Ben Weasel - Revision history

Patrick: /* Books */

2023-08-29T16:26:24Z

Books

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:26, 29 August 2023
Line 39:		Line 39:

	=== Books ===		=== Books ===
	To date, Ben Weasel has authored ~~two~~ books. The first, called ''Like Hell'', which was the tale of Joe Pagan, lead singer of a popular Chicago-based punk rock band. Many assumed that this was simply a thinly-veiled autobiography, but Ben has denied this. His second book, ''Punk is a Four Letter Word'', is a collection of his fanzine writings.		To date, Ben Weasel has authored three books. The first, called ''Like Hell'', which was the tale of Joe Pagan, lead singer of a popular Chicago-based punk rock band. Many assumed that this was simply a thinly-veiled autobiography, but Ben has denied this. His second book, ''Punk is a Four Letter Word'', is a collection of his fanzine writings. In 2023, he published his third book, "Crow-Black The Night".

	=== Links ===		=== Links ===

Patrick at 14:11, 24 January 2019

2019-01-24T14:11:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:11, 24 January 2019
Line 1:		Line 1:
	'''Ben Weasel''' is best known as the singer and songwriter of [[Screeching Weasel]]. He was born Ben Foster and raised in Prospect Hts, IL (which is also home to punkdatabase.com). A troubled childhood culminated with Ben spending nearly 2 years at the controversial Elan School in Poland, Maine, where he eventually discovered punk rock and began his first attempts at songwriting. Ben appears to have been actively involved in the Chicago punk scene in the mid to late '80's, writing for local 'zines and booking shows at [[Durty Nellies]], but locally his reputation began to decline as his band's national popularity rose. Nationally, Ben gained notoriety and controversy for columns he wrote for fanzines, most notably Maximum ~~Rock-N-Roll~~. An early letter he wrote to Maximum ~~Rock-N-Roll~~, in which he ripped on SST Records and compared Sonic Youth and Husker Du to Yes and REO Speedwagon, was re-printed in Sonic Youth's ''Master=Dik'' 12" single.		'''Ben Weasel''' is best known as the singer and songwriter of [[Screeching Weasel]]. He was born Ben Foster and raised in Prospect Hts, IL (which is also home to punkdatabase.com). A troubled childhood culminated with Ben spending nearly 2 years at the controversial Elan School in Poland, Maine, where he eventually discovered punk rock and began his first attempts at songwriting. Ben appears to have been actively involved in the Chicago punk scene in the mid to late '80's, writing for local 'zines and booking shows at [[Durty Nellies]], but locally his reputation began to decline as his band's national popularity rose. Nationally, Ben gained notoriety and controversy for columns he wrote for fanzines, most notably Maximum Rocknroll. An early letter he wrote to Maximum Rocknroll, in which he ripped on SST Records and compared Sonic Youth and Husker Du to Yes and REO Speedwagon, was re-printed in Sonic Youth's ''Master=Dik'' 12" single.

	In [[2006]], Ben and his wife moved to a farm outside of Madison, Wisconsin.		In [[2006]], Ben and his wife moved to a farm outside of Madison, Wisconsin.

Patrick: /* Record Labels */

2018-07-26T14:48:35Z

Record Labels

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:48, 26 July 2018
Line 34:		Line 34:
	*In 1997, Ben and [[Jughead]] founded Panic Button Records. They sold the label to Lookout Records in 2001 after [[Screeching Weasel]] broke up again.		*In 1997, Ben and [[Jughead]] founded Panic Button Records. They sold the label to Lookout Records in 2001 after [[Screeching Weasel]] broke up again.

	*In 2007, Ben announced the formation of the Mendota Recording Co., a new record label that would release music in digital format only.		*In 2007, Ben announced the formation of the Mendota Recording Co., a new record label that would release music in digital format only. The only release was Ben's second solo album, '''These Ones Are Bitter".

	*In 2017, Ben reissued Screeching Weasel's 1993 LP '''Wiggle''' as well as a digital single called "Christmas Eve"/"New Year's Eve" through his own imprint called Monona Music.		*In 2017, Ben reissued Screeching Weasel's 1993 LP '''Wiggle''' as well as a digital single called "Christmas Eve"/"New Year's Eve" through his own imprint called Monona Music.

