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{{Short description|American new wave band}} {{Short description|American new wave band}}
{{other uses|Oingo Boingo (disambiguation)}} {{Other uses|Oingo Boingo (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians --> {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name = | name =
| background = group_or_band | background = group_or_band
| image = Oingo_Boingo_1990.jpeg | image = Oingo Boingo 1987 (2).jpg
| image_size = | landscape = yes
| caption = Oingo Boingo circa 1990. From left to right: ], ], ], Johnny "Vatos", ], ], Carl Graves, Leon Schneiderman | caption = Oingo Boingo in 1987. From left to right: ], ], ], ], ], Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez, Mike Bacich, Leon Schneiderman.
| alias = {{flatlist| | alias = {{flatlist|
* Clowns of Death * Clowns of Death
* Mosley & The B-Men * Mosley & The B-Men
* Boingo * Boingo
}} }}
| origin = ], ], U.S. | origin = ], ], U.S.
| genre = {{flatlist| | genre = {{Flat list|
* ]<ref name=AllMusic>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/oingo-boingo-mn0000390532|title=Oingo Boingo – Biography, Albums, Streaming Links – AllMusic|website=]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113114526/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/oingo-boingo-mn0000390532|archive-date=November 13, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Holden1981>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/31/arts/rock-bands-oingo-boingo-and-go-go-s.html |last=Holden |first=Stephen |date=August 31, 1981 |title=Rock Bands: Oingo Boingo and Go-Go's |newspaper=] |page=C15 |access-date=July 2, 2022}}</ref> * ]<ref name=AllMusic>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/oingo-boingo-mn0000390532|title=Oingo Boingo – Biography, Albums, Streaming Links |publisher=]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113114526/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/oingo-boingo-mn0000390532|archive-date=November 13, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Holden1981>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/31/arts/rock-bands-oingo-boingo-and-go-go-s.html |last=Holden |first=Stephen |date=August 31, 1981 |title=Rock Bands: Oingo Boingo and Go-Go's |newspaper=] |page=C15 |access-date=July 2, 2022}}</ref>
* ]<ref>{{cite book |last=Miller |first=Scott |year=2010 |title=] |publisher=125 Records |isbn=978-0-615-38196-1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/danny-elfman-the-10-songs-that-changed-my-life/?next|title=Danny Elfman: The 10 songs that changed my life|website=Kerrang.com|access-date=October 20, 2021}}</ref> * ]<ref name="Miller 2010">{{cite book |last=Miller |first=Scott |year=2010 |title=] |publisher=125 Records |isbn=978-0-615-38196-1}}</ref><ref name="kerrang.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/danny-elfman-the-10-songs-that-changed-my-life/?next|title=Danny Elfman: The 10 songs that changed my life|website=Kerrang.com|date=June 21, 2021 |access-date=October 20, 2021}}</ref>
* ]
* ]<ref name=Holden1981/> * ]<ref name=Holden1981/>
}} }}
| years_active = 1979–1995 | years_active = 1979–1995
| label = {{hlist|]|]|]|]}} | label = {{Hlist|]|]|]|]}}
| associated_acts = ], ] | associated_acts = ], ]
| website = | website =
| past_members = {{Plain list|
| past_members = Leon Schneiderman<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />John "Vatos" Hernandez<br />Josh Gordon<br />Kerry Hatch<br />]<br />]<br />Michael Bacich<br />Carl Graves<br />]<br />Doug Lacy<br />]
* Leon Schneiderman
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* John "Vatos" Hernandez
* Josh Gordon
* Kerry Hatch
* ]
* ]
* Michael Bacich
* ]
* ]
* Doug Lacy
* ]
⚫ }}
}} }}


'''Oingo Boingo''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɔɪ|ŋ|ɡ|oʊ|_|ˈ|b|ɔɪ|ŋ|ɡ|oʊ}}) was an American ] ] band formed by songwriter ] in 1979. The band emerged from a ] ] troupe, ], that Elfman had led and written material for in the years previous.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://medium.com/loopandreplay/mystic-knights-oingo-boingo-49f5170166a9 |title=The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo: Danny Elfman's Circus Theater Origins |last=Benson |first=Alex |date=May 15, 2018 |website=] |access-date=October 13, 2019 }}</ref> Their highest charting song, "]", reached No. 45 on the US ]. '''Oingo Boingo''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɔɪ|ŋ|ɡ|oʊ|_|ˈ|b|ɔɪ|ŋ|ɡ|oʊ}}) was an American ] band formed by songwriter ] in 1979. The band emerged from a ] ] troupe, ], that Elfman had led and written material for in the years previous.<ref name=Benson>{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Alex |date=May 15, 2018 |title=The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo: Danny Elfman's Circus Theater Origins |url=https://medium.com/loopandreplay/mystic-knights-oingo-boingo-49f5170166a9 |website=] |access-date=October 13, 2019}}</ref> Their highest-charting song, "]", reached No. 45 on the US ].


Oingo Boingo was known for their high-energy live concerts and experimental music, which can be described as combining elements of music such as ], ], ], ], ], ], and ], amongst other genres.{{refn|<ref name=AllMusic /><ref name=Holden1981>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/08/31/arts/rock-bands-oingo-boingo-and-go-go-s.html |last=Holden |first=Stephen |date=August 31, 1981 |title=Rock Bands: Oingo Boingo and Go-Go's |newspaper=] |page=C15 |access-date=July 2, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Miller 2010">{{cite book |last=Miller |first=Scott |year=2010 |title=] |publisher=125 Records |isbn=978-0-615-38196-1}}</ref><ref name="kerrang.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/danny-elfman-the-10-songs-that-changed-my-life/?next|title=Danny Elfman: The 10 songs that changed my life|website=Kerrang.com|date=June 21, 2021 |access-date=October 20, 2021}}</ref><ref name=Benson/><ref name="Denman-Underhill">{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/overcoming-stage-fright-danny-elfman-brings-nightmare-to-the-bowl-6188586|title=Overcoming Stage Fright, Danny Elfman Brings Nightmare to the Bowl|first=Lori|last=Denman-Underhill|date=October 22, 2015 |work=] |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022201537/http://www.laweekly.com/music/overcoming-stage-fright-danny-elfman-brings-nightmare-to-the-bowl-6188586|archive-date=October 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite AV media |people=Danny Elfman (interviewee) ] (interviewer) Derek Burbidge (director) |date=May 1982 |title=] |language=en |publisher=Warner Bros. |quote=Later on in the 70s when the punk thing started happening, I found it difficult to totally relate to the music, because it was real simple ... but the energy and speed I loved. I loved fast music. And that got me inspired once again to start writing.}}</ref>}} The band's body of work spanned 17 years, with various genre and line-up changes. Their best-known songs include "]", "]", "]" and "Weird Science".
Oingo Boingo were known for their high energy live concerts and experimental music, which can be described as mixing ], ], ], and ].<ref name=AllMusic /> The band's body of work spanned 17 years, with various genre and line-up changes. Their best-known songs include "]", "]", "]" and "]".


