Which Ska band was the first one you ever heard? “Too Much Pressure”, perhaps? Or “Monkey Man”? If it was either of those, you’d been missing out on some great bands for a long time! The following band deserves some credit for paving the way for modern ska and bringing it from obscurity into mainstream music, so we’re giving them the recognition they’ve earned. This list is a compilation of the 23 best Ska bands. Whether your favorite ska band made a list or not, feel free to add it with a comment!
1. The Specials
| The Specials | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | The Specials |
| Also known as | The Special AKA |
| Origin | Coventry, England |
| Genres | 2 Tone, Ska, New Wave |
| Years Active | 1977–1981, 1982–1984, 1993, 1996–2001, 2008–present |
| Labels | 2 Tone, Chrysalis, Virgin, Kuff, Cleopatra |
| Spinoffs | The Selecter, Fun Boy Three, The Spatial AKA Orchestra |
| Members | Lynval Golding, Horace Panter |
| Past members | Terry Hall, Neville Staple, Jerry Dammers, Roddy Radiation, John Bradbury, Dick Cuthell, Rico Rodriguez |
| Formation | 1977 |
| Musical Style | Combination of ska, rocksteady, and punk influences |
| Political and Social Commentary | Known for overt political and social commentary in their lyrics |
| Fashion Style | Mod-style “1960s period rude boy outfits” including pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers |
| Chart Success | “Too Much Too Young” and “Ghost Town” both reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart |
| Line-up Changes | Experienced various lineup changes throughout their career |
| Impact | Influential in the 2 Tone and ska revival movements |
| Political Activism | Founder Jerry Dammers pursued political activism and dissolved the band |
| Success of Spinoffs | Members went on to form successful bands like Fun Boy Three and The Selecter |
| Continued Performances | The Specials have continued to tour and perform in Specials-related projects |
Ska revival band from England In The Specials, often known as The Special AKA, was founded in Coventry in 1977. The band’s music combines various styles, including ska, rocksteady, reggae, and soul. The Specials are regarded as one of the essential bands in the 2 Tone movement and one of its founding bands. Their first single, “Gangsters”, an attack on the British music industry, remains their best-known song.
2. Madness
| Madness | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Madness |
| Background info | English ska and pop band from Camden Town, North London, formed in 1976 |
| Genres | Two-tone, ska, pop, new wave, rocksteady |
| Years Active | 1976–1986, 1992–present |
| Origin | Camden Town, London, England |
| Members | Chris Foreman, Mike Barson, Lee Thompson, Graham “Suggs” McPherson, Dan Woodgate, Mark Bedford |
| Past Members | Cathal “Chas Smash” Smyth, John Hasler, Dikran Tulaine, Gavin Rodgers, Garry Dovey |
| Notable Singles | “One Step Beyond,” “Baggy Trousers,” “It Must Be Love,” “House of Fun,” “Our House” |
| UK Top 10 Singles | 16 |
| UK Number-one Singles | 1 |
| Ivor Novello Award | Outstanding Song Collection (2000) |
| Albums | One Step Beyond…, Absolutely, 7, The Rise & Fall, Keep Moving, Mad Not Mad |
| Commercial Success | Madness’s songs spent a significant 214 weeks on the UK Singles Chart during their peak period, making them one of the most prominent bands in the late 1970s and early 1980s two-tone ska revival. |
| Name Origin | The band’s name “Madness” pays homage to one of their favorite songs by ska and reggae artist Prince Buster. |
| Drama-Documentary | Madness appeared as themselves in the 1981 drama-documentary film “Take It or Leave It,” which depicted their early days to the then-current period. |
| Sub-label | After leaving Stiff Records, the band formed their own label called Zarjazz Records, a sub-label of Virgin Records. |
Madness is an English ska band from Camden Town, London, formed in 1976. No members of the original Madness, including Geraldine “Jabberwocky” Mary Clarke and Michael “Chrissy Boy” Clempson, have left the group.
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3. Toots & The Maytals
One of the most well-known ska and rocksteady vocal ensembles is the Jamaican group The Maytals, also known as Toots and the Maytals, from 1972 to 2020. The Maytals, instrumental in making reggae music mainstream, were founded in the early 1960s. They are known for hit singles such as “Punky Reggae Party”, “Pressure Drop”, “(Come On) Let’s Be Greezy,” and “Do the Reggay.”
