Ballyhoo! was first formed in 1995 by guitarist and vocalist Howi Spangler, drummer Donal Spangler, and bassist Josh Farley. Despite having been together since the mid 90s, the band didn’t release any material until 2000 with their EP, “365- Day Weekend” followed by “The Green” EP in 2004. Additionally they had added keyboardist Scott Vandry and had J.R Gregory replace as bassist. Their first full-length album was released in 2006, and just like the previous two albums had been self- released.
The band went on to sign a deal with LAW Records and released “Daydream” in September 2011. “Last Night,” a single from “Daydream” got airplay through various alternative radio stations such as WHFS Baltimore, WRFF Philadelphia, KUKQ Phoenix, Star 101.9 Honolulu, and SiriusXM/Faction, as well as various specialty shows around the country. 2011 also saw Ballyhoo! touring and making appearance at a number of festivals such as the 311 Pow Wow Festival. They also took part of the Vans Warped Tour in 2012 as well as The Bamboozle (also in 2012).
Ballyhoo then started their own label called Right Coast Records and released their fifth album, “Pineapple Grenade” in 2013. Their music has appeared in numerous surf/skate videos and compilation albums including “Forever Free: A Tribute to Sublime.” In 2014 Ballyhoo! released “The Cool Down: Vol 1.”
Maryland reggae/rock outfit Ballyhoo! have been honing their crossover sounds for almost twenty years now and the quartet know how to work a crowd unlike many others. A lineup consistency means there is total unity onstage from the musicians and the fans are more receptive as they spot out the loyal following at many of the tours. Their energetic and relentless stage performance has won them places on the likes of the Warped Tour and they have played some hugely esteemed venues in their career history.
Regardless of platform, the quartet is always intent on investing everything they have to a performance. The intimate venues feel so much more manic as the crowds begin to swirl and jostle to the soundtrack of 'Battle Cry' and 'Scarlet Blue'. There are more laid back guitar led tracks such as 'Somewhere Tropical' yet the fans want the rocky numbers so they can jump, chant and surge towards Howi Spangler. As the lights cut out following a finale of 'Morning Sunlight' they call out in distain yet after a twenty song set there is no sign of an encore tonight.