Papa Roach’s music style has been largely debated and the band has been referred to under many different genres. These include hard rock, electronic rock, alternative metal, nu metal, rap rock and rap metal. Generally, however, they are simply referred to as a rock band.
Papa Roach formed in 1993, when two of its members discussed the potential of a band on their school football field. Jacoby Shaddix and drummer Dave Buckner started the band and were soon joined by bass guitarist Will James and lead guitarist Jerry Horton. During these early days the band played every gig they could get, balancing school with performing. A year later they released their first EP, bizarrely entitled ‘Potatoes for Christmas’. In 1996 James was replaced by Tobin Esperance. In 1997 the band released their first full length album, entitled the self-explanatory ‘Old Friends from Young Years’. Their last two independent releases were in 1998 and 1999. The latter EP, ‘Let ‘Em Know’, earned them a record deal by DreamWorks Records.
Since signing and entering the mainstream market, Papa Roach have continued to garner a steady stream of support and success, touring with esteemed bands such as Guns N’ Roses. However, one of their earliest tracks, ‘Last Resort’, still remains their most popular single to date. They have toured worldwide, indicating just how successful the band has become since their early days. The current line up now consists of original, Jacoby Shaddix, Jerry Horton, Tobin Esperance and Tony Palermo who replaced Buckner after he entered rehab.
Despite their mainstream success, Papa Roach remain indie at heart. Their name is an indication of the real bond between the members and the history between them: Papa Roach was the nickname of Shaddix’s step-grandfather, who committed suicide in 2006 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The band paid homage to him with the song ‘Roses on my Grave’.
Papa Roach are an amazing live act, always fresh and incendiary. They connect with their audience and Jacoby Shaddix is the total rock experience frontman.
The crowd at a Papa Roach show are always crazy and he commands the fans with ease and they follow wherever he takes them. Musically Papa Roach have something for everyone from their Nu Metal start to the Rock of the current albums.
I have never been to a bad show and even when I saw them as the support act they were head and shoulders above the main act. The band are always tight which I think is important and they seem to be as into the show as the fans.
I have seen them in venues from The Forum to Brixton Academy and Wembley Arena their show does not suffer no matter the venue size. I could not pick a favourite show as they have all gone beyond my expectations and I cannot wait to hear their next album and see the show they put on when they come back to the UK.