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Biography
Originally formed under the moniker Rainbow Butt Monkeys, the funk fusion band generated significant local buzz and a devoted following during their early years. Having played an early show at Lester B. Pearson High School’s Christmas concert in 1990, the band won a rock contest for 97.7 CHTZ, and used the money to record a debut album “Letters from Chutney” in 1995. In 1996 the group began to be managed by Coalition Entertainment, and opted to take their music in a more serious direction, later changing the name to Finger Eleven.
Formed of vocalist Scott Anderson, bassist Sean Anderson, drummer Rich Beddoe, and a pair of guitarists James Black and Rick Jackett, the band released their sophomore album “Tip” in 1997. Markedly far-removed from their earlier releases the album features a hard rock sound and resulted in Finger Eleven touring alongside Creed and Fuel in support of the record. The full-length “The Greyest of Blue Skies”, like its predecessor was produced by Our Lady Peace’s Arnold Lanni, and released in July 2000. Whilst failing to cause a stir in the U.S, “The Greyest of Blue Skies” represented their biggest Canadian release to date with over 50,000 units sold. Peaking at No. 17 on the Canadian Albums Chart, the record earned positive reviews aided by the singles “First Time”, “Drag You Down”, and “Bones + Joints”.
The band’s subsequent album, 2003’s “Finger Eleven” represented the band’s mainstream breakthrough with over 500,000 albums sold in the U.S. alone. Aided by appearances on the TV series “Scrubs”, “Smallville”, and “Third Watch” the record significantly increased Finger Eleven’s international exposure, later peaking at No. 4 on the Canadian Albums Chart. Following an extensive touring period which included parts of Europe, Australia, and North America, the group issued their fifth studio album “Them vs. You vs. Me” in March 2007. Led by the single “Paralyzer”, which topped the Canadian Single Chart, the record cemented the group’s popularity, and later won the 2008 Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year. The studio album “Life Turns Electric” appeared in 2010, after which drummer Rich Beddoe left the group and was replaced by Chris Powell.
Live reviews
A staple of the post-grunge alt-rock scene since 1989, Canadian rockers Finger Eleven (formerly known as- yes, seriously- the Rainbow Butt Monkeys), are still tearing it up on stages throughout the globe today. Their mix of headbanging riffs backed up by foot-stomping drumbeats gives their music a macho, thrusting drive- so it may be no surprise to hear that they recorded a song, 2002’s ‘Slow Chemical’, for WWE champion Kane as his entrance music, which was released on the album ‘The Punisher’ in 2004.
Aside from recording wrester-appropriate music and hitting Gold status for their albums (such as the self-titled release in 2003), Finger Eleven still tour frequently, and I was lucky enough to catch them at the Rock The Resort Ohio show a couple of years ago, where they played to a large crowd swaying, clapping along, and stomping their feet in the sunshine. The atmosphere was laid back and fun, and the band delivered a set full of crowd-pleasers, such as the funky, groove-ridden ‘Living In A Dream’, and the epic, hard-hitting hit single, ‘Paralyzer’. Vocalist Scott Anderson’s powerful tones matched the soulful heaviness of the guitars, and the show was a thoroughly enjoyable slice of straight up, solid rock & roll.
louise_h
Ontario rock outfit Finger Eleven have released six albums since their debut 'Letter From Chuntey' and the following and reputation has been growing steadily over that time. Although you could argue that the single 'One Thing' remains the band's commercial peak, they have actually been developing and growing as a more sophisticated outfit year after year.
The musicianship is definitely top quality as the quintet arduously rehearse all the material new and old to the same high levels. The old tracks have been developed and altered over time and the favourites such as 'Good Times' have been given new instrumentals to further extend the performances. The crowd seems pretty pumped up through the night and Finger Eleven are known for having a dedicated following so there is no surprise almost every track has a number of fans singing back lyrics with Scott Anderson. This band has real history and as the crowd cheers them on following on from a sensational performance of 'Paralyser' you definitely feel that they are fully deserving to be standing on that stage to this large following.
sean-ward
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