Patrick: /* Record Labels */

2018-07-26T14:44:57Z

Record Labels

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:44, 26 July 2018
Line 35:		Line 35:

	*In 2007, Ben announced the formation of the Mendota Recording Co., a new record label that would release music in digital format only.		*In 2007, Ben announced the formation of the Mendota Recording Co., a new record label that would release music in digital format only.

			*In 2017, Ben reissued Screeching Weasel's 1993 LP '''Wiggle''' as well as a digital single called "Christmas Eve"/"New Year's Eve" through his own imprint called Monona Music.

	=== Books ===		=== Books ===

Patrick at 15:24, 30 August 2016

2016-08-30T15:24:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:24, 30 August 2016
Line 1:		Line 1:
	'''Ben Weasel''' is best known as the singer and songwriter of [[Screeching Weasel]]. He was born Ben Foster and raised in Prospect Hts, IL (which is also home to punkdatabase.com). Ben appears to have been actively involved in the Chicago punk scene in the late '80's, but locally his reputation began to decline as his band's national popularity rose. Nationally, Ben gained notoriety and controversy for columns he wrote for fanzines, most notably Maximum Rock ~~and~~ Roll.		'''Ben Weasel''' is best known as the singer and songwriter of [[Screeching Weasel]]. He was born Ben Foster and raised in Prospect Hts, IL (which is also home to punkdatabase.com). A troubled childhood culminated with Ben spending nearly 2 years at the controversial Elan School in Poland, Maine, where he eventually discovered punk rock and began his first attempts at songwriting. Ben appears to have been actively involved in the Chicago punk scene in the mid to late '80's, writing for local 'zines and booking shows at [[Durty Nellies]], but locally his reputation began to decline as his band's national popularity rose. Nationally, Ben gained notoriety and controversy for columns he wrote for fanzines, most notably Maximum Rock-N-Roll. An early letter he wrote to Maximum Rock-N-Roll, in which he ripped on SST Records and compared Sonic Youth and Husker Du to Yes and REO Speedwagon, was re-printed in Sonic Youth's ''Master=Dik'' 12" single.

	In [[2006]], Ben and his wife moved to a farm outside of Madison, Wisconsin.		In [[2006]], Ben and his wife moved to a farm outside of Madison, Wisconsin.
Line 5:		Line 5:

	=== Music ===		=== Music ===
	*In [[1986]], after witnessing the Ramones in concert, Ben formed his first band with guitarist John Pierson, aka [[Jughead]]. ~~Initally~~ called [[All Night Garage Sale]], the band soon changed their name to [[Screeching Weasel]]. [[Screeching Weasel]] was very prolific and released a slew of LPs and EPs between [[1987]] and [[2000]]. The band also when through a number of line up changes and broke up three times. In [[2009]], Ben announced he was reforming the band with on-again-off-again SW member [[Dan Schafer]] but without [[Jughead]].		*In [[1986]], after witnessing the Ramones in concert, Ben formed his first band with guitarist John Pierson, aka [[Jughead]]. It was the first band for both Ben and John. Initially called [[All Night Garage Sale]], the band soon changed their name to [[Screeching Weasel]]. [[Screeching Weasel]] was very prolific and released a slew of LPs and EPs between [[1987]] and [[2000]]. The band also when through a number of line up changes and broke up three times. In [[2009]], Ben announced he was reforming the band with on-again-off-again SW member [[Dan Schafer]] but without [[Jughead]].