As a rock band, Oingo Boingo started as a ] and ]-influenced<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/overcoming-stage-fright-danny-elfman-brings-nightmare-to-the-bowl-6188586|title=Overcoming Stage Fright, Danny Elfman Brings Nightmare to the Bowl|first=Lori|last=Denman-Underhill|date=October 22, 2015|website=laweekly.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022201537/http://www.laweekly.com/music/overcoming-stage-fright-danny-elfman-brings-nightmare-to-the-bowl-6188586|archive-date=October 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite AV media |people=Danny Elfman (interviewee) ] (interviewer) Derek Burbidge (director) |date=May 1982 |title=] |language=en |publisher=Warner Bros. |quote="Later on in the 70s when the punk thing started happening, I found it difficult to totally relate to the music, because it was real simple ... but the energy and speed I loved. I loved fast music. And that got me inspired once again to start writing." }}</ref> ] octet, achieving significant popularity in ]. During the mid-1980s, the band changed line-ups, and adopted a more pop-oriented style, until a significant genre change to ] in 1994. At that point, the name was shortened to simply '''Boingo''' and the keyboard and horn section were dropped. The band retired after a farewell concert on Halloween 1995, for which they reverted to the name Oingo Boingo and readopted the horn section. The band experienced multiple line-up changes, with Leon Schneiderman, ], ], ], ], and John "Vatos" Hernandez being the constant members for most of their history. As a rock band, Oingo Boingo started as a ] and ]-influenced<ref name="Denman-Underhill"/><ref name="auto"/> ] octet, achieving significant popularity in ]. During the mid-1980s, the band adopted a more pop-oriented style, until a significant genre change to a more guitar-driven rock style in 1994. At that point, the name was shortened to simply '''Boingo''' and the keyboard and horn section were dropped. The band retired after a farewell concert on Halloween 1995, for which they reverted to the name Oingo Boingo and readopted the horn section.


==History== ==History==
===The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo (1972–1979)=== ===The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo (1972–1979)===
{{Main|The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo}} {{Main|The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo}}
The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo began as a ] troupe in Los Angeles, founded by ].<ref name="LATimes-1975">{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Dan |title=Return to Calculated Pandemonium |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/385670120/ |access-date=30 April 2022 |publisher=The Los Angeles Times |date=26 March 1975}}</ref> The name was inspired by a fictional ] on the '']'' TV series called ''The Mystic Knights of the Sea''. The earliest version of the band employed as many as 15 performers at any given time, playing over 30 instruments, including some instruments built by band members. The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo began as a ] troupe in Los Angeles, founded by ].<ref name="LATimes-1975">{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Dan |title=Return to Calculated Pandemonium |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/385670120/ |access-date=30 April 2022 |work=The Los Angeles Times |date=26 March 1975}}</ref> The name was inspired by a fictional ] on the '']'' TV series called ''The Mystic Knights of the Sea''. The earliest version of the band employed as many as 15 performers at any given time, playing over 30 instruments, including some instruments built by band members.


Richard's brother Danny Elfman joined the band in 1974 and later became its leader. The group gradually moved away from its street theater origins and transformed into a dedicated musical theater act. The group performed an eclectic repertoire, ranging from ] covers to instrumentals in the style of ]nese ] and Russian ] and, later, original songs by Danny Elfman. Guitarist Steve Bartek joined in 1976 as musical co-director. That year, the troupe appeared on the TV talent contest program '']'', which they won.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/72031/he-was-famous-film-composer-danny-elfman-was-contestant-gong-show |title=Before He Was a Famous Film Composer, Danny Elfman Was a Contestant on the Gong Show |website=] |last=Green |first=Anna |publisher=Minute Media |date=December 7, 2015 |access-date=July 2, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dangerousminds.net/comments/alice_cooper_loses_his_head_danny_elfman_with_oingo_boingo_loses_his_mind_o |title=Alice Cooper Loses His Head & Danny Elfman (with Oingo Boingo) Loses His Mind on 'The Gong Show' |website=Dangerous Minds |date=March 24, 2017 |access-date=July 2, 2022}}</ref> Richard's brother Danny Elfman joined the band in 1974 and later became its leader. The group gradually moved away from its street theater origins and transformed into a dedicated musical theater act. The group performed an eclectic repertoire, ranging from ] covers to instrumentals in the style of ]nese ] and Russian ] and, later, original songs by Danny Elfman. Guitarist Steve Bartek joined in 1976 as musical co-director. That year, the troupe appeared on the TV talent contest program '']'', which they won.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/72031/he-was-famous-film-composer-danny-elfman-was-contestant-gong-show |title=Before He Was a Famous Film Composer, Danny Elfman Was a Contestant on the Gong Show |website=] |last=Green |first=Anna |publisher=Minute Media |date=December 7, 2015 |access-date=July 2, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dangerousminds.net/comments/alice_cooper_loses_his_head_danny_elfman_with_oingo_boingo_loses_his_mind_o |title=Alice Cooper Loses His Head & Danny Elfman (with Oingo Boingo) Loses His Mind on 'The Gong Show' |website=Dangerous Minds |date=March 24, 2017 |access-date=July 2, 2022}}</ref>
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In 1979, Danny Elfman reformed the group as a dedicated rock band, under the new name ''Oingo Boingo'', at which point most existing members left. Steve Bartek and a brass trio of Dale Turner, Sam "Sluggo" Phipps, and Leon Schneiderman continued with the new band. Various reasons were given for the restart as a rock band, notably Danny's emerging musical interests, and reducing the need for transportation and set-up of multiple stage sets and props. Elfman stated the shift was inspired by ] bands such as ], ], and ], new wave bands like ], ], and ], as well as the "energy and speed" of ].<ref name="Halfyard2004">{{cite book|last1=Halfyard|first1=Janet|title=Danny Elfman's Batman: A Film Score Guide|year=2004|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OGOYqpxsyRgC&pg=PA6|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-8108-5126-9|page=6}}</ref><ref name=MixOnline>{{cite web |url=http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_danny_elfman/ |title=An interview where Danny Elfman mentions the new wave and Ska influences in Oingo Boingo |publisher=Mixonline.com |date=May 1, 2001 |access-date=November 2, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229042619/http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_danny_elfman/ |archive-date=February 29, 2012}}</ref><ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite tweet|user=dannyelfman|author=Danny Elfman|author-link=Danny Elfman|number=1146254698976075781|date=2 July 2019|title=Andy Partridge was a huge influence. It was that first year of getting back to the radio after a decade long moratorium, and the music of XTC, The Specials, Selector, Madness, Fun Boy Three, and Devo that turned me around.}}</ref> In 1979, Danny Elfman reformed the group as a dedicated rock band, under the new name ''Oingo Boingo'', at which point most existing members left. Steve Bartek and a brass trio of Dale Turner, Sam "Sluggo" Phipps, and Leon Schneiderman continued with the new band. Various reasons were given for the restart as a rock band, notably Danny's emerging musical interests, and reducing the need for transportation and set-up of multiple stage sets and props. Elfman stated the shift was inspired by ] bands such as ], ], and ], new wave bands like ], ], and ], as well as the "energy and speed" of ].<ref name="Halfyard2004">{{cite book|last1=Halfyard|first1=Janet|title=Danny Elfman's Batman: A Film Score Guide|year=2004|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OGOYqpxsyRgC&pg=PA6|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-8108-5126-9|page=6}}</ref><ref name=MixOnline>{{cite web |url=http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_danny_elfman/ |title=An interview where Danny Elfman mentions the new wave and Ska influences in Oingo Boingo |publisher=Mixonline.com |date=May 1, 2001 |access-date=November 2, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229042619/http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_danny_elfman/ |archive-date=February 29, 2012}}</ref><ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite tweet|user=dannyelfman|author=Danny Elfman|author-link=Danny Elfman|number=1146254698976075781|date=2 July 2019|title=Andy Partridge was a huge influence. It was that first year of getting back to the radio after a decade long moratorium, and the music of XTC, The Specials, Selector, Madness, Fun Boy Three, and Devo that turned me around.}}</ref>