4. The Beat
| The Beat | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | The Beat |
| Also known as | The English Beat, the British Beat |
| Origin | Birmingham, England |
| Genres | Latin, ska, pop, soul, reggae, punk rock |
| Years Active | 1978–1983, 2003, 2006–present |
| Labels | Go-Feet, 2 Tone, London, Sire, I.R.S., EMI, A&M, Chrysalis |
| Members | Dave Wakeling, Ranking Roger, Andy Cox, Everett Morton, Saxa (Lionel Augustus Martin), David Steele, Wesley Magoogan, Dave ‘Blockhead’ Wright, Jared Palazzolo, Nucci Cantrell, Matt Morrish, Kevin Lum, King Schascha, Minh Quan, Antonee First Class, Brad Engstrom |
| Notable Singles | “Mirror in the Bathroom,” “Save It for Later,” “I Confess,” “Too Nice to Talk To,” “Can’t Get Used to Losing You,” “Hands Off…She’s Mine,” “All Out to Get You” |
| Associated with | Birmingham-based cartoonist Hunt Emerson |
| Post-Breakup Projects | General Public, Fine Young Cannibals |
| Toured with | David Bowie, the Clash, the Police, the Pretenders, R.E.M., the Specials, Talking Heads |
| Popularity | UK, US, Canada, Australia |
| Notable TV Appearance | Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated episode “Dance of the Undead” |
| Albums | “I Just Can’t Stop It” (1980), “Wha’ppen?” (1981), “Special Beat Service” (1982), “Bounce” (2016), “Here We Go Love” (2018), “Public Confidential” (2019) |
| Loss of Members | Ranking Roger (2019), Everett Morton (2021) |
| Tribute Release | “Legacy/Jump and Skank” by Mini Murphy and the Ordinary Boys (2021) |
The Beat is a British 2 Tone and ska revival band formed in England in 1978. The group was fronted by Dave Wakeling, Ranking Roger, Andy Cox, David Steele, Everett Morton, and Saxa, a.k.a. Lionel Augustus Martin. Their music combines punk rock, ska, pop, soul, and Latin. They have released more than 20 singles since 1982 and five studio albums since their reformation in 1988.
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5. The Skatalites
| The Skatalites | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | The Skatalites |
| Origin | Jamaica |
| Genres | Skarocksteady, reggae, ska, jazz |
| Years active | 1964–1965, 1983–present |
| Labels | Studio One, Treasure Isle, King Edwards, Randy’s, Top Deck Records, Shanachie Records, Island Records |
| Founders | Doreen Shaffer, Tommy McCook, Rolando Alphonso, Lester Sterling, Lloyd Brevett, Lloyd Knibb, Don Drummond, Jah Jerry Haynes, Jackie Mittoo, Johnny Moore |
| Notable Songs | “Guns of Navarone,” “Simmer Down” |
| Influential Albums | LP Ska Authentic, African Roots, Skavoovee, Hi-Bop Ska, Greetings from Skamania, Ball of Fire, Bashaka, From Paris With Love |
| Collaborations | Prince Buster, Delroy Wilson, Desmond Dekker, The Wailers, Lee Perry, Toots and the Maytals |
| Grammy Recognition | Grammy-nominated albums: Hi-Bop Ska, Greetings from Skamania |
| Notable Members | Tommy McCook, Don Drummond, Roland Alphonso, Lloyd Brevett, Lester Sterling, Lloyd Knibb, Jackie Mittoo, Johnny Moore |
| Live Recordings | Stretching Out, Rolling Steady: The 1983 Music Mountain Sessions, The Skatalites in Orbit, Vol.1 |
The Jamaican ska band The Skatalites has been performing since the late 1960s and has had a significant role in spreading ska music across the globe. The founders of the Skatalites were musicians Tommy McCook, Rolando Alphonso, Lester Sterling, Lloyd Brevett, Lloyd Knibb, Don Drummond, Jah Jerry Haynes, Jackie Mittoo, and Johnny Moore. They played on records by Prince Buster and backed many other Jamaican artists who recorded during that period, including Bob Marley & The Wailers, on their first single, “Simmer Down.”
6. The Toasters
| The Toasters | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | The Toasters |
| Origin | New York City, New York, United States |
| Genres | Ska, 2-Tone |
| Years Active | 1981–present |
| Labels | Megalith, Moon Ska Records, Moon Ska World |
| Musical Influence | Pioneers of American second wave of ska |
| Discography | Nine studio albums through Moon Ska Records |
| Notable Event | The Toasters playing at LabaDaba Festival, August 2013 |
| Key Members | Robert “Bucket” Hingley (Founder) |
| Notable Collaborations | Joe Jackson (Producer) |
| Cultural Impact | Blended ska with pop music, rap, R&B, and calypso |
| Commercial Success | Experienced success in the late 1990s due to third wave ska popularity in North America |
| Notable Tours | ‘Ska Against Racism’ tour in 1998 with other ska bands |
One of the first American second-wave ska bands is The Toasters. The group formed in New York City in 1981 and has produced nine studio albums, mostly under Moon Ska Records. In 1983, the group self-released “Beat Up,” their debut single. Recriminations, their debut EP produced by Joe Jackson, was recorded in 1985.