	*In [[1990]], Ben and [[Jughead]] formed a band with [[Russ Forster]] (formerly of [[Spongetunnel]] and [[Fudge Tunnel]]) and [[Glynis Johnson]], the former bassist of [[Friends of Betty]] and [[Red Red Meat]], but Glynis quit after the first show. Initially called "Glynis Johnson and the Disgusteens", the band later became "The Gore Gore Girls" (not the current all-female band of the same name from Detroit). They broke up after third show, by which time they were also on their 3rd bassist.		*In [[1990]], Ben and [[Jughead]] formed a band with [[Russ Forster]] (formerly of [[Spongetunnel]] and [[Fudge Tunnel]]) and [[Glynis Johnson]], the former bassist of [[Friends of Betty]] and [[Red Red Meat]], but Glynis quit after the first show. Initially called "Glynis Johnson and the Disgusteens", the band later became "The Gore Gore Girls" (not the current all-female band of the same name from Detroit). They broke up after third show, by which time they were also on their 3rd bassist.
Line 32:		Line 32:
	*In 1991, Ben formed No Budget Productions to reissue [[Screeching Weasel]]'s ''Punkhouse'' EP, which was, at the time, out of print. In an insert included with the ''Punkhouse'' reissue, Ben stated his intention to use No Budget Productions to issue 7" punk records by bands he liked, such as the Queers and the Vindictives, but nothing actually ever came of this.		*In 1991, Ben formed No Budget Productions to reissue [[Screeching Weasel]]'s ''Punkhouse'' EP, which was, at the time, out of print. In an insert included with the ''Punkhouse'' reissue, Ben stated his intention to use No Budget Productions to issue 7" punk records by bands he liked, such as the Queers and the Vindictives, but nothing actually ever came of this.

	*In 1997, Ben and [[Jughead]] founded Panic Button Records. They sold the label to Lookout Records in 2001 after [[Screeching Weasel]] broke up ~~for a final time~~.		*In 1997, Ben and [[Jughead]] founded Panic Button Records. They sold the label to Lookout Records in 2001 after [[Screeching Weasel]] broke up again.

	*In 2007, Ben announced the formation of the Mendota Recording Co., a new record label that would release music in digital format only.		*In 2007, Ben announced the formation of the Mendota Recording Co., a new record label that would release music in digital format only.

	=== Books ===		=== Books ===
	To date, Ben Weasel has authored two books. The first, called ''Like Hell'', which was the tale of Joe Pagan, lead singer of a popular Chicago-based punk rock band. Many assumed that this was simply a thinly-veiled autobiography, but Ben has denied this. His second book, ''Punk is a Four Letter Word'', is a collection of his fanzine writings~~. He is said to be at work on another book~~.		To date, Ben Weasel has authored two books. The first, called ''Like Hell'', which was the tale of Joe Pagan, lead singer of a popular Chicago-based punk rock band. Many assumed that this was simply a thinly-veiled autobiography, but Ben has denied this. His second book, ''Punk is a Four Letter Word'', is a collection of his fanzine writings.

	=== Links ===		=== Links ===

Patrick at 21:18, 21 December 2015

2015-12-21T21:18:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:18, 21 December 2015
Line 41:		Line 41:
	=== Links ===		=== Links ===

	[~~http~~://~~www~~.~~benweasel.mu.nu~~ Ben Weasel's ~~blog~~]		[https://twitter.com/BenWeasel Ben Weasel's Twitter]

	[[Category:Scene Members\|Weasel, Ben]]		[[Category:Scene Members\|Weasel, Ben]]

Patrick: /* Music */

2015-12-21T21:15:53Z

Music

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:15, 21 December 2015
Line 11:		Line 11:
	*In [[1991]], Ben joined [[The Vindictives]], volunteering his services as rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist when [[Joey Vindictive]] talked to Ben about needing a 2nd guitarist to fill out the band's sound. Ben had previously recommended [[Johnny Personality]] and [[Erik Elsewhere]] to Joey. Ben wrote 1 song and recorded 18 songs with the band. He appeared on their first 4 EPs and a couple of compilations before [[Billy Blastoff]] took over Ben's duties in the band. When the Vindictives compiled their early tracks for the ''Many Moods Of The Vindictives'' CD, a compilation of early tracks, in 1995, Billy Blastoff re-recorded Ben's parts. Joey Vindictive has since claimed that this was only done because he felt it pointless to showcase a former band member and leave his replacement waiting in the wings. The original versions of the 18 songs Ben played on were released on the ''Original Masters'' CD compilation in 2003.		*In [[1991]], Ben joined [[The Vindictives]], volunteering his services as rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist when [[Joey Vindictive]] talked to Ben about needing a 2nd guitarist to fill out the band's sound. Ben had previously recommended [[Johnny Personality]] and [[Erik Elsewhere]] to Joey. Ben wrote 1 song and recorded 18 songs with the band. He appeared on their first 4 EPs and a couple of compilations before [[Billy Blastoff]] took over Ben's duties in the band. When the Vindictives compiled their early tracks for the ''Many Moods Of The Vindictives'' CD, a compilation of early tracks, in 1995, Billy Blastoff re-recorded Ben's parts. Joey Vindictive has since claimed that this was only done because he felt it pointless to showcase a former band member and leave his replacement waiting in the wings. The original versions of the 18 songs Ben played on were released on the ''Original Masters'' CD compilation in 2003.

