomeness! DVD |
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| (2003–2005) Yo! Check Out This Ride! EP |
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| (2005–2006) Charge!! |
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| (2006–current) live shows only |
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[edit] Current members
- The MC Bat Commander (formerly the Caped Commander or the Bat Commander) (Christian Jacobs) - vocals (1994–present)
- Eagle "Bones" Falconhawk (Ian Fowles) - guitar, backing vocals (2006–present)
- Crash McLarson (Chad Larson) - bass, backing vocals (1994–present)
- Jimmy the Robot (formerly Jaime the Robot or simply "The Robot") (James Briggs) - keyboards, saxophone, other brass and wind instruments, backing vocals (1997–present)
- Ricky Fitness (Ricky Falomir) - drums, percussion, backing vocals (2004–present)
[edit] Past members
- Nacho (Chad Parkin) - keyboards (1994–1997)
- Roddy B. (Rod Arellano) - drums (1994–1997)
- Ben the Brain (Ben Bergeson) - guitar (1994–1997)
- The Baron von Tito (Travis Barker) - drums, percussion (1997–1998)
- Catboy (Boyd Terry) - trumpet, other brass instruments, backing vocals (1994–2000)
- Doctor Rock - drums (1998–2000)
- Ultra Kyu/The Mysterious Kyu (Charles Gray) - guitar, other string instruments, synthesizer, backing vocals (1994–2000)
- Prince Adam (Adam Deibert) - trumpet, synthesizer, guitar, backing vocals, hand solo (1994–2004)
- Chainsaw the Prince of Karate (Courtney "Corey" Pollock) - guitar (1994–2006)
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
| Album Cover | Year | Title | Label | Format | Other information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1995 | The Return of the Aquabats | Horchata Records | CD | First album. Only album with guitarist Ben the Brain, keyboardist Nacho and drummer Roddy B. |
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1997 | The Fury of the Aquabats! | Goldenvoice | CD | First album with saxophonist Jimmy the Robot and with guitarist Ultra Kyu as a permanent member. Only album with drummer The Baron von Tito |
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1999 | The Aquabats vs. the Floating Eye of Death! and Other Amazing Adventures Vol. 1 | Goldenvoice | CD | Final album with guitarist Ultra Kyu and trumpeters Catboy and Prince Adam. Only album with drummer Doctor Rock. |
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2005 | Charge!! | Nitro Records | CD | First album with drummer Ricky Fitness. Final album with guitarist Chainsaw the Prince of Karate. |
[edit] EPs
| Album Cover | Year | Title | Label | Format | Other information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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2004 | Yo! Check Out This Ride! EP | no label | CD | First recording with drummer Ricky Fitness. Final recording with trumpeter Prince Adam. |
[edit] Compilation albums
| Album Cover | Year | Title | Label | Format | Other information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
2000 | Myths, Legends, and Other Amazing Adventures, Vol. 2 | Horchata Records/Fearless Records | CD | Compilation of outtakes from Fury and Floating Eye sessions. |
[edit] Re-releases
| Album Cover | Year | Title | Label | Format | Other information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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2006 | Charge!! Special One Year Anniversary Edition | Nitro Records | CD & DVD | Re-release of 2005 album with bonus tracks and DVD. |
[edit] Non-album tracks
| Album Cover | Year | Title | Label | Song(s) | Other information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | California Ska-Quake, Vol. 2: The Aftershock | Moon Ska Records | "CD Repo Man" | Different version than what appeared on The Return. | |
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1997 | The Ska Parade: Runnin' Naked Thru the Cornfield | A-to-Y Productions | "Theme Song!" | Demo version. Differs from final version on Fury album. |
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1997 | Freedom Sounds: A Tribute to the Skatalites | Shanachie Records | "Ska Boss" | Originally performed by the Skatalites |
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1997 | Take Warning: The Songs of Operation Ivy | Glue Factory Records | "Knowledge" | Originally performed by Operation Ivy. |
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1997 | We Are Not Devo | Centipede Records | "Love Without Anger" | Originally performed by Devo. |
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2000 | Punk Goes Metal | Fearless Records | "Why Rock?" | Liner notes claim that the song was originally performed by Leather Pyrate, however this is a fictitious band name; the song was written by The Aquabats. |
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2005 | Dead Bands Party: A Tribute to Oingo Boingo | Indianola Records | "The Controller" | Originally performed by Oingo Boingo. |
[edit] Videography
[edit] Music videos
| Year | Title | Album | Other information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | "Super Rad!" | The Fury of the Aquabats! | |
| 2005 | "Fashion Zombies!" | Charge!! |
[edit] Video releases
| Cover | Year | Title | Label | Format | Content | Other information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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2003 | Serious Awesomeness! | Fearless Records | DVD | Live performances, "Super Rad!" music video, band history and promotional material. | |
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2006 | Charge!! Special One Anniversary Edition | Nitro Records | CD & DVD | Bonus DVD includes "The Making of Charge!!" documentary and "Fashion Zombies!" music video. |
[edit] Music in television
The Aquabats have appeared in and recorded music for several television shows aimed at young audiences. In 2000 the band recorded the opening and closing theme songs for a pilot episode of the cartoon show Welcome to Eltingville. Members of the band also appeared in and recorded voices for the children's program Yo Gabba Gabba! in 2006, which Christian Jacobs (The MC Bat Commander) cowrote and directed. They have also recorded theme music for the show Mega64, in which Jacobs made a cameo appearance and in which several characters are sometimes portrayed wearing Aqubats t-thirts.