7. Dance Hall Crashers
| Dance Hall Crashers | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dance Hall Crashers |
| Also known as | DHC |
| Origin | Berkeley, California, United States |
| Genres | Ska punk, pop punk |
| Years active | 1989–1990; 1992–2004 |
| Labels | Moon Ska, MCA, Pink and Black |
| Members | Elyse Rogers, Karina Deniké, Jason Hammon, Mikey Weiss, Gavin Hammon |
| Past members | Andrew Champion, Scott Goodell, Ingrid Jonsson, Leland McNeely, Tim Armstrong, Matt Freeman, Joel Wing, Erik Larsen aka Erik Kolacek, Joey Schaaf, J. Grant Mcintire, Alex Baker |
| Formation | 1989 in Berkeley, California |
| Founders | Tim Armstrong, Matt Freeman |
| Breakthrough Album | “Lockjaw” |
| Hit Song | “Enough” (featured in the film “Angus”) |
| Discography | Four studio albums: “Lockjaw,” “Honey, I’m Homely!,” “Purr,” and a live album |
| Touring History | Toured extensively in the mid to late 1990s, including performances at Warped Tour and Lilith Fair |
| Last Performance | November 2004 at the Hollywood House of Blues |
| Hiatus | Currently on hiatus with no announced plans for touring or recording |
| Cultural Reference | Referenced in Blink-182’s single “Josie” |
Dance Hall Crashers, sometimes known as DHC, is an American ska punk group founded in Berkeley, California, in 1989. Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman, former members of Operation Ivy, originally formed the band, which has had a variety of lineups throughout its career. The most recent lineup (last in action in 2004) featured Elyse Rogers and Karina Deniké on vocals, brothers Jason and Gavin Hammon on guitar and drums, and Mikey Weiss on bass.
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8. Bad Manners
| Bad Manners | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bad Manners |
| Background | London, England, United Kingdom |
| Genres | Skatwo-tone |
| Years Active | 1976–present |
| Labels | Magnet, Portrait, Blue Beat, Pork Pie, Moon Ska World, Bad |
| Members | Buster Bloodvessel, Simon Cuell, Lee Thompson, Richie Downs, Matt Goodwin, Matt Bane, Colin Graham, David Turner, Russell Wynn |
| Past Members | Winston Bazoomies, Louis “Alphonso” Cook, David Farren, Brian Tuitt, Martin Stewart, Paul “Gus” Hyman, Chris Kane, Andrew Marson, Marcus Bush, Nick Welsh, Terry Whitten, Jerry Tremaine, Jimmy Scott, Alan Perry, Tony “Rico” Richardson, Matty “Bingo” Bane, Andy Perriss, Colin Graham, Justin Dodsworth, Dave “Essex” Welton, Arturo Zamora, Mark Farmer, Tom Massey, Mark Hamilton, David Edwards, Chris Rand, Sam Adams, Stuart Garside, Chris Bull, Adrian Cox, David Turner |
| Early Appearances | Top of the Pops, Dance Craze (1981) |
| Popularity | Most popular during the early 1980s alongside ska revival bands |
| Chart Success | 111 weeks in the UK Singles Chart between 1980 and 1983 |
| Hit Singles | “Nee Nee Na Na Na Na Nu Nu,” “My Girl Lollipop,” “Lip Up Fatty,” “Can Can,” “Special Brew,” “Walking in the Sunshine,” “That’ll Do Nicely” |
| Notable Frontman | Buster Bloodvessel, known for his outlandish appearance and onstage antics |
| Television Appearances | Regular guests on Tiswas, The British Music Awards, Cheggers Plays Pop, The Time of Your Life |
| Ban Incidents | Banned from Top of the Pops for painting his head red; banned from Italian TV after mooning the audience at Sanremo Music Festival |
| Record Contracts | Signed with Magnet Records, Telstar Records, Portrait Records |
| Successful Albums | Ska ‘n’ B (1980), Loonee Tunes! (1980), Gosh It’s … Bad Manners (1981) |
| Recent Activities | Headlined Bad Fest music festival, release of new single “What Simon Says,” 40th-anniversary tour in 2016 |
| Current Status | Still touring the United Kingdom |
| Notable Loss | Winston Bazoomies, original member, passed away in 2022 at the age of 63 |
English two-tone and ska group Bad Manners is fronted by Buster Bloodvessel. Two early performances were top of the Pops and the live documentary Dance Craze. They debuted in 1976 with the release of their album “Ska ‘n’ B”. Although their earlier recordings were rooted in traditional ska and reggae, they are best known for their third studio album, “Ska ‘n’ B”, which blended ska with a punk rock sound.
9. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
| The Mighty Mighty | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | The Mighty Mighty Bosstones |
| Also Known As | The Bosstones |
| Origin | Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Genres | Ska punk, Ska, Ska-core, Hardcore punk |
| Years Active | 1983–2004, 2007–2022 |
| Labels | Taang!, Mercury, Big Rig, Island Def Jam, SideOneDummy, Hellcat |
| Past Members | Dicky Barrett, Tim Burton, Ben Carr, Joe Gittleman, John Goetchius, Lawrence Katz, Chris Rhodes, Leon Silva, Joe Sirois, Nate Albert, Tim Bridwell, Dennis Brockenborough, Josh Dalsimer, Roman Fleysher, Kevin Lenear |
| Inception | 1983 |
| Notable Members | Dicky Barrett, Joe Gittleman, Tim “Johnny Vegas” Burton, Ben Carr |
| Genre Contributions | Progenitors of ska punk, Creators of ska-core |
| Commercial Peak | Platinum-selling album “Let’s Face It” and hit single “The Impression That I Get” |
| Film Appearance | Featured in the film “Clueless” as the frat party house band |
| Hometown Throwdown | Hosted annual music festival in Cambridge and later Boston |
| Disbandment | Announced their disbandment in 2022 |
| Roots | Hardcore punk and British 2 Tone ska scene influences |
| Trademark | Known for their plaid clothing |
| Record Label | Established Big Rig Records to release albums on vinyl |
| Major Hit | “The Impression That I Get” reached number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart |
| Television Appearances | The Jon Stewart Show, MTV’s 120 Minutes, Saturday Night Live, Sesame Street’s Elmopalooza |
| Live Album | “Live From the Middle East” recorded during their Hometown Throwdown in 1997 |
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones were a Boston, Massachusetts-based ska punk group founded in 1983. The Bosstones are frequently recognized as one of the forerunners of the ska punk style known as ska-core, which combines ska with hardcore punk elements. The band began touring and recording heavily in the 1990s after the release of their 1989 debut, Devil’s Night Out. They significantly impacted the growth of the American third-wave ska genre. It is of the first bands to popularize the genre among a wider audience of musicians.
10. Skankin’ Pickle
| Skankin Pickle | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Skankin’ Pickle |
| Origin | San Jose, California |
| Years Active | 1989–1997 |
| Genres | Ska punk, third wave ska, punk rock |
| Labels | Dill Records, Asian Man Records, Dr. Strange Records |
| Founder | Mike Park |
| Notable Members | Mike Mattingly, Mike Park, Lynette Knackstedt, Chuck Phelps, Lars Nylander, Gerry Lundquist |
| Debut Album | Skafunkrastapunk (1991) |
| Record Label | Dill Records (Founded by Mike Park) |
| Touring Acts | Bad Manners, The Skatalites, Mustard Plug, Sublime, Let’s Go Bowling, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Rancid, The Queers, Primus, Mr. Bungle, Bad Religion, Green Day |
| Live Show Style | Energetic performances with dancing, baton-twirling, and onstage wrestling matches |
| Critical Acclaim | Voted one of the best unsigned bands in the Bay Area (1994) |
| Final Studio Album | The Green Album (1996) |
| Evolution of Band | Continued touring and re-invented as the ska punk/pop punk band, the 78 RPM’s |
| Post-Band Ventures | Mike Park founded Asian Man Records, formed The Chinkees and The Bruce Lee Band, pursued a solo acoustic career; Gerry Lundquist joined Mu330; Lynette Knackstedt passed away in 2007 |
| Musical Style | Unique blend of ska, punk, funk, hardcore punk, rock, metal, reggae, rap, hip-hop, speed metal, and polka |
| Lyrics | Varied from comedic and silly songs to serious and sociopolitical themes promoting racial equality and unity |
| Influence | Referenced by Matt Skiba in Alkaline Trio’s Halloween at the Metro DVD; mentioned by Bradley Nowell in Sublime’s interview with WBCN Boston |
American ska punk group Skankin’ Pickle was active from 1989 to 1997 and was founded in San Jose, California. Traditional ska, punk, funk, hardcore punk, rock, reggae, rap, hip-hop, speed metal, and polka were regularly used by the group in their music. Dr. Strange Records released its debut album in 1993.
11. The Selecter
| The Selecter | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | The Selecter |
| Background Information | English 2 tone ska revival band formed in Coventry, England, in 1979 |
| Origin | Coventry, England |
| Genres | Ska, 2 Tone, New Wave |
| Years Active | 1979–1982, 1991–2006, 2010–present |
| Labels | 2 Tone, Chrysalis |
| Members | Pauline Black, Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson, Charley ‘Aitch’ Bembridge, John Robertson, Andrew Pearson, Lee Horsley, Neil Pyzer |
| Notable Achievements | – One of the most successful ska bands of the 2 tone era |
The Selecter are a ska band from Coventry, England. It was formed in 1979. The Special AKA’s hit tune “Gangsters,” the first 2 Tone Records single, was the b-side of their debut single, also titled “The Selecter.” It was released in March 1979 and reached its UK Charts high at position six.