	*In [[1995]], Ben formed [[the Riverdales]] with 2 former [[Screeching Weasel]] members. ~~The group released~~ 2 LPs of pop punk that was heavily influenced by the Ramones~~. The~~ group split in 1997 and Ben would comment later that a European tour with Green Day "destroyed any ~~semblence~~ of friendship" between the band members. However, in 2003, Ben and bassist/vocalist [[Dan Schafer]] reunited with a new drummer to record an new LP, ''Phase 3''. The band went dormant after the release of the album but announced new activity at the end of 2008. They released 2 more albums before splitting again in 2011.		*In [[1995]], Ben formed [[the Riverdales]] with 2 former [[Screeching Weasel]] members. After releasing 2 LPs of pop punk that was heavily influenced by the Ramones, the group split in 1997 and Ben would comment later that a European tour with Green Day "destroyed any semblance of friendship" between the band members. However, in 2003, Ben and bassist/vocalist [[Dan Schafer]] reunited with a new drummer to record an new LP, ''Phase 3''. The band went dormant after the release of the album but announced new activity at the end of 2008. They released 2 more albums before splitting again in 2011.

	*In [[1996]], a 7" EP appeared on Lookout Records by a band called The Shotdowns. Ben Weasel claimed that this was a group from the backwoods of Maine that he had discovered. In fact, the group was actually Ben Weasel and [[Jughead]], with Sun-Times rock critic Jim DeRogotis playing drums and mystery bass player.		*In [[1996]], a 7" EP appeared on Lookout Records by a band called The Shotdowns. Ben Weasel claimed that this was a group from the backwoods of Maine that he had discovered. In fact, the group was actually Ben Weasel and [[Jughead]], with Sun-Times rock critic Jim DeRogotis playing drums and mystery bass player.
Line 19:		Line 19:
	*After the solo CD, Ben briefly played with an outfit called Sweet Black and Blue, but the group dissolved due to scheduling conflicts amongst the members.		*After the solo CD, Ben briefly played with an outfit called Sweet Black and Blue, but the group dissolved due to scheduling conflicts amongst the members.

	*In [[2007]], Ben released his 2nd solo album, ~~<i>~~These Ones Are Bitter~~</i>~~ under the moniker "Ben Weasel and his Iron String Quartet". The album was originally released on Ben's Mendota label. Ben had announced that there were no plans for a CD release, although Edmond Records released a limited edition vinyl version (which, interestingly, also included a CD version of the album). In 2009, Asian Man Records reissued the album on CD and vinyl.		*In [[2007]], Ben released his 2nd solo album, ''These Ones Are Bitter'' under the moniker "Ben Weasel and his Iron String Quartet". The album was originally released on Ben's Mendota label. Ben had announced that there were no plans for a CD release, although Edmond Records released a limited edition vinyl version (which, interestingly, also included a CD version of the album). In 2009, Asian Man Records reissued the album on CD and vinyl.

	*In [[2009]], Ben released <i>The Brain That Wouldn't Die</i>, which captured a live performance of [[Screeching Weasel]]'s <i>My Brain Hurts</i> LP (minus 2 tracks, a cover of "I Can See Clearly" and "Fathead", a song co-written by SW co-founder [[Jughead]]) performed live at [[Reggie's Rock Club]] in Chicago in August of 2008. [[Dan Schafer]] plays guitar on the record.		*In [[2009]], Ben released <i>The Brain That Wouldn't Die</i>, which captured a live performance of [[Screeching Weasel]]'s <i>My Brain Hurts</i> LP (minus 2 tracks, a cover of "I Can See Clearly" and "Fathead", a song co-written by SW co-founder [[Jughead]]) performed live at [[Reggie's Rock Club]] in Chicago in August of 2008. [[Dan Schafer]] plays guitar on the record.