For some early gigs during the reformation, the band used the shortened name '''The Mystic Knights''' – in the animated short ''Face Like a Frog,'' by ], the song "Don't Go in the Basement" is credited to that name. The name '''Oingo Boingo''' was settled on in 1979, at which point their early song "I'm Afraid" appeared on the ] Los Angeles rock and new wave "up and coming" compilation, ''L.A. In''. The name '''Oingo Boingo''' was settled on in 1979, at which point their early song "I'm Afraid" appeared on the ] Los Angeles rock and new wave "up and coming" compilation, ''L.A. In''.


That same year, the band self-funded a promo EP record, known as the "Demo EP", for distribution to radio stations and recording industry A&R representatives to help land a contract. The effort paid off, as the record caught the attention of I.R.S. Records, who released a revised version of the EP in 1980: the '']''. That same year, the band self-funded a promo EP record, known as the "Demo EP", for distribution to radio stations and recording industry A&R representatives to help land a contract. The effort paid off, as the record caught the attention of I.R.S. Records, who released a revised version of the EP in 1980: the '']''.
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During this era, Danny Elfman also began scoring major films, beginning with 1985's '']''. Elfman would go on to write the scores to almost all of ]'s films. Oingo Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek has ] most of Elfman's film and television scores. During this era, Danny Elfman also began scoring major films, beginning with 1985's '']''. Elfman would go on to write the scores to almost all of ]'s films. Oingo Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek has ] most of Elfman's film and television scores.


The album '']'' was released in 1987. Following its recording, Bacich was replaced by new keyboardist Carl Graves. The band's 1988 release, '']'', comprised "live" re-recordings of previous album songs on a studio soundstage, plus a new song, "Winning Side". This new track was also released as a single, and became a No. 14 hit on US Modern Rock radio stations. The album '']'' was released in 1987. Following its recording, Bacich was replaced by new keyboardist ]. The band's 1988 release, '']'', comprised "live" re-recordings of previous album songs on a studio soundstage, plus a new song, "Winning Side". This new track was also released as a single, and became a No. 14 hit on US Modern Rock radio stations.
]

In 1990, the band released their seventh studio album, '']'', featuring more mellow songs than any previous release, and including the singles "Out of Control" and "Flesh 'N Blood". In 1990, the band released their seventh studio album, '']'', featuring more mellow songs than any previous release, and including the singles "Out of Control" and "Flesh 'N Blood".


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Oingo Boingo continued to regularly perform live, most notably with annual Halloween concerts at Irvine Meadows and the Universal Amphitheatre. Following a short hiatus in 1992, during which time Elfman was busy scoring films, the band returned in 1993 with an increasingly different, hard-rock musical direction, and debuted new material such as "Insanity", "Helpless" and the unreleased song "Did It There". Shows during these years often included the so-called "Sad Clown Orchestra" providing additional accordion and circus percussion. Oingo Boingo continued to regularly perform live, most notably with annual Halloween concerts at Irvine Meadows and the Universal Amphitheatre. Following a short hiatus in 1992, during which time Elfman was busy scoring films, the band returned in 1993 with an increasingly different, hard-rock musical direction, and debuted new material such as "Insanity", "Helpless" and the unreleased song "Did It There". Shows during these years often included the so-called "Sad Clown Orchestra" providing additional accordion and circus percussion.


That same year, Oingo Boingo began recording an eighth studio album for new label ]. The sessions stalled when Elfman became heavily involved writing the music for animated musical '']'' with Tim Burton.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/zombdog/6409356299/|title=The Elfman Cometh|last=Poggi|first=Alison|date=July 1994|work=SLAMM, San Diego's Lifestyle and Music Magazine via Flickr|access-date=July 5, 2017|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluntinstrument.org.uk/elfman/archive/SFChronicle94.htm |title=San Francisco Chronicle article |access-date=March 24, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403045244/http://www.bluntinstrument.org.uk/elfman/archive/SFChronicle94.htm |archive-date=April 3, 2016 }}</ref> Of this period, Elfman would later reflect that, after over 15 years, he had begun losing his passion for the band.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://music.avclub.com/danny-elfman-on-oingo-boingo-film-scores-and-the-beat-1798274010 |title=Danny Elfman on Oingo Boingo, film scores, and the Beatles almost ruining Batman |publisher=AV Music |date=October 27, 2014 |access-date=May 13, 2019 }}</ref> That same year, Oingo Boingo began recording an eighth studio album for new label ]. The sessions stalled when Elfman became heavily involved writing the music for animated musical '']'' with Tim Burton.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/zombdog/6409356299/|title=The Elfman Cometh|last=Poggi|first=Alison|date=July 1994|work=SLAMM, San Diego's Lifestyle and Music Magazine via Flickr|access-date=July 5, 2017|language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluntinstrument.org.uk/elfman/archive/SFChronicle94.htm |title=San Francisco Chronicle article |access-date=March 24, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403045244/http://www.bluntinstrument.org.uk/elfman/archive/SFChronicle94.htm |archive-date=April 3, 2016 }}</ref> Of this period, Elfman would later reflect that, after over 15 years, he had begun losing his passion for the band.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/danny-elfman-on-oingo-boingo-film-scores-and-the-beat-1798274010 |title=Danny Elfman on Oingo Boingo, film scores, and the Beatles almost ruining Batman |publisher=AV Music |date=October 27, 2014 |access-date=May 13, 2019 }}</ref>