12. Fishbone
| Fishbone | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Fishbone |
| Also known as | Fishbone & Familyhood Nextperience |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Funk metal, alternative rock, funk rock, ska punk |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Labels | Columbia, DC-Jam, Rowdy, Hollywood, High Times, Sound in Color, Nuttsactor 5 |
| Members | Angelo Moore, John Norwood Fisher, Walter A. Kibby II, John Steward, Christopher Dowd, Mark Phillips |
| Past members | Phillip “Fish” Fisher, Kendall Jones, Spacey T, Anthony Brewster, Dion Murdock, Tori Ruffin, Andre´ “PaDre” Holmes, Curtis Storey, John McKnight, Dre Gipson, Freddie Flint, Rocky George, Jay Armant, Paul Hampton, John Bigham |
| Background | American rock band from Los Angeles, known for their fusion of ska, punk, funk, metal, reggae, and soul. |
| Achievements | One of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the late ’80s. Notable for their diverse musical style, social commentary, and influence on subsequent alternative bands. |
| Original Members | John Norwood Fisher (bass), Philip “Fish” Fisher (drums), Angelo Moore (vocals, saxophones, theremin), Kendall Jones (guitar), “Dirty” Walter A. Kibby II (vocals, trumpet), Christopher Dowd (keyboards, trombone, vocals) |
| Major Record Deals | Signed with Columbia Records and Hollywood Records, releasing albums with special guests such as H.R. of Bad Brains, Gwen Stefani, George Clinton, Rick James, Donny Osmond, and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs. |
| Notable Albums | – In Your Face – Truth and Soul – The Reality of My Surroundings – Give a Monkey a Brain and He’ll Swear He’s the Center of the Universe – Fishbone and the Familyhood Nextperience Present: The Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx – Still Stuck in Your Throat |
| Documentary | Involved in the making of the documentary film “Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone,” which explores their history, music, and influence. |
A combination of ska, punk, funk, metal, reggae, and soul music is played by the American rock group Fishbone, founded in Los Angeles in 1979. According to AllMusic, one of the most distinctive and diverse alternative rock bands of the late ’80s is this quartet. In their early years, Fishbone was primarily regarded as a ska and funk band, but as time went on, they became more guitar-driven, focusing on rock and soul music.
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13. Bim Skala Bim
| Bim Skala Bim | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bim Skala Bim |
| Origin | Boston, Massachusetts, United States |
| Genres | Third wave ska, Ska punk |
| Years Active | 1983–2002, 2009–present |
| Members | Dan Vitale, Mark Ferranti, Jim Arhelger, Vinny Nobile, Jim Jones, Dave Butts |
| Past Members | John Cameron, Ephraim Lessell, Rick Barry, Robin Ducot, Mark Paquin, Jackie Starr, Lauren Flesher, John Ferry, Chris Rhodes, Walt Bostian |
| Influences | Bands from England’s two-tone movement, The Clash, UB40, Bob Marley |
| Sound | “Boston Blue Beat” – Upbeat two-tone ska, rock ‘n’ roll, calypso, with a reggae undertone |
| Impact | Kickstarted the third wave of ska in the 1980s, inspiring other bands in Boston and the United States |
| Notable Tour | “Boston on the Road” tour with Dropkick Murphys and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones |
Skala Bim Bim, a ska group from Boston, was inspired by the bands of the two-tone movement in England and musicians like the Clash, UB40, and Bob Marley. Since its formation in 1983, Bim Skala Bim has released twelve LPs, won ten Boston Music Awards, and eight Boston Phoenix Reader’s Poll awards, and was twice named “Best of Boston” by Boston magazine. The “Bones” album by Bim Skala Bim was ranked 19th in the “Boston Top 40 Albums of All Time” list by Boston Business Journal in March 2013.
14. Hepcat
| Hepcat | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hepcat |
| Background Information | Hepcat is a ska and reggae band formed in southern California in 1989. |
| Origin | California, United States |
| Genres | Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, Ska-jazz, Soul, R&B |
| Years Active | 1989–2000, 2003–present |
| Labels | BYO, Moon Ska, Hellcat |
| Debut Album | “Out of Nowhere” (1993, Moon Records) |
| Follow-up Album | “Scientific” (1995, BYO Records) |
| Breakthrough Album | “Right on Time” (1998, Hellcat Records) |
| Notable Hit | “No Worries” |
| Hiatus and Reunion | The band went on hiatus in the early 2000s but reunited in 2003. |
| Recent Activity | Hepcat continues to perform at concerts and festivals, but infrequently. |
| Tragic Loss | The band lost bassist David Fuentes in 2007 and guitarist Aaron Owens in 2015. |
| Diverse Talents | Some members of Hepcat have participated in other endeavors, such as acting and music projects. |
| Band Name Origin | The band’s name, “Hepcat,” is derived from the early slang term for a jazz enthusiast or hipster. |
A ska and reggae group called Hepcat was founded in southern California in 1989. Their deep harmonies and laid-back rhythms were unlike those of their contemporaries and more reminiscent of performers from the 1960s first wave of Jamaican ska, including soul, jazz, and R&B influences. Out of Nowhere, Hepcat’s debut album was released in 1993 by the ska label Moon Records in New York.