Patrick: /* Music */

2015-12-09T21:32:03Z

Music

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:32, 9 December 2015
Line 5:		Line 5:

	=== Music ===		=== Music ===
	*In [[1986]], after witnessing the Ramones in concert, Ben formed his first band with guitarist John Pierson, aka [[Jughead]]. Initally called [[All Night Garage Sale]], the band soon changed their name to [[Screeching Weasel]]. [[Screeching Weasel]] was very prolific and released a slew of LPs and EPs between [[1987]] and [[2000]]. The band also when through a number of line up changes and broke up three times. In [[2009]], Ben announced he was reforming the band with on-again-off-again SW member [[Dan Schafer]] but without [[Jughead]]. ~~The new version of the band has performed live but Ben has not announced whether or not they will record new material.~~		*In [[1986]], after witnessing the Ramones in concert, Ben formed his first band with guitarist John Pierson, aka [[Jughead]]. Initally called [[All Night Garage Sale]], the band soon changed their name to [[Screeching Weasel]]. [[Screeching Weasel]] was very prolific and released a slew of LPs and EPs between [[1987]] and [[2000]]. The band also when through a number of line up changes and broke up three times. In [[2009]], Ben announced he was reforming the band with on-again-off-again SW member [[Dan Schafer]] but without [[Jughead]].

	*In [[1990]], Ben and [[Jughead]] formed a band with [[Russ Forster]] (formerly of [[Spongetunnel]] and [[Fudge Tunnel]]) and [[Glynis Johnson]], the former bassist of [[Friends of Betty]] and [[Red Red Meat]], but Glynis quit after the first show. Initially called "Glynis Johnson and the Disgusteens", the band later became "The Gore Gore Girls" (not the current all-female band of the same name from Detroit). They broke up after third show, by which time they were also on their 3rd bassist.		*In [[1990]], Ben and [[Jughead]] formed a band with [[Russ Forster]] (formerly of [[Spongetunnel]] and [[Fudge Tunnel]]) and [[Glynis Johnson]], the former bassist of [[Friends of Betty]] and [[Red Red Meat]], but Glynis quit after the first show. Initially called "Glynis Johnson and the Disgusteens", the band later became "The Gore Gore Girls" (not the current all-female band of the same name from Detroit). They broke up after third show, by which time they were also on their 3rd bassist.
Line 11:		Line 11:
	*In [[1991]], Ben joined [[The Vindictives]], volunteering his services as rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist when [[Joey Vindictive]] talked to Ben about needing a 2nd guitarist to fill out the band's sound. Ben had previously recommended [[Johnny Personality]] and [[Erik Elsewhere]] to Joey. Ben wrote 1 song and recorded 18 songs with the band. He appeared on their first 4 EPs and a couple of compilations before [[Billy Blastoff]] took over Ben's duties in the band. When the Vindictives compiled their early tracks for the ''Many Moods Of The Vindictives'' CD, a compilation of early tracks, in 1995, Billy Blastoff re-recorded Ben's parts. Joey Vindictive has since claimed that this was only done because he felt it pointless to showcase a former band member and leave his replacement waiting in the wings. The original versions of the 18 songs Ben played on were released on the ''Original Masters'' CD compilation in 2003.		*In [[1991]], Ben joined [[The Vindictives]], volunteering his services as rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist when [[Joey Vindictive]] talked to Ben about needing a 2nd guitarist to fill out the band's sound. Ben had previously recommended [[Johnny Personality]] and [[Erik Elsewhere]] to Joey. Ben wrote 1 song and recorded 18 songs with the band. He appeared on their first 4 EPs and a couple of compilations before [[Billy Blastoff]] took over Ben's duties in the band. When the Vindictives compiled their early tracks for the ''Many Moods Of The Vindictives'' CD, a compilation of early tracks, in 1995, Billy Blastoff re-recorded Ben's parts. Joey Vindictive has since claimed that this was only done because he felt it pointless to showcase a former band member and leave his replacement waiting in the wings. The original versions of the 18 songs Ben played on were released on the ''Original Masters'' CD compilation in 2003.

