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Biography
Pennywise formed in 1988 and consisted of Jim Lindberg as the lead vocalist, along with Fletcher Dragge (guitarist), Byron McMackin (drummer) and Jason Thirsk (bassist). However, Mr Thirsk - described as “the emotional core of Pennywise” by Lindberg - suffered from an alcoholic relapse, and died on July 29th 1996 due to a self-inflicted gun wound, before Randy Bradbury consequently joined the band as the new bass player.
Pennywise have released 11 studio albums since 1991 along with one live album ‘Live @ the Key Club’ in 2000. Whilst the band were signed to Epitaph Records, their first album was named ‘Pennywise’, which promoted the idea of maintaining a positive mental health. Since then, Pennywise’s most successful albums have been ‘From the Ashes’, which charted at 54 on the US Billboard 200 and 4 on the Top Independent Albums list, and ‘Reason to Believe’, which gained rave reviews amongst critics and gained a rank of four out of five on Allmusic. It also featured the single ‘The Western World’ which was downloaded over 400,000 times on Myspace, and maintained a position in the Top 40 Modern Rock Tracks chart for 20 weeks.
The Californian band are renowned for demonstrating political and moral wrong-doings in their music, and have influenced many other well-known bands such as Phinius Gage, 4ft Fingers and Consumed with their hard-hitting rhythms and passionate lyrics. Pennywise have played alongside the likes of The Offspring and Sum 41, and performed at surfing and snowboarding concerts like Winter X, whilst their music has featured in video games such as Burnout 3:Takedown.
Having stamped their authority on the punk-rock scene with such a raw and distinctive sound since the late 1980s, Pennywise continue to inspire a keen following and demand a particular respect from fans and fellow-musicians alike.
Live reviews
Pennywise are punk rock legends hailing from Hermosa Beach, California. Forming in 1998 they have been touring the country in support of their highly influential style of skate punk. They’ve played at venues of all sizes, but are most known for performing on Warped Tour almost every summer in the 1990s.
Pennywise helped usher in the return of punk as a popular music from with the aid of The Offspring, Green Day and Rancid. They’ve influenced countless bands that can be heard on Epitaph and Fat Wreck Chords or in your local punk scene.
With 10 studio albums under their belt there are plenty of tracks to choose from for a solid set list, but you can always expect a hear their favorite crowd pleasers like “Come Out Fighting,” “Perfect People,” “Fight Till You Die,” and “My Own Country.” Pennywise concerts are filled with rallying gang vocals, fist pumping, mosh pits, circle pits, crowd surfing and hilarious banter from bassist Fletcher Dragge.
Lead vocalist Jim Linderg is a true showman and knows how to lead a crowd and few punk rock singers are as interesting to watch as he is. As every Pennywise show comes to an end expect an emotional experience as their hit song “Bro Hymn” (a tribute to original member and friend of the band who passed away, Jason Thirsk) sends the band off to a thousand simultaneous “Whoa’s” from those in the crowd.
One could argue that Pennywise is not a particularly rock & roll band name, however it has served this Californian punk outfit for over 25 years and the way in which they perform is evidence enough that they live and breath rock. They have not always been commercially accepted in either their homeland or on the other side of the Atlantic, yet they do have a loyal and dedicated UK fan base who consistently turn out to their shows whenever they grace our shores with their punk sounds.
Britain is of course the spiritual home of the punk revolution so American bands must try even harder to impress, luckily Jim Lindberg and co have an arsenal of fan favourites and a confident stage demeanour to see them through. Playing a set featuring music from their very first LP, the older fans make themselves heard during these numbers as they proudly sing the choruses and raise their hands to clap high. The set is short but packed full of all the music the fans want to hear and by finale of the now traditional 'Bro Hymn' Pennywise have proven their place in the home of punk.
sean-ward
Let me first start out by saying that I've been going to these shows for over 20 years now. The show last night was good, the band's played well. Minus talking about drug addiction like it's not a big deal.. But the crowd was terrible compared to what it has been in Denver. The hot heads and people just ready to fight don't belong at these shows. Transplants need to leave Denver now.
Strung Out was Amazing as always!!!
Pennywise was alright.
mjamal
Decent band to see. However it was a mediocre show at best. Venue was a terrible choice. Sound was bullshit. And there has been punk squat gigs with better sound. The style of music is not suited for the venue. Band to audience interaction was pretty minimal. It had the personality of a show with 20000 people smoking weed. Not a reflection on the band. I would love to see them hit up a show or two in a venue suited to the style.
shane-kealy
Amazing fucking band!!!, the best show ever this year, I love them!!! They really sound very good, and they played a lot of best songs I like, I’m really appreciate they come to Santiago, because I couldn’t see them when I went to California (San Diego) this year and then when I knew they come here to Santiago I didn’t hesitate to go to see them!!
Amazing show!! Thanks a lot to come here Pennywise!!
enrique-4
You have punk, then you have Pennywise. Full of enthusiasm and pace. Energetic and enjoyable. I'm so glad I went to see them, the new album sounds terrific and not too far removed from their traditional tempo. Driving home I couldn't get them out of my head & put on their new album. One of the most enjoyable concerts I've been to! I Had a ball & was well entertained.
joe-carapellotti
Of course Pennywise was amazing, but the sound system was absolutely horrible at the venue. I had a really hard time recognizing the songs, and I know most intimately. All you could hear was the bass drum and bass guitar. However, the energy these guys have is crazy. They put on an amazing show and I would pay to go see them in a high school gym.
guntario
IT WAS AWESOME, the venue was comfortable, the bands were all great, and the crowd felt like family. They weren't overcharging for water, and the tee shirt prices were favorable. It was kind of disappointing that the 21 & over area took up most of the floor, but that was overshadowed by the shear fun of a sober mosh.
cody-baca
Pennywise was awesome! This was my 3rd Pennywise show and I am never disappointed! They were very interactive and full of energy! I just wish I could have gotten autographs but all in all it was an awesome show and I can't wait till my next Pennywise concert!!!!!
tmama904
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