In 1994, the band consolidated their new musical style, and shortened its name to Boingo. Guitarist ] joined while keyboardist Carl Graves and the horn trio were removed. This marked the only year that the band toured without the horn section.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://articles.latimes.com/1994-05-15/entertainment/ca-57894_1_rock-band/4 |title=Los Angeles Times interview with Danny Elfman |publisher=Articles.latimes.com |date=October 22, 1985 |access-date=November 2, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110805113343/http://articles.latimes.com/1994-05-15/entertainment/ca-57894_1_rock-band/4 |archive-date=August 5, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boingo.org/articles/SFChronicle1994.html |title=San Francisco Chronicle Q and A with Danny Elfman | website=Boingo.org |date=June 12, 1994 |access-date= November 2, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111004154524/http://www.boingo.org/articles/SFChronicle1994.html |archive-date=October 4, 2011}}</ref> In 1994, the band consolidated their new musical style, and shortened its name to Boingo. Guitarist ] joined while keyboardist Carl Graves and the horn trio were removed. This marked the only year that the band toured without the horn section.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-05-15-ca-57894-story.html |title=Los Angeles Times interview with Danny Elfman |publisher=Articles.latimes.com |date=October 22, 1985 |access-date=November 2, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110805113343/http://articles.latimes.com/1994-05-15/entertainment/ca-57894_1_rock-band/4 |archive-date=August 5, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boingo.org/articles/SFChronicle1994.html |title=San Francisco Chronicle Q and A with Danny Elfman | website=Boingo.org |date=June 12, 1994 |access-date= November 2, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111004154524/http://www.boingo.org/articles/SFChronicle1994.html |archive-date=October 4, 2011}}</ref>


The previously-shelved album was completed with the new 5-piece line-up, including orchestral instrumentation, and several songs improvised in the studio for the first time in the band's history.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/zombdog/6409356299/|title=The Elfman Cometh| last= Poggi| first= Alison|date=July 1994|work=SLAMM, San Diego's Lifestyle and Music Magazine via Flickr|access-date= July 5, 2017|language=en-us}}</ref> This was released as '']'' in 1994, and would be the band's final studio album. The previously shelved album was completed with the new 5-piece line-up, including orchestral instrumentation, and several songs improvised in the studio for the first time in the band's history.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/zombdog/6409356299/|title=The Elfman Cometh| last= Poggi| first= Alison|date=July 1994|work=SLAMM, San Diego's Lifestyle and Music Magazine via Flickr|access-date= July 5, 2017|language=en-us}}</ref> This was released as '']'' in 1994, and would be the band's final studio album.


In 1995, it was announced that Boingo would be disbanding after 17 years. The band embarked on a farewell tour in 1995, restoring the original horn trio, and reverting its name to Oingo Boingo, ending with a final Halloween performance at the ]. The concert was filmed and released as a ]. In 1995, it was announced that Boingo would be disbanding after 17 years.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-08-29-ca-40178-story.html |title=POP/ROCK The Last Boingo: Oingo Boingo is calling... |last=Linan |first=Steven |newspaper=] |date=August 29, 1995 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> The band embarked on a farewell tour in 1995, restoring the original horn trio, and reverting its name to Oingo Boingo, ending with a final Halloween performance at the ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-10-23-ca-60298-story.html |title=And Poof! They're Gone |last=Hochman |first=Steve |newspaper=] |date=October 23, 1995 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> The concert was filmed and released on both VHS and CD in 1996 as '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/farewell-live-from-the-universal-amphitheatre-mw0000186176 |title=Farewell: Live from the Universal Amphitheatre |last=Schulte |first=Tom |website=] |access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>


===Legacy=== ===Post-breakup===
Following the band's dissolution, Danny Elfman continued composing for film, and has been nominated for four ]s for his work. While he has provided the scores for Tim Burton's films almost exclusively since ''Pee-wee's Big Adventure'' in 1985, Elfman continues to be much sought-after by other directors in the movie business as well. Elfman's scores have included those for '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''. Elfman has also written themes for more than a dozen TV series, including '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''. Elfman almost exclusively employs former Oingo Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek as his orchestrator. Following the band's dissolution, Danny Elfman continued composing for film and has been nominated for four ]s for his work. He has scored the majority of Tim Burton's films since ''Pee-wee's Big Adventure'' in 1985, including '']'' (1989), '']'' (1990), '']'' (1993) and '']'' (2003). Other scores include '']'' (1997), '']'' (1997) and '']'' (2002). Elfman has also written themes for more than a dozen TV series, including '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''. Elfman almost exclusively employs former Oingo Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek as his orchestrator.


⚫ For a period, John Avila and Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez continued to perform as Food for Feet and in the band ] in Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/food-for-feet-mw0000654309|title=Food for Feet - Food for Feet &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits|website=]|access-date=October 20, 2021}}</ref> Doug Lacy (Boingo live keyboardist and percussionist) recruited bassist John Avila, guitarist Steve Bartek, drummer Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez, and saxophonist Sam Phipps (among other musicians) for a band called Doug & The Mystics. They recorded one album, ''New Hat'', which included a cover of the Oingo Boingo song "Try to Believe". Former keyboardist Richard Gibbs also began a career as a composer for film.
{{quote box
| quote=I was so proud to have the 4 track EP from Oingo Boingo, put that music on and just discover these great songs like "Only a Lad" and "Little Girls", and realize that this band was really a representation of what Los Angeles is. It's the cutting edge, it's something new, it's excitement and it's a good time. ... If you were fortunate back in the day to catch Boingo live, you left A – exhausted, B – soaking wet from your own sweat and C – you couldn't wait to go to ] or ] to go buy their latest album.
| source =&nbsp;– Los Angeles radio & TV host ] speaking in 2016 on the band's impact.<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOn5pUo5U-8|title=Richard Blade Speaking at "Oingo Boingo Day" Ceremony – Los Angeles City Council Chambers|first=Chris |last= Danger |date= 20 April 2016 |via= YouTube|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510232407/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOn5pUo5U-8|archive-date=10 May 2018}}</ref>
| width = 22%
| align = right
| style = padding:10px;
⚫ }}


Danny Elfman has regularly stated that there will not be an Oingo Boingo reunion, initially citing his worry that playing live would exacerbate his hearing loss. In 2021 Elfman added that he disliked former bands reuniting now that they are older, likening them to "zombies".<ref>{{cite web |last=Willman |first=Chris |title=Danny Elfman Talks About Making a 'Big Mess,' and Returning to Rock a Quarter-Century After Oingo Boingo Split |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/danny-elfman-new-album-big-mess-interview-1234994122/ |website=Variety |date=June 11, 2021 |access-date=13 July 2022}}</ref>
⚫ In the 1990s, John Avila and Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez, along with guitarist Michael Tovar, formed the trio Food for Feet.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/food-for-feet-mw0000654309|title=Food for Feet - Food for Feet &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits|website=]|access-date=October 20, 2021}}</ref> Avila and Hernandez also formed the rhythm section of ], a Los Angeles band fronted by ] of ] and the ]. Avila and Hernandez also joined Larriva and guitarist Stevie Hufstetter in a one-off project band called ]. The Aztecs released one album on the Grita label called ''Santa Sangre''. Doug Lacy (Boingo live keyboardist and percussionist) recruited bassist John Avila, guitarist Steve Bartek, drummer Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez, and saxophonist Sam Phipps (among other musicians) for a band called Doug & The Mystics. They recorded one album, ''New Hat'', which included a cover of the Oingo Boingo song "Try to Believe", as well as original songs and covers of songs by Frank Zappa and other artists. Doug had released one solo album previously.