	*In [[1995]], Ben formed [[the Riverdales]] with 2 former [[Screeching Weasel]] members. The group released 2 LPs of pop punk that was heavily influenced by the Ramones. The group split in 1997 and Ben would comment later that a European tour with Green Day "destroyed any semblence of friendship" between the band members. However, in 2003, Ben and bassist/vocalist [[Dan Schafer]] reunited with a new drummer to record an new LP, ''Phase 3''. The band went dormant after the release of the album but announced new activity at the end of 2008. ~~A new album, ''Invasion U.S.A.'', was~~ released in ~~2009~~.		*In [[1995]], Ben formed [[the Riverdales]] with 2 former [[Screeching Weasel]] members. The group released 2 LPs of pop punk that was heavily influenced by the Ramones. The group split in 1997 and Ben would comment later that a European tour with Green Day "destroyed any semblence of friendship" between the band members. However, in 2003, Ben and bassist/vocalist [[Dan Schafer]] reunited with a new drummer to record an new LP, ''Phase 3''. The band went dormant after the release of the album but announced new activity at the end of 2008. They released 2 more albums before splitting again in 2011.

	*In [[1996]], a 7" EP appeared on Lookout Records by a band called The Shotdowns. Ben Weasel claimed that this was a group from the backwoods of Maine that he had discovered. In fact, the group was actually Ben Weasel and [[Jughead]], with Sun-Times rock critic Jim DeRogotis playing drums and mystery bass player.		*In [[1996]], a 7" EP appeared on Lookout Records by a band called The Shotdowns. Ben Weasel claimed that this was a group from the backwoods of Maine that he had discovered. In fact, the group was actually Ben Weasel and [[Jughead]], with Sun-Times rock critic Jim DeRogotis playing drums and mystery bass player.

Patrick: /* Music */

2009-08-17T21:35:15Z

Music

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:35, 17 August 2009
Line 5:		Line 5:

	=== Music ===		=== Music ===
	*In [[1986]], after witnessing the Ramones in concert, Ben formed his first band with guitarist John Pierson, aka [[Jughead]]. Initally called [[All Night Garage Sale]], the band soon changed their name to [[Screeching Weasel]]. [[Screeching Weasel]] was very prolific and released a slew of LPs and EPs between [[1987]] and [[2000]]. The band also when through a number of line up changes and broke up three times. In [[2009]], Ben announced he was reforming the band with on-again-off-again SW member [[Dan Schafer]] but without [[Jughead]].		*In [[1986]], after witnessing the Ramones in concert, Ben formed his first band with guitarist John Pierson, aka [[Jughead]]. Initally called [[All Night Garage Sale]], the band soon changed their name to [[Screeching Weasel]]. [[Screeching Weasel]] was very prolific and released a slew of LPs and EPs between [[1987]] and [[2000]]. The band also when through a number of line up changes and broke up three times. In [[2009]], Ben announced he was reforming the band with on-again-off-again SW member [[Dan Schafer]] but without [[Jughead]]. The new version of the band has performed live but Ben has not announced whether or not they will record new material.

	*In [[1990]], Ben and [[Jughead]] formed a band with [[Russ Forster]] (formerly of [[~~Sponge~~]] and [[~~Fudgetunnel~~]]) and [[Glynis Johnson]], the former bassist of [[Friends of Betty]] and [[Red Red Meat]], but Glynis quit after the first show. Initially called "Glynis Johnson and the Disgusteens", the band later became "The Gore Gore Girls" (not the current all-female band of the same name from Detroit). They broke up after third show, by which time they were also on their 3rd bassist. ~~That same year, Ben also played guitar in the Vindictives and appeared on some of their early EPs.~~		*In [[1990]], Ben and [[Jughead]] formed a band with [[Russ Forster]] (formerly of [[Spongetunnel]] and [[Fudge Tunnel]]) and [[Glynis Johnson]], the former bassist of [[Friends of Betty]] and [[Red Red Meat]], but Glynis quit after the first show. Initially called "Glynis Johnson and the Disgusteens", the band later became "The Gore Gore Girls" (not the current all-female band of the same name from Detroit). They broke up after third show, by which time they were also on their 3rd bassist.

