The Bollweevils grew out of the post Naked Raygun era of the Chicago punk scene. The band originally had 3 members from the start. Ken on guitar, Bob on bass and vox, and a drifter named Joe on drums. The first show at Club Stodoola(forgive my spelling I cant spell in Polish) was the start of something big!
The boys in the band would frequently see the would be lead singer of the band Daryl at Naked raygun shows. They all became fast friends as the "survivors in the front" braving the dreaded skin head wall of death that so frequently occured at any good Raygun show(ahh those were the days =) ). Bob and Ken handed Daryl a tape of songs and the next thing that happened was wild.....they played a show at the metro with Naked Raygun the bands mentors and main influence.
The drifter Joe left the band. The Bollweevils that so many fans grew to love or hate (depending on the person you speak with) manifested with the addition of Brian. Crazy kick peddle, beefy guitar, great harmonies, sweet bass lines, awesome lyrics, great vocals.....the band had a presence. They could play in front of 3 people and put on the most energetic show ever.
The energy this band produced was palpable at every show they played. On tour they would give everything at every show(in between fighting with each other) but they were one of the most approchable bands after they would finish playing. Though band mates would fight and bicker,these guys had complete and utter love and respect for each other and thats what came out in thier music and at thier shows.
The band started on underdog records but were soon noticed by Dr. Strange(after Ken had met with Harlan from Rhythm collision) and Stick your neck out was released. The band continued to garner more fans and meet more of the people in bands that they loved. Rancid, Down by Law, Youth Brigade, AFI, PegBoy, Naked Raygun.....and so many others that are covered in the liner notes of most Bollweevils records. But alas every good thing must change or die...or both.
The Band had another line up change after Weevil Live was released. Brian was out and Brett the west coast speed drummer was added to the line up. Blistering drums is all I can say. The Fireside was all the rage as far as shows in Chicago but other venues like Homewood's Off the Alley could put some Chi town venues to shame when it came to all ages shows. Even the Elmhurst VFW would have the walls sweating with the kids packed in like little punk rock sardines. The band played on......until......
San Antonio Tx, the last show on Tour for Daryl...Dr. Daryl at that time with his recent completion of medical school. He had to leave the tour to start residency but the tour had many dates left so the band played on with Bob and even Ken taking over the vocal spot for the duration. On the Weevils return they played a huge show in Elgin at the Wunderland ballroom...Daryl back on vocals. This was the begining of the end of the Bollweevils. They played a few more local shows but ended on one fall night at the Fireside without any fan fare. The people in the crowd were shocked to hear the annoncement that the show they were witnessing was the "last" Bollweevils show. But it was until we skip ahead to Thanksgiving 2003.
It had been 7 years since these guys had played together. They had grown appart but were now grown up. They were friends again and had added a new friend to the band Pete. It has been said that the WLUW show was one of the best Bollweevils shows they had ever played. I can tell you it was because I was there. You could feel the energy, the power, the love, the rock. They were back but only for the evening. Rumor has it they re-recorded one of thier songs...could there be more comming from this band? Only time will tell as the band played on.......
Cheers guys, and thanks for the add! Have been big fans for years, all that early Dr Strange stuff was great for me, I remember buying a split with you and The Freeze, and I was hooked !! Take care, Mark Croc!
Thanks guy...I need Chicago! Gonna be there in October for sure but maybe for a bit in August too. Not sure yet but I'll certainly let you know if it works out.
BRYAN CHUMP CHANGE(SPARE CHANGE) & LIDIA L.VOMITO OF THE ROCK BOTTOM CREW(R.B.C. ) WILL BE SPINNING OLD SCHOOL= PUNK,HARDCORE,THRASH,METAL,OI!, & MORE EVERY TUESDAY AT METAL SHAKERS,& CATCH ALL OF US FRIDAYS AT LIAR'S CLUB