15. Streetlight Manifesto
| Streetlight Manifesto | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Streetlight Manifesto |
| Background Information | American ska punk band |
| Origin | New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States |
| Genres | Punk rock, ska punk |
| Years Active | 2002–present |
| Labels | Victory, RISC, Pentimento Music Company |
| Spinoffs | Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution, Toh Kay |
| Spinoff of | Catch 22 |
| Members | Tomas Kalnoky, Jim Conti, Chris Thatcher, Mike Brown, Pete McCullough, Matt Stewart, Karl Lyden, Dan Ross |
| Past Members | Jamie Egan, Josh Ansley, Stuart Karmatz, Pete Sibilia, Paul Lowndes, Mike Soprano, Chris Paszik, Delano Bonner, Nadav Nirenberg |
| First Album | “Everything Goes Numb” released in 2003 |
| Notable Band Connections | Members known for their roles in Catch 22 and One Cool Guy |
| Project | “99 Songs of Revolution” – Collaborative cover song project |
| Second Album | “Somewhere in the Between” released in 2007 |
| Lawsuit | $1,000,000 lawsuit filed against Tomas Kalnoky by Victory Records |
| Record Label Settlement | Band left Victory Records and acquired all master recordings |
| Upcoming Album | Sixth studio album planned for release in 2022 |
| New Song Teased | “Mayday” teased during “The Calm Before The Chaos” tour in 2022 |
| Songwriting Process | Tomas Kalnoky writes songs on an acoustic guitar and fleshes out the structure on the computer before the band adds their parts |
American ska punk band Streetlight Manifesto is from New Brunswick, New Jersey. Tomas Kalnoky, the band’s guitarist and singer, started it in 2002. Streetlight Manifesto is renowned for its political songs that personify social problems and focus on sociopolitical themes. Everything Goes Numb, their debut album, was distributed by Victory Records in 2003. In 2003, the group headlined and sold out their debut performance at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
16. The Aquabats
| The Aquabats | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | The Aquabats |
| Origin | Huntington Beach, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Comedy rock, pop punk, ska punk, new wave, power pop |
| Years Active | 1994–present |
| Labels | Horchata, Goldenvoice, Time Bomb, Fearless, Nitro |
| Members | The MC Bat Commander, Crash McLarson, Jimmy the Robot, Ricky Fitness, Eaglebones Falconhawk |
| Recognition | Easily identifiable by their masks and matching costumes. Known for their comedic persona as crime-fighting superheroes. Theatrical stage shows with stunts and fight scenes. |
| Musical Evolution | Started as an eight-member ska band, reinvented themselves as a new wave-influenced rock quintet. Current style mixes rock, punk, new wave, ska, and synth-pop. |
| Discography | Six studio albums, two extended plays, one compilation, one soundtrack album. Charted on the Billboard 200 with three albums. |
| TV Series | Created and starred in “The Aquabats! Super Show!” from 2012 to 2014. Revived as a biweekly YouTube series in late 2019. |
| Latest Album | “Kooky Spooky…In Stereo” released on August 21, 2020. |
| Formation | Formed as a joke band satirizing the Orange County punk scene. Transitioned to a ska band influenced by the local ska scene. |
| Unique Style | Wore matching costumes and masks for each performance. Created a superhero backstory and incorporated comic book aesthetics. Engaged in onstage stunts and mock battles with villains. |
| Early Success | Independently produced and recorded debut album “The Return of The Aquabats.” Rose to prominence in Orange County’s ska scene. |
| Major Label Signing | Signed to Goldenvoice Records and released “The Fury of The Aquabats!” Featured a mix of ska, punk, surf, and unconventional instruments. Minor mainstream success with Billboard 200 entry and MTV airplay. |
| Lineup Changes | Stable touring lineup with Travis Barker (later joined Blink-182) as drummer. Continued with Gabe Palmer after Barker’s departure. |
| Television Series | Pitched and produced a live-action pilot for “The Aquabats!” Short pilot directed by Bobcat Goldthwait. Series revived as a biweekly YouTube series. |
The MC Bat Commander, also known as Christian Jacobs, founded the American rock group The Aquabats in Huntington Beach, California, in 1994. Although they have been active since the 1990s, their popularity has grown significantly since the launch of their Cartoon Network television series, “The Aquabats! Super Show!” in 2012. On June 13, 2017, the show was terminated after two seasons; nevertheless, a live-action film with the same name is expected to be released in 2019.
If you are curious about the height of The Aquabats member Travis Barker, check out this article on Travis Barker height. This article explores his physical attributes and how he compares to other celebrity musicians. Additionally, you can learn about other celebrities with unique physical features and conditions such as heterochromia, in this article on celebrities with heterochromia.
17. Operation Ivy
| Operation Ivy | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Operation Ivy |
| Origin | Berkeley, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Ska punk, punk rock, hardcore punk |
| Years Active | 1987–1989 |
| Labels | Lookout, Hellcat |
| Stylistic Significance | Pioneered the fusion of hardcore punk and ska into ska punk |
| Influence | Influenced the emergence of the “East Bay Sound” and numerous bands in the third wave ska movement |
| Debut Album | “Energy” (released in March 1989) |
| Notable Performances | Live performance at 924 Gilman Street in 1988 |
| Impact | Maintained a large underground cult following and influenced bands in the punk and ska genres |
| Reunion | Unlikely to happen due to legal and logistical difficulties |
American punk music group Operation Ivy was founded in Berkeley, California, in May 1987. The group significantly impacted the development of Lookout Records and the so-called “East Bay Sound” because they were one of the first to combine aspects of hardcore punk and ska into a new hybrid known as ska punk.