	*In [[1995]], Ben formed [[the Riverdales]] with 2 former [[Screeching Weasel]] members. The group released 2 LPs of pop punk that was heavily influenced by the Ramones. The group split in 1997 and Ben would comment later that a European tour with Green Day "destroyed any semblence of friendship" between the band members. However, in 2003, Ben and bassist/vocalist [[Dan Schafer]] reunited with a new drummer to record an new LP, ''Phase 3''. The band went dormant after the release of the album but announced new activity at the end of 2008.		*In [[1991]], Ben joined [[The Vindictives]], volunteering his services as rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist when [[Joey Vindictive]] talked to Ben about needing a 2nd guitarist to fill out the band's sound. Ben had previously recommended [[Johnny Personality]] and [[Erik Elsewhere]] to Joey. Ben wrote 1 song and recorded 18 songs with the band. He appeared on their first 4 EPs and a couple of compilations before [[Billy Blastoff]] took over Ben's duties in the band. When the Vindictives compiled their early tracks for the ''Many Moods Of The Vindictives'' CD, a compilation of early tracks, in 1995, Billy Blastoff re-recorded Ben's parts. Joey Vindictive has since claimed that this was only done because he felt it pointless to showcase a former band member and leave his replacement waiting in the wings. The original versions of the 18 songs Ben played on were released on the ''Original Masters'' CD compilation in 2003.

			*In [[1995]], Ben formed [[the Riverdales]] with 2 former [[Screeching Weasel]] members. The group released 2 LPs of pop punk that was heavily influenced by the Ramones. The group split in 1997 and Ben would comment later that a European tour with Green Day "destroyed any semblence of friendship" between the band members. However, in 2003, Ben and bassist/vocalist [[Dan Schafer]] reunited with a new drummer to record an new LP, ''Phase 3''. The band went dormant after the release of the album but announced new activity at the end of 2008. A new album, ''Invasion U.S.A.'', was released in 2009.

	*In [[1996]], a 7" EP appeared on Lookout Records by a band called The Shotdowns. Ben Weasel claimed that this was a group from the backwoods of Maine that he had discovered. In fact, the group was actually Ben Weasel and [[Jughead]], with Sun-Times rock critic Jim DeRogotis playing drums and mystery bass player.		*In [[1996]], a 7" EP appeared on Lookout Records by a band called The Shotdowns. Ben Weasel claimed that this was a group from the backwoods of Maine that he had discovered. In fact, the group was actually Ben Weasel and [[Jughead]], with Sun-Times rock critic Jim DeRogotis playing drums and mystery bass player.
Line 17:		Line 19:
	*After the solo CD, Ben briefly played with an outfit called Sweet Black and Blue, but the group dissolved due to scheduling conflicts amongst the members.		*After the solo CD, Ben briefly played with an outfit called Sweet Black and Blue, but the group dissolved due to scheduling conflicts amongst the members.

	*In [[2007]], Ben released his 2nd solo album, <i>These Ones Are Bitter</i> under the moniker "Ben Weasel and his Iron String Quartet". The album was originally released on Ben's Mendota label. Ben had announced that there were no plans for a CD release, although Edmond Records released a limited edition vinyl version (which, interestingly, also included a CD version of the album). In 2009, Asian Man Records ~~announced that they would reissue~~ the album on CD and vinyl.		*In [[2007]], Ben released his 2nd solo album, <i>These Ones Are Bitter</i> under the moniker "Ben Weasel and his Iron String Quartet". The album was originally released on Ben's Mendota label. Ben had announced that there were no plans for a CD release, although Edmond Records released a limited edition vinyl version (which, interestingly, also included a CD version of the album). In 2009, Asian Man Records reissued the album on CD and vinyl.

	*In [[2009]], Ben released <i>The Brain That Wouldn't Die</i>, which captured a live performance of [[Screeching Weasel]]'s <i>My Brain Hurts</i> LP (minus 2 tracks, a cover of "I Can See Clearly" and "Fathead", a song co-written by SW co-founder [[Jughead]]) performed live at [[Reggie's Rock Club]] in Chicago in August of 2008. [[Dan Schafer]] plays guitar on the record.		*In [[2009]], Ben released <i>The Brain That Wouldn't Die</i>, which captured a live performance of [[Screeching Weasel]]'s <i>My Brain Hurts</i> LP (minus 2 tracks, a cover of "I Can See Clearly" and "Fathead", a song co-written by SW co-founder [[Jughead]]) performed live at [[Reggie's Rock Club]] in Chicago in August of 2008. [[Dan Schafer]] plays guitar on the record.