On Halloween 2015, a live concert performance of ''The Nightmare Before Christmas'' culminated in Elfman and former Oingo Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek performing "Dead Man's Party" for the first time in twenty years, accompanied by the orchestra.<ref name="OC Register">{{cite web |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2015/11/02/danny-elfman-provides-tricks-and-treats-with-nightmare-performance/ |last=Fadroski |first=Kelli Skye |title=Danny Elfman provides tricks and treats with 'Nightmare' performance |website=] |date=November 2, 2015 |access-date=April 25, 2023}}</ref> The song was again performed on several subsequent ''Nightmare Before Christmas'' concert dates.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}
In 2003, former keyboardist Richard Gibbs scored the ] with composer ]. In 2005, John Avila, Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez, and Steve Bartek began contributing to the subsequent McCreary-scored '']'' television series.


⚫ In April 2016, Oingo Boingo were honored with a resolution at ]. Popular L.A. radio and television personality ] gave a speech about the band's legacy. Several members attended the meeting from across the band's changing line-ups, including Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez, founding keyboardist Richard Gibbs, John Avila, Carl Graves, and Sam "Sluggo" Phipps.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2016/04/20/la-city-council-to-honor-80s-band-oingo-boingo/ |title=80s Band Oingo Boingo Performs Acoustic Set At LA City Council Meeting |publisher=CBS Los Angeles |date=April 20, 2016 |access-date=August 9, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031143500/http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2016/04/20/la-city-council-to-honor-80s-band-oingo-boingo/ |archive-date=October 31, 2016}}</ref>
⚫ Since the 2005 Halloween season, former drummer Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez has regularly put together an Oingo Boingo tribute band for performances at different venues, mainly throughout Southern California and Arizona, including ]. Initially billed as the "Johnny 'Vatos' Tribute to Halloween, Featuring Former Members of Oingo Boingo",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bearmccreary.com/|title=Bear McCreary |website=Bearmccreary.com|access-date=October 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.goldstar.com/events/anaheim-ca/johnny-vatos-tribute-to-halloween-featuring-former-members-of-oingo-boingo|title=Johnny Vatos' 'Tribute To Halloween', Featuring Former Members of Oingo Boingo|website=Goldstar.com|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> Hernandez eventually titled the project "Johnny Vatos Oingo Boingo Dance Party and then Oingo Boingo Former Members". The group is joined intermittently by former Oingo Boingo members such as Steve Bartek, Carl Graves, John Avila, and Sam "Sluggo" Phipps, while vocals are usually provided by singer Brendan McCreary, also known as Bt4.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.johnnyvatos.com/ |title=Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez: Official Site |website= Johnnyvatos.com |access-date= February 19, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130508184958/http://www.johnnyvatos.com/ |archive-date=May 8, 2013}}</ref> During the 2006 Halloween season, there were two "Johnny 'Vatos' Tribute to Halloween" shows: one in Los Angeles, and one in ], with Vatos, Bartek, Avila, Phipps, and Legacy.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.bearmccreary.com/#blog/blog/concerts/johnny-vatos-tribute-to-halloween-2006/| title=Bear McCreary – Official site |website= Bearmccreary.com |url-status= live| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090406081712/http://www.bearmccreary.com/#blog/blog/concerts/johnny-vatos-tribute-to-halloween-2006/| archive-date=April 6, 2009}}</ref> In 2015, Elfman officially endorsed the group as the only authorized Oingo Boingo tribute band, and gave Hernandez exclusive rights to use the names 'Boingo' and 'Oingo Boingo'.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Steve |title=Danny Elfman endorses Oingo Boingo Dance Party, Don Henley announces solo tour |url=https://www.sgvtribune.com/2015/08/07/steve-smith-danny-elfman-endorses-oingo-boingo-dance-party-don-henley-announces-solo-tour |website= San Gabriel Valley Tribune |access-date=August 29, 2021 |url-status=live |date=August 7, 2015}}</ref>


⚫ On June 11, 2021, Elfman released his first solo studio album in 37 years, ''].'' It includes the participation of former members of Oingo Boingo, such as Bartek, Fitzgerald, and Mann and a new arrangement and recording of Oingo Boingo's "Insects" from the 1982 album ''Nothing to Fear''.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/danny-elfmans-trippy-3d-insects-video-1174229 |title=Watch Danny Elfman's Trippy 3D 'Insects' Video |last=Greene |first=Andy |magazine=] |date=May 25, 2021 |access-date=August 6, 2022}}</ref>
In early 2007, Danny Elfman had said there would not be an Oingo Boingo reunion, due to fears that playing live would exacerbate his, and possibly other band members', hearing loss. Not withstanding this announcement, on Halloween 2015, Danny Elfman, along with two of the other original voices from the movie ''The Nightmare Before Christmas'', ] and ], performed at the ], singing all of the songs from the movie with a complete orchestra, while the film played in its entirety. ] made a special guest appearance in an encore performance of "Kidnap the Sandy Claws", reprising his original role of Lock from the film, and the event culminated in Elfman and Oingo Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek performing "Dead Man's Party" for the first time in twenty years.


====Tribute band====
⚫ Oingo Boingo were honored with a resolution at ] in April 2016. Popular L.A. radio and television personality ] gave a speech about the band's legacy. Several members attended the meeting from across the band's changing line-ups, including Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez, founding keyboardist Richard Gibbs, John Avila, Carl Graves, and Sam "Sluggo" Phipps.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2016/04/20/la-city-council-to-honor-80s-band-oingo-boingo/ |title=80s Band Oingo Boingo Performs Acoustic Set At LA City Council Meeting |publisher=CBS Los Angeles |date=April 20, 2016 |access-date=August 9, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031143500/http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2016/04/20/la-city-council-to-honor-80s-band-oingo-boingo/ |archive-date=October 31, 2016}}</ref>
⚫ Since Halloween 2005, former drummer Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez has regularly put together an Oingo Boingo tribute band, performing mainly throughout Southern California and Arizona, including ]. Initially billed as the "Johnny 'Vatos' Tribute to Halloween, Featuring Former Members of Oingo Boingo",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bearmccreary.com/|title=Bear McCreary |website=Bearmccreary.com|access-date=October 20, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.goldstar.com/events/anaheim-ca/johnny-vatos-tribute-to-halloween-featuring-former-members-of-oingo-boingo|title=Johnny Vatos' 'Tribute To Halloween', Featuring Former Members of Oingo Boingo|website=Goldstar.com|access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> Hernandez later titled the band "Johnny Vatos Oingo Boingo Dance Party" and then "Oingo Boingo Former Members". Since 2015, Elfman has endorsed the group as the authorized Oingo Boingo tribute band, and given Hernandez exclusive rights to use the names 'Boingo' and 'Oingo Boingo'.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Steve |title=Danny Elfman endorses Oingo Boingo Dance Party, Don Henley announces solo tour |url=https://www.sgvtribune.com/2015/08/07/steve-smith-danny-elfman-endorses-oingo-boingo-dance-party-don-henley-announces-solo-tour |website= San Gabriel Valley Tribune |access-date=August 29, 2021 |date=August 7, 2015}}</ref>