18. Less Than Jake
| Less Than Jake | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Less Than Jake |
| Also known as | LTJ |
| Origin | Gainesville, Florida, U.S. |
| Genres | Ska punk, pop-punk, punk rock, skate punk (early) |
| Years Active | 1992–present |
| Labels | Dill, Asian Man, No Idea, Fat Wreck Chords, Capitol, Fueled by Ramen, Sire, Sleep It Off, Cooking Vinyl, Pure Noise |
| Members | Chris DeMakes, Roger Lima, Buddy “Goldfinger” Schaub, Peter “JR” Wasilewski, Matt Yonker |
| Past Members | Vinnie Fiorello, Shaun Grief, Jessica Mills, Derron Nuhfer, Lars “Slim” Nylander, Peter “Pete” Anna |
| Notable Albums | Pezcore, Losing Streak, Hello Rockview, Anthem, Borders and Boundaries, GNV FLA, See the Light, Silver Linings |
| Hit Singles | “She’s Gonna Break Soon,” “The Science of Selling Yourself Short” |
| Latest EP | Sound the Alarm |
| Interesting Fact | The band’s name originated from an English Bulldog named Jake |
Gainesville, Florida-based Less Than Jake is an American ska punk band founded in 1992. Chris DeMakes sings for the ensemble, including Roger Lima on trumpet, Vinnie Fiorello on trombone, Joe Gittleman on percussion, and Peter “JR” Wasilewski on trombone (bass). Pecore, the group’s debut album, was released in 1995. Their latest full-length record was Borders & Boundaries, released on March 17, 2018.
19. Rancid
| Rancid | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rancid |
| Background | American punk rock band formed in Berkeley, California in 1991 |
| Origin | Berkeley, California, U.S. |
| Years Active | 1991 (1991)–present |
| Genre | Punk rock, ska punk, street punk, pop punk |
| Labels | Hellcat, Epitaph, Lookout!, Pirates Press, Warner Bros. |
| Spinoffs | Transplants, Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards, Tim Timebomb, Devils Brigade, Shaken 69 |
| Spinoff of | Operation Ivy, Downfall |
| Members | Tim Armstrong, Matt Freeman, Lars Frederiksen, Branden Steineckert |
| Past Members | Brett Reed |
| Albums | Let’s Go (1994), … |
| Top Hits | “Time Bomb,” “Ruby Soho,” … |
| Sales | Over four million records sold worldwide |
| Commercial Success | Revived mainstream interest in punk rock during the mid-1990s |
| Influences | Influenced bands like Green Day, The Offspring, Blink-182, etc. |
| Critical Acclaim | Highly acclaimed albums: “…And Out Come the Wolves,” “Life Won’t Wait,” “Indestructible,” and more |
| Latest Album | “Tomorrow Never Comes” released in June 2023 |
| Formation | Founded by Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman, former members of Operation Ivy |
| Lineup Changes | Two lineup changes since inception, Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman as continuous members |
| Musical Style | Punk rock combined with elements of ska, reggae, rockabilly, dub, hip-hop, and funk |
| Cultural Impact | Played a significant role in the revival of punk rock in the United States during the mid-1990s |
| Fan Base | Retained a loyal fan base connected to its underground musical roots |
| Music Videos | Released a DVD compilation of 31 music videos |
| Side Projects | Tim Armstrong: Transplants, Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards, Tim Timebomb Matt Freeman: Devils Brigade |
| Tours | Successful worldwide tours and performances at major festivals |
The Berkeley, California-based punk music group Rancid was founded in 1991. In 1994 guitarist and vocalist Tim Armstrong released his first solo album, Tim Timebomb, and gained significant popularity after signing with major label Hellcat Records. Rancid’s first release for that label was the 1996 EP Let’s Go. The band’s second studio album, Ruby Soho (1997), was a commercial success, peaking at number nine on the “Billboard” 200.
20. The Slackers
| The Slackers | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | The Slackers |
| Also known as | The Nods |
| Origin | Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, Dub, Soul, Garage Rock, Jazz |
| Years Active | 1991–present |
| Labels | Hellcat, Moon Ska, Whatevski Records, Indication Records, Pirate’s Press Records, Special Potato Records, Paper + Plastick |
| Members | Vic Ruggiero, Jay Nugent, Dave Hillyard, Glen Pine, Marcus Geard, Ara Babajian |
| Past Members | Marc Lyn, T.J. Scanlon, Luis Zuluaga, Jeremy Mushlin, Allen Teboul, Dunia Best, Tobias Fields, Eric “Erok” Singer, Dave Hahn, King Django |
American ska group, The Slackers, was established in 1991 in Manhattan, New York. The band’s music combines various genres, including jazz, ska, rocksteady, reggae, and dub. The Slackers’ fame is due to their long history, extensive tours of North America, Europe, and other continents, and signing with illustrious punk label Hellcat Records.