Patrick: /* Music */

2009-06-24T20:58:12Z

Music

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 24 June 2009
Line 5:		Line 5:

	=== Music ===		=== Music ===
	*In [[1986]], after witnessing the Ramones in concert, Ben formed his first band with guitarist John Pierson, aka [[Jughead]]. Initally called [[All Night Garage Sale]], the band soon changed their name to [[Screeching Weasel]]. [[Screeching Weasel]] was very prolific and released a slew of LPs and EPs between [[1987]] and [[2000]]. The band also when through a number of line up changes and broke up three times.		*In [[1986]], after witnessing the Ramones in concert, Ben formed his first band with guitarist John Pierson, aka [[Jughead]]. Initally called [[All Night Garage Sale]], the band soon changed their name to [[Screeching Weasel]]. [[Screeching Weasel]] was very prolific and released a slew of LPs and EPs between [[1987]] and [[2000]]. The band also when through a number of line up changes and broke up three times. In [[2009]], Ben announced he was reforming the band with on-again-off-again SW member [[Dan Schafer]] but without [[Jughead]].

	*In [[1990]], Ben and [[Jughead]] formed a band with [[Russ Forster]] (formerly of [[Sponge]] and [[Fudgetunnel]]) and [[Glynis Johnson]], the former bassist of [[Friends of Betty]] and [[Red Red Meat]], but Glynis quit after the first show. Initially called "Glynis Johnson and the Disgusteens", the band later became "The Gore Gore Girls" (not the current all-female band of the same name from Detroit). They broke up after third show, by which time they were also on their 3rd bassist. That same year, Ben also played guitar in the Vindictives and appeared on some of their early EPs.		*In [[1990]], Ben and [[Jughead]] formed a band with [[Russ Forster]] (formerly of [[Sponge]] and [[Fudgetunnel]]) and [[Glynis Johnson]], the former bassist of [[Friends of Betty]] and [[Red Red Meat]], but Glynis quit after the first show. Initially called "Glynis Johnson and the Disgusteens", the band later became "The Gore Gore Girls" (not the current all-female band of the same name from Detroit). They broke up after third show, by which time they were also on their 3rd bassist. That same year, Ben also played guitar in the Vindictives and appeared on some of their early EPs.
Line 17:		Line 17:
	*After the solo CD, Ben briefly played with an outfit called Sweet Black and Blue, but the group dissolved due to scheduling conflicts amongst the members.		*After the solo CD, Ben briefly played with an outfit called Sweet Black and Blue, but the group dissolved due to scheduling conflicts amongst the members.

	*In [[2007]], Ben released his 2nd solo album, <i>These Ones Are Bitter</i> under the moniker "Ben Weasel and his Iron String Quartet". The album was originally released on Ben's Mendota label. Ben had announced that there were no plans for a CD release, although ~~Edision~~ Records released a limited edition vinyl version (which, interestingly, also included a CD version of the album). In 2009, Asian Man Records announced that they would reissue the album on CD and vinyl.		*In [[2007]], Ben released his 2nd solo album, <i>These Ones Are Bitter</i> under the moniker "Ben Weasel and his Iron String Quartet". The album was originally released on Ben's Mendota label. Ben had announced that there were no plans for a CD release, although Edmond Records released a limited edition vinyl version (which, interestingly, also included a CD version of the album). In 2009, Asian Man Records announced that they would reissue the album on CD and vinyl.

			*In [[2009]], Ben released <i>The Brain That Wouldn't Die</i>, which captured a live performance of [[Screeching Weasel]]'s <i>My Brain Hurts</i> LP (minus 2 tracks, a cover of "I Can See Clearly" and "Fathead", a song co-written by SW co-founder [[Jughead]]) performed live at [[Reggie's Rock Club]] in Chicago in August of 2008. [[Dan Schafer]] plays guitar on the record.

	=== Record Labels ===		=== Record Labels ===