The tribute band is joined intermittently by former Oingo Boingo members such as Steve Bartek, ], John Avila, and Sam "Sluggo" Phipps, while vocals are usually provided by singer Brendan McCreary.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.johnnyvatos.com/ |title=Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez: Official Site |website= Johnnyvatos.com |access-date= February 19, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130508184958/http://www.johnnyvatos.com/ |archive-date=May 8, 2013}}</ref> During the 2006 Halloween season, there were two "Johnny 'Vatos' Tribute to Halloween" shows: one in Los Angeles, and one in ], with Vatos, Bartek, Avila, Phipps, and Legacy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bearmccreary.com/johnny-vatos-tribute-to-halloween-2006/ | title=Bear McCreary – Official site |last=McCreary |first=Bear |author-link=Bear McCreary |access-date=September 1, 2023 |website=BearMcCreary.com | date=October 17, 2006 }}</ref>
⚫ On June 11, 2021, Elfman released his first solo studio album in 37 years, ''].'' Although it features former members of Oingo Boingo, such as Bartek, Fitzgerald, and Mann, it is not an Oingo Boingo collaboration in the vein of Elfman's 1984 ''So-Lo'' album. When asked by '']'' if he would still consider a reunion, Elfman said no, due to his hearing loss, and added that bands to him are like "zombies," and that band reunions "eat brains."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Willman |first1=Chris |title=Danny Elfman Talks About Making a ‘Big Mess,’ and Returning to Rock a Quarter-Century After Oingo Boingo Split |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/danny-elfman-new-album-big-mess-interview-1234994122/ |website=Variety |access-date=13 July 2022}}</ref> ''Big Mess'' includes a modern remake of Oingo Boingo's "Insects" from their 1982 album ''Nothing to Fear'', for which Elfman also produced a ] music video.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/danny-elfmans-trippy-3d-insects-video-1174229 |title=Watch Danny Elfman's Trippy 3D 'Insects' Video |last=Greene |first=Andy |website=] |date=May 25, 2021 |access-date=August 6, 2022}}</ref>


==Members== ==Members==
Line 106: Line 116:


===Final line-up=== ===Final line-up===
{{efn|Based on their final performance in the 1995 Farewell live album}} Note:{{Efn|Based on their final performance in the 1995 ''Farewell'' live album.}}

* Leon Schneiderman – baritone and alto saxophones (1972–1995) * Leon Schneiderman – baritone and alto saxophones (1972–1995)
* ] – trumpet, trombones, background vocals (1972–1995) * ] – trumpet, trombones, background vocals (1972–1995)
* ] – tenor and soprano saxophones (1973–1995) * ] – tenor and soprano saxophones (1973–1995)
* ] – lead vocals, rhythm guitars (1974–1995) * ] – lead vocals, rhythm guitars (1974–1995)
* ] – lead guitars, background vocals (1976–1995) * ] – lead guitars, background vocals (1975–1995)
* Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez – drums, percussion (1978–1995) * Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez – drums, percussion (1978–1995)
* ] – bass guitar, background vocals (1984–1995) * ] – bass guitar, background vocals (1984–1995)
Line 117: Line 128:


==Discography== ==Discography==
{{mainlist|Oingo Boingo discography}} {{main list|Oingo Boingo discography}}
* '']'' (1981) * '']'' (1981)
* '']'' (1982) * '']'' (1982)
* '']'' (1983) * '']'' (1983)
* '']'' (1984) * '']'' (1984) <small>(as Danny Elfman)</small>
* '']'' (1985) * '']'' (1985)
* '']'' (1987) * '']'' (1987)
* '']'' (1990) * '']'' (1990)
* '']'' (1994) * '']'' (1994) <small>(as Boingo)</small>


==Filmography== ==Filmography==
'''Appearing on screen as Oingo Boingo''' '''Appearing on screen as Oingo Boingo'''
*''Longshot'' (1981) *''Longshot'' (1981)
*'']'' (1982)
*'']'' (1981) *'']'' (1981)
*'']'' (1984) *'']'' (1984)
Line 161: Line 173:
] ]
] ]
]
]

Latest revision as of 03:08, 10 December 2024

American new wave band For other uses, see Oingo Boingo (disambiguation).

Oingo Boingo
Oingo Boingo in 1987. From left to right: Dale Turner, Sam "Sluggo" Phipps, John Avila, Steve Bartek, Danny Elfman, Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez, Mike Bacich, Leon Schneiderman.Oingo Boingo in 1987. From left to right: Dale Turner, Sam "Sluggo" Phipps, John Avila, Steve Bartek, Danny Elfman, Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez, Mike Bacich, Leon Schneiderman.
Background information
Also known as
  • Clowns of Death
  • Mosley & The B-Men
  • Boingo
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres
Years active1979–1995
Labels
Past members

Oingo Boingo (/ˈɔɪŋɡoʊ ˈbɔɪŋɡoʊ/) was an American new wave band formed by songwriter Danny Elfman in 1979. The band emerged from a surrealist musical theatre troupe, The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo, that Elfman had led and written material for in the years previous. Their highest-charting song, "Weird Science", reached No. 45 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Oingo Boingo was known for their high-energy live concerts and experimental music, which can be described as combining elements of music such as art, punk, ska, rock, pop, jazz, and world, amongst other genres. The band's body of work spanned 17 years, with various genre and line-up changes. Their best-known songs include "Only a Lad", "Little Girls", "Dead Man's Party" and "Weird Science".

The band experienced multiple line-up changes, with Leon Schneiderman, Dale Turner, Sam Phipps, Danny Elfman, Steve Bartek, and John "Vatos" Hernandez being the constant members for most of their history. As a rock band, Oingo Boingo started as a ska and punk-influenced new wave octet, achieving significant popularity in Southern California. During the mid-1980s, the band adopted a more pop-oriented style, until a significant genre change to a more guitar-driven rock style in 1994. At that point, the name was shortened to simply Boingo and the keyboard and horn section were dropped. The band retired after a farewell concert on Halloween 1995, for which they reverted to the name Oingo Boingo and readopted the horn section.

History

The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo (1972–1979)

Main article: The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo

The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo began as a street theater troupe in Los Angeles, founded by Richard Elfman. The name was inspired by a fictional secret society on the Amos 'n' Andy TV series called The Mystic Knights of the Sea. The earliest version of the band employed as many as 15 performers at any given time, playing over 30 instruments, including some instruments built by band members.

Richard's brother Danny Elfman joined the band in 1974 and later became its leader. The group gradually moved away from its street theater origins and transformed into a dedicated musical theater act. The group performed an eclectic repertoire, ranging from Cab Calloway covers to instrumentals in the style of Balinese gamelan and Russian ballet music and, later, original songs by Danny Elfman. Guitarist Steve Bartek joined in 1976 as musical co-director. That year, the troupe appeared on the TV talent contest program The Gong Show, which they won.

I.R.S. and A&M years (1979–1984)

Guitar used by Danny Elfman in Oingo Boingo, Hard Rock Cafe Montreal

In 1979, Danny Elfman reformed the group as a dedicated rock band, under the new name Oingo Boingo, at which point most existing members left. Steve Bartek and a brass trio of Dale Turner, Sam "Sluggo" Phipps, and Leon Schneiderman continued with the new band. Various reasons were given for the restart as a rock band, notably Danny's emerging musical interests, and reducing the need for transportation and set-up of multiple stage sets and props. Elfman stated the shift was inspired by ska revival bands such as the Specials, Madness, and the Selecter, new wave bands like XTC, Devo, and Fun Boy Three, as well as the "energy and speed" of punk.