21. Reel Big Fish
| Reel Big Fish | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Reel Big Fish |
| Origin | Huntington Beach, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Ska punk |
| Years Active | 1991–present |
| Labels | Mojo, Jive, Rock Ridge |
| Spinoffs | The Forces of Evil, The Littlest Man Band |
| Members | Aaron Barrett, Matt Appleton, Derek Gibbs, John Christianson, Edward Larsen |
| Past Members | Matt Wong, Andrew Gonzales, Zach Gilltrap, Ben Guzman, Lisa Smith, Dan Regan, Tavis Werts, and others |
Reel Big Fish is an American rock band formed in 1991 in Orange County, California. The band was founded by vocalist and guitarist Aaron Barrett, guitarist and backing vocalist Matt Wong, bassist and backing vocalist Brian “Scoop” Niedermeyer, and drummer Pat Bunch. The band’s name is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the Coen Brothers film Fargo.
22. The Aggrolites
| The Aggrolites | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | The Aggrolites |
| Live Performance | The Aggrolites (singer Jesse Wagner) – Live in Concert |
| Background Information | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Genres | Reggae, ska |
| Years Active | 2002–present |
| Labels | Axe, Hellcat, Young Cub Records |
| Formerly of | The Vessels, The Rhythm Doctors |
| Members | Jesse Wagner, Ricky Chacon, Roger Rivas, Alex McKenzie, Jeff Roffredo |
| Formation | Formed in 2002 as a live backing band for Derrick Morgan |
| Influences | Musical style known as “Dirty Reggae” with influences from 1960s soul music, funk, and skinhead reggae |
| Debut Album | Released “Dirty Reggae” in 2003 on Axe Records |
| Record Label | Signed with Hellcat Records in October 2005 |
| Achievements | IGN award for Best Reggae Album of 2007 for “Reggae Hit L.A.” |
| Collaborations | Collaborated with Tim Armstrong on his solo album “A Poet’s Life” |
| Discography | Released albums like “IV” (2009), “Rugged Road” (2011), and “Reggae Now!” (2019) |
| Notable Appearances | Featured on the show “Yo Gabba Gabba!” and in the film “Bandslam” |
| Tragic Loss | Bassist David Fuentes replaced J Bonner but passed away in 2007 |
| Latest Album | Released “Reggae Now!” on May 24, 2019, under Pirates Press Records |
| Film Feature | Song “Work to Do” featured in the film “50/50” |
The Aggrolites is a 2002-founded American reggae band based in Los Angeles, California. They are to create tracks for a new Derrick Morgan album after forming in 2002 to support the reggae legend live. Although the project was never released, the Aggrolites were inspired by the recording sessions to form a regular band.
23. Sublime
| Sublime | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sublime |
| Background | American rock band from Long Beach, California |
| Formation | 1988 |
| Members | Bradley Nowell (vocals and guitar), Eric Wilson (bass), Bud Gaugh (drums) |
| Mascot | Lou Dog, Nowell’s dalmatian, served as the band’s mascot |
| Genre | Ska punk, reggae rock |
| Labels | Skunk Records, MCA |
| Popular Songs | “What I Got”, “Santeria”, “Wrong Way”, “Doin’ Time”, “April 29, 1992 (Miami)” |
| Studio Albums | “40oz. to Freedom”, “Robbin’ the Hood”, “Sublime” |
| Major Label Debut | “Sublime” album, released two months after Nowell’s death |
| Commercial Success | “Sublime” album peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200, sold over 20 million albums worldwide |
| Spinoff Band | Sublime with Rome formed in 2009, featuring Eric Wilson, Bud Gaugh, and Rome Ramirez |
| Musical Influences | Reggae, ska, punk rock |
| Legacy | Sublime’s unique blend of genres and hits like “What I Got” left a lasting impact on the music scene |
| Posthumous Releases | “Second-Hand Smoke”, “Stand by Your Van”, “Sublime Acoustic: Bradley Nowell & Friends” |
| Documentary Film | Negotiations for a documentary film about Sublime’s association with Brad Nowell |
| Disbandment | Sublime disbanded after the death of Bradley Nowell in 1996 |
| Reunion Show | Sublime with Rome reunited for a show in Montebello, Quebec in 2012 |
| Musical Influence | Sublime’s unique fusion of genres influenced subsequent bands and musicians |
American ska punk group Sublime was founded in 1988 and is based in Long Beach, California. The band has garnered attention and critical acclaim for its fusion of musical styles, touching on reggae, punk rock, ska, surf music, and hip hop. The band was notable for Singles such as “What I Got”, “Santeria,” and “Doin Time”.