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<title>PENNYWISE</title>
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Pennywise is: <p>
Jim Lindberg - Vocals <br>
Fletcher Dragge - Guitar <br>
Byron McMackin - Drums <br>
Randy Bradbury - Bass <p>
In 1988, Lindberg, Dragge, McMackin, and then-bassist Jason Thirsk formed Pennywise in Hermosa Beach, California. Incorporating skate-punk into CA hardcore, the band had created a new sound. PW released "A Word From The Wise" on Theologian Records in 1989, and were signed to Epitaph Records the following year. After releasing their self-titled debut album, the band embarked on a national tour and gained a large fan base. <p>
Six months after the release of the debut, Lindberg left the group because he was frustrated with their lack of motivation. Jason Thirsk filled his spot and Randy Bradbury came in to play bass. In late 1992, a married Lindberg rejoined the group and they finished off their sophomore effort, "Unknown Road". After the success of once-underground punk bands like Green Day and The Offspring, several big record companies approached PW, who opted to stay with Epitaph.
"About Time" was released in 1995. <p>
Pennywise became famous for their touring, like so many bands before them. Guitarist Fletcher Dragge was famous for vomiting on his audience, which (for some reason) was a draw to the fans. "About Time" was an indie hit and Pennywise was becoming one of the most popular bands in the punk underground. <p>
In the summer of 1996, the band went into the studio to record their fourth full-length, "Full Circle". However, bassist Thirsk took a leave of absence from the band to gain control of his growing alcohol problem. Bradbury once again took the position of substitute. Sadly, though, Jason Thirsk committed suicide on July 29, 1996 after a drinking binge. The band was shaken and unsure of PW’s future, but, with Bradbury now a permanent fixture, they decided to move on. They re-recorded an early PW song, "Bro Hymn", in Thirsk’s honor on "Full Circle". <p>
"Full Circle" boosted the band’s popularity, as did their stint on the 1997 Warped Tour. They were now among punk’s elite, as popular with the Warped Tour crowd as bands like NOFX.
After their touring was completed, PW returned to the studio to record "Straight Ahead". It was released in 1999, and, backed by the radio hit "Alien", was an instant success with not only PW fans, but with a whole new crowd. <hr>
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<center> <font size="8"> <u> Discography</u> </font> </center> <p>
1989- A Word From The Wise/Wildcard <br>
--- Pennywise’s first release showcased their ability to mix funk and punk. It includes a cover of "Stand By Me". <p>
1991- Pennywise <br>
--- Their self-titled album is often referred to as their best. It includes the self-titled track "Pennywise", as well as anthems like "Rules" and "Wouldn’t It Be Nice". <p>
1993- Unknown Road <br>
--- From the opening title track to the finale "Clear Your Head", PW’s second full-length truly shows how much of a power-punk band Pennywise is. It includes fan favorites like "Homesick" and "Dying To Know". <p>
1995- About Time <br>
--- Yet another album packed with fan anthems, "About Time" was probably the album that grabbed the punk underground by the balls and let them know that Pennywise was going to be around for a long time. It includes two of my personal favorites, "Same Old Story" and "Perfect People", as well as "Every Single Day" and "It’s What You Do With It". "About Time" was Jason Thirsk’s last album with the band. <p>
1997- Full Circle <br>
--- Dedicated to former bassist Thirsk, "Full Circle" is nothing short of a punk masterpiece. The songs "Society" and "Fight Till You Die" are amazing, and the re-vamped version of "Bro Hymn" (which originially appeared on the self-titled album) is still the final song played at every Pennywise show. <p>
1999- Straight Ahead <br>
---Many expected PW’s latest release to be chock full-o-crap, which would’ve been following a
trend of punk. Some of the most popular bands of the genre (take Bad Religion and Blink 182 as
examples) had recently released albums that were not up to their level. However, "Straight
Ahead" was received quite while by critics and fans as well. The band had seemingly found
their "calm point", as is shown on melodic songs like "Alien". However, they continued to please
with songs like "Greed", "My Own Country", and "Just For You". <p>
2001 - Land Of The Free (?) <br>
--- Once again PW fails to dissapoint with a new record with an amazing flow. The title track, "Fuck Authority", "My God", and pretty much the rest of the album once again showcase the band as one with true staying power in a genre who's heroes are fading fast. <p>
<center> <font size="8"> <u> Other Stuff</u> </font> </center> <p>
The real "Word From The Wise" is a 7" EP. "Wildcard" was added to it and re-released by
Epitaph sometime in the early-90’s. You can pick up "Word" for under $10 wherever they sell
punk music. <p>
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