The name Oingo Boingo was settled on in 1979, at which point their early song "I'm Afraid" appeared on the Rhino Records Los Angeles rock and new wave "up and coming" compilation, L.A. In.

That same year, the band self-funded a promo EP record, known as the "Demo EP", for distribution to radio stations and recording industry A&R representatives to help land a contract. The effort paid off, as the record caught the attention of I.R.S. Records, who released a revised version of the EP in 1980: the Oingo Boingo (EP).

The band had now coalesced as an octet: Danny Elfman on lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Steve Bartek on lead guitar; Richard Gibbs on keyboards; Kerry Hatch on bass; Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez on drums; and Leon Schneiderman, Sam "Sluggo" Phipps, and Dale Turner on horns. Early success for the group came in 1980 with the song "Only a Lad" from the eponymous EP. The song aired frequently in Los Angeles on KROQ-FM, and complemented the station's then-unusual new wave format.

Following regional success of "Only a Lad", the group released its first full-length album in 1981, also titled Only a Lad (and featuring a new recording of the song). The band released further albums Nothing to Fear in 1982, and Good for Your Soul in 1983. Although the band's sound was termed as new wave, Oingo Boingo's use of exotic percussion, a three-piece horn section, unconventional scales and harmony, and surreal imagery was a genre-skewing combination.

In 1984, bassist Kerry Hatch and keyboardist Richard Gibbs departed to form the short-lived band Zuma II and Oingo Boingo went on temporary hiatus, although this was not known publicly at the time. Elfman later claimed the two departing members had "lost the spirit", but stated, "I could never blame anybody for losing the spirit. It's very hard being an 8-piece ensemble doing what, at the time, was non-commercial music".

MCA years (1984–1992)

Oingo Boingo logo, adopted around the late 1980s

Elfman used the 1984 hiatus as an opportunity to release a solo album, co-produced with Steve Bartek, with the remaining members of Oingo Boingo returning as session musicians. This was released as So-Lo in late 1984. At this point, new manager Mike Gormley, who had just left the position of VP of Publicity and Asst. to the Chairman of A&M, negotiated a release from the label and signed the band to MCA Records.

Shortly after releasing So-Lo, Oingo Boingo returned to performing with new bassist John Avila and keyboardist Mike Bacich. The first release with the new line-up was Dead Man's Party in 1985. The album marked a notable change towards more pop oriented songwriting and production style, and became the band's most commercially successful record. It featured their highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, "Weird Science", which was written for the John Hughes film of the same name.

The band appeared on a number of movie soundtracks in the early to mid-1980s, including an appearance in the movie Back to School in 1986, performing their hit single "Dead Man's Party". The soundtrack to the movie Bachelor Party included a theme song written by Elfman, and a song unreleased on any Oingo Boingo album: "Something Isn't Right".

During this era, Danny Elfman also began scoring major films, beginning with 1985's Pee-wee's Big Adventure. Elfman would go on to write the scores to almost all of Tim Burton's films. Oingo Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek has orchestrated most of Elfman's film and television scores.

The album BOI-NGO was released in 1987. Following its recording, Bacich was replaced by new keyboardist Carl Graves. The band's 1988 release, Boingo Alive, comprised "live" re-recordings of previous album songs on a studio soundstage, plus a new song, "Winning Side". This new track was also released as a single, and became a No. 14 hit on US Modern Rock radio stations.

Oingo Boingo in a promotional picture c.1987

In 1990, the band released their seventh studio album, Dark at the End of the Tunnel, featuring more mellow songs than any previous release, and including the singles "Out of Control" and "Flesh 'N Blood".

Final years (1993–1995)

Oingo Boingo continued to regularly perform live, most notably with annual Halloween concerts at Irvine Meadows and the Universal Amphitheatre. Following a short hiatus in 1992, during which time Elfman was busy scoring films, the band returned in 1993 with an increasingly different, hard-rock musical direction, and debuted new material such as "Insanity", "Helpless" and the unreleased song "Did It There". Shows during these years often included the so-called "Sad Clown Orchestra" providing additional accordion and circus percussion.

That same year, Oingo Boingo began recording an eighth studio album for new label Giant Records. The sessions stalled when Elfman became heavily involved writing the music for animated musical The Nightmare Before Christmas with Tim Burton. Of this period, Elfman would later reflect that, after over 15 years, he had begun losing his passion for the band.

In 1994, the band consolidated their new musical style, and shortened its name to Boingo. Guitarist Warren Fitzgerald joined while keyboardist Carl Graves and the horn trio were removed. This marked the only year that the band toured without the horn section.

The previously shelved album was completed with the new 5-piece line-up, including orchestral instrumentation, and several songs improvised in the studio for the first time in the band's history. This was released as Boingo in 1994, and would be the band's final studio album.

In 1995, it was announced that Boingo would be disbanding after 17 years. The band embarked on a farewell tour in 1995, restoring the original horn trio, and reverting its name to Oingo Boingo, ending with a final Halloween performance at the Universal Amphitheatre. The concert was filmed and released on both VHS and CD in 1996 as Farewell.

Post-breakup

Following the band's dissolution, Danny Elfman continued composing for film and has been nominated for four Academy Awards for his work. He has scored the majority of Tim Burton's films since Pee-wee's Big Adventure in 1985, including Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Big Fish (2003). Other scores include Good Will Hunting (1997), Men in Black (1997) and Spider-Man (2002). Elfman has also written themes for more than a dozen TV series, including The Simpsons, Batman: The Animated Series, Tales from the Crypt, and Desperate Housewives. Elfman almost exclusively employs former Oingo Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek as his orchestrator.

For a period, John Avila and Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez continued to perform as Food for Feet and in the band Tito & Tarantula in Los Angeles. Doug Lacy (Boingo live keyboardist and percussionist) recruited bassist John Avila, guitarist Steve Bartek, drummer Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez, and saxophonist Sam Phipps (among other musicians) for a band called Doug & The Mystics. They recorded one album, New Hat, which included a cover of the Oingo Boingo song "Try to Believe". Former keyboardist Richard Gibbs also began a career as a composer for film.

Danny Elfman has regularly stated that there will not be an Oingo Boingo reunion, initially citing his worry that playing live would exacerbate his hearing loss. In 2021 Elfman added that he disliked former bands reuniting now that they are older, likening them to "zombies".

On Halloween 2015, a live concert performance of The Nightmare Before Christmas culminated in Elfman and former Oingo Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek performing "Dead Man's Party" for the first time in twenty years, accompanied by the orchestra. The song was again performed on several subsequent Nightmare Before Christmas concert dates.

In April 2016, Oingo Boingo were honored with a resolution at Los Angeles City Hall. Popular L.A. radio and television personality Richard Blade gave a speech about the band's legacy. Several members attended the meeting from across the band's changing line-ups, including Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez, founding keyboardist Richard Gibbs, John Avila, Carl Graves, and Sam "Sluggo" Phipps.

On June 11, 2021, Elfman released his first solo studio album in 37 years, Big Mess. It includes the participation of former members of Oingo Boingo, such as Bartek, Fitzgerald, and Mann and a new arrangement and recording of Oingo Boingo's "Insects" from the 1982 album Nothing to Fear.

Tribute band

Since Halloween 2005, former drummer Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez has regularly put together an Oingo Boingo tribute band, performing mainly throughout Southern California and Arizona, including the Grove of Anaheim. Initially billed as the "Johnny 'Vatos' Tribute to Halloween, Featuring Former Members of Oingo Boingo", Hernandez later titled the band "Johnny Vatos Oingo Boingo Dance Party" and then "Oingo Boingo Former Members". Since 2015, Elfman has endorsed the group as the authorized Oingo Boingo tribute band, and given Hernandez exclusive rights to use the names 'Boingo' and 'Oingo Boingo'.

The tribute band is joined intermittently by former Oingo Boingo members such as Steve Bartek, Carl Graves, John Avila, and Sam "Sluggo" Phipps, while vocals are usually provided by singer Brendan McCreary. During the 2006 Halloween season, there were two "Johnny 'Vatos' Tribute to Halloween" shows: one in Los Angeles, and one in Orange County, California, with Vatos, Bartek, Avila, Phipps, and Legacy.

Members

Main article: List of Oingo Boingo members

Final line-up

Note:

  • Leon Schneiderman – baritone and alto saxophones (1972–1995)
  • Dale Turner – trumpet, trombones, background vocals (1972–1995)
  • Sam "Sluggo" Phipps – tenor and soprano saxophones (1973–1995)
  • Danny Elfman – lead vocals, rhythm guitars (1974–1995)
  • Steve Bartek – lead guitars, background vocals (1975–1995)
  • Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez – drums, percussion (1978–1995)
  • John Avila – bass guitar, background vocals (1984–1995)
  • Warren Fitzgerald – guitars, background vocals (1993–1995)

Discography

For a more comprehensive list, see Oingo Boingo discography.

Filmography

Appearing on screen as Oingo Boingo

Explanatory notes

  1. Based on their final performance in the 1995 Farewell live album.

References

  1. ^ "Oingo Boingo – Biography, Albums, Streaming Links". AllMusic. Archived from the original on November 13, 2016.
  2. ^ Holden, Stephen (August 31, 1981). "Rock Bands: Oingo Boingo and Go-Go's". The New York Times. p. C15. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  3. ^ Miller, Scott (2010). Music: What Happened?. 125 Records. ISBN 978-0-615-38196-1.
  4. ^ "Danny Elfman: The 10 songs that changed my life". Kerrang.com. June 21, 2021. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
  5. ^ Benson, Alex (May 15, 2018). "The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo: Danny Elfman's Circus Theater Origins". Medium. Retrieved October 13, 2019.
  6. ^ Denman-Underhill, Lori (October 22, 2015). "Overcoming Stage Fright, Danny Elfman Brings Nightmare to the Bowl". LA Weekly. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015.
  7. ^ Danny Elfman (interviewee) Jools Holland (interviewer) Derek Burbidge (director) (May 1982). Urgh! A Music War. Warner Bros. Later on in the 70s when the punk thing started happening, I found it difficult to totally relate to the music, because it was real simple ... but the energy and speed I loved. I loved fast music. And that got me inspired once again to start writing.
  9. Sullivan, Dan (March 26, 1975). "Return to Calculated Pandemonium". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
  10. Green, Anna (December 7, 2015). "Before He Was a Famous Film Composer, Danny Elfman Was a Contestant on the Gong Show". Mental Floss. Minute Media. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  11. "Alice Cooper Loses His Head & Danny Elfman (with Oingo Boingo) Loses His Mind on 'The Gong Show'". Dangerous Minds. March 24, 2017. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  12. Halfyard, Janet (2004). Danny Elfman's Batman: A Film Score Guide. Scarecrow Press. p. 6. ISBN 978-0-8108-5126-9.
  13. "An interview where Danny Elfman mentions the new wave and Ska influences in Oingo Boingo". Mixonline.com. May 1, 2001. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved November 2, 2011.
  14. Danny Elfman (July 2, 2019). "Andy Partridge was a huge influence. It was that first year of getting back to the radio after a decade long moratorium, and the music of XTC, The Specials, Selector, Madness, Fun Boy Three, and Devo that turned me around" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  15. Darling, Cary (May 5, 1987). "Oingo Boingo's Difficult Teenage Years". BAM Magazine.
  16. Poggi, Alison (July 1994). "The Elfman Cometh". SLAMM, San Diego's Lifestyle and Music Magazine via Flickr. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  17. "San Francisco Chronicle article". Archived from the original on April 3, 2016. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
  18. "Danny Elfman on Oingo Boingo, film scores, and the Beatles almost ruining Batman". AV Music. October 27, 2014. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  19. "Los Angeles Times interview with Danny Elfman". Articles.latimes.com. October 22, 1985. Archived from the original on August 5, 2011. Retrieved November 2, 2011.
  20. "San Francisco Chronicle Q and A with Danny Elfman". Boingo.org. June 12, 1994. Archived from the original on October 4, 2011. Retrieved November 2, 2011.
  21. Poggi, Alison (July 1994). "The Elfman Cometh". SLAMM, San Diego's Lifestyle and Music Magazine via Flickr. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  22. Linan, Steven (August 29, 1995). "POP/ROCK The Last Boingo: Oingo Boingo is calling..." Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  23. Hochman, Steve (October 23, 1995). "And Poof! They're Gone". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  24. Schulte, Tom. "Farewell: Live from the Universal Amphitheatre". AllMusic. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  25. "Food for Feet - Food for Feet | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
  26. Willman, Chris (June 11, 2021). "Danny Elfman Talks About Making a 'Big Mess,' and Returning to Rock a Quarter-Century After Oingo Boingo Split". Variety. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  27. Fadroski, Kelli Skye (November 2, 2015). "Danny Elfman provides tricks and treats with 'Nightmare' performance". The Orange County Register. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
  28. "80s Band Oingo Boingo Performs Acoustic Set At LA City Council Meeting". CBS Los Angeles. April 20, 2016. Archived from the original on October 31, 2016. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  29. Greene, Andy (May 25, 2021). "Watch Danny Elfman's Trippy 3D 'Insects' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  30. "Bear McCreary". Bearmccreary.com. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
  31. "Johnny Vatos' 'Tribute To Halloween', Featuring Former Members of Oingo Boingo". Goldstar.com. Retrieved January 22, 2020.
  32. Smith, Steve (August 7, 2015). "Danny Elfman endorses Oingo Boingo Dance Party, Don Henley announces solo tour". San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  33. "Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez: Official Site". Johnnyvatos.com. Archived from the original on May 8, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  34. McCreary, Bear (October 17, 2006). "Bear McCreary – Official site". BearMcCreary.com. Retrieved September 1, 2023.

External links

Oingo Boingo
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Live albums
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Danny Elfman
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