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{{short description|American ska punk band}}
{{Infobox_band |

band_name = ] |
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2018}}
image = ]
{{Infobox musical artist
years_active = ] – ] |
status = Active | | name = Reel Big Fish
| image = Reel Big Fish live in Santa Cruz.jpg
country = ], ], ] |
| caption = Reel Big Fish performing at The Catalyst in ] on March 27, 2008
music_genre = ], ] |
| image_size =
record_label = ], ], currently not on label |
| landscape = yes
current_members = Aaron Barrett<br />Scott Klopfenstein<br />Matt Wong<br />Dan Regan<br />Ryland Steen<br />John Christianson|
| background = group_or_band
| origin = ], U.S.
| genre = ]<ref name=AllMusic />
| discography = ]
| years_active = 1991–present
| label = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| spinoffs = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
}}
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| website = {{URL|reel-big-fish.com}}
| current_members = Aaron Barrett<br/>Matt Appleton<br/>Derek Gibbs<br/>John Christianson<br/>Edward Larsen<br/>Dan Regan
| past_members = Matt Wong<br/>Andrew Gonzales<br/>Zach Gilltrap<br/>Ben Guzman<br/>Lisa Smith<br/>Tavis Werts<br/>Adam Polakoff<br/>]<br/>Stephan Reed<br/>Eric Vismantas<br/>]<br/>Grant Barry<br/>]<br/>Tyler Jones<br/>Justin Ferreira<br/>]<br/>Billy Kottage
}} }}


'''Reel Big Fish''' is an American ] band from ]. The band gained mainstream recognition in the mid-to-late 1990s during the ] with the release of the gold-certified album '']''. Soon after, the band lost mainstream recognition but gained an underground ]. As of 2006, the band was no longer signed to a major record label and has since been independent. After numerous line-up changes, frontman Aaron Barrett is the last remaining founding member still performing in the band.
'''Reel Big Fish''' ("RBF") is a ] ] band who broke into the ] in the mid to late ] after the success of ] and ]. Reel Big Fish are now more well-known, but not quite mainstream in the ] and ]. Reel Big Fish has previously engendered criticism from some ska fans who claim it is merely a pop band riding the coat-tails of ]. However in more recent times this opinion has become less popular, due largely in part to Aaron Barrett's side project ], through which he hoped to breathe life back into the fading ] scene. Although not entirely successful this endeavour did serve to highlight the band members' belief in, and love for their genre.


==Members== ==History==
===1991–2001: Early success===
*] - ] and ]
The band formed in 1991 while the members were in high school. The group started as a cover band until they released a demo in 1992, titled ''In The Good Old Days''.{{citation needed|date=August 2016}} With the departure of Ben Guzman soon after, then backup vocalist Aaron Barrett took his place as lead singer. The band then changed its genre to ska.
*] - ], and vocals
*] - ]
*] - ], and vocals
*] - ], ], ], and vocals
*] - trumpet, and vocals


Reel Big Fish's self-released debut album, '']'', was successful and became an underground hit spread by word-of-mouth, which led to the band signing a deal with ].<ref name=AllMusic>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist |id=p182515 |pure_url=yes}} |title=Reel Big Fish |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=July 9, 2011}}</ref> In August 1996, the band released the album '']'' on the new label, which appealed to fans of ska punk style, and the band began touring throughout the United States. After the single "]" became well known in mainstream venues, including ], the album peaked at number 57 on the '']'' charts, staying on the charts for 32 weeks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.billboard.com/artist/reel-big-fish/155181#/artist/reel-big-fish/chart-history/155181?sort=position |title=Reel Big Fish Music News & Info &#124; Billboard.com |publisher=M.billboard.com |access-date=July 9, 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> However, the ska revival was short-lived, and the group's 1998 album '']'' failed to match the sales of the band's previous record. In 1998, the band appeared in the movie '']'', performing in the stands to rouse the crowd. The band also appeared on the film's ] with a cover of ]'s "]". ''Why Do They Rock So Hard?'' was the last album for two members of the band. Trombonist Grant Barry was fired for his conduct, culminating with him committing battery on a security guard at ] during a concert in ], and drummer Andrew Gonzales left the band to spend more time with his family.
===Former members===
*] - vocals
*] - trombone
*] - ]
*] - drums
*] - trombone
*] - trumpet
*] - ]
*] - drums
*] - trumpet
*] - drums


===2001–2006: Major label years===
== Band history==
Trumpet player Tavis Werts left the band in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=180600 |title=Reel Big Fish - 10.18.06 - Interview |publisher=AbsolutePunk.net |access-date=October 15, 2011}}</ref> Former ] drummer ] and former ] trumpeter Tyler Jones, who tracked for two songs on '']'' (because Werts had already recorded the majority of his trumpet parts before his departure), were brought in. De la Garza's last concert with Reel Big Fish was on June 20, 2003, at the ] in ]. That concert was later released as a DVD in '']'' series. Jones appeared in the music videos for "Where Have You Been?" and "Monkey Man" (although neither featured any trumpet-playing), and continued to play live with the band until September 2004. Jones was replaced by trumpeter John Christianson, who had previously played with Barrett in the band, ].
Their debut album, '']'', was an ] hit and led to a deal with ], an ] label. '']'' established the band in the underground music scene, and they began touring throughout the US. After the single "Sell Out" began breaking into the mainstream, including ], the ] made an appearance on the charts. The ska revival was short-lived, however, and '']'' (]) did not lead the group to the mainstream.


On April 5, 2005, the band released its fourth album on Mojo, '']''. Justin Ferreira (who replaced De La Garza) was on drums for the recording, but left before the album's release to join the Orange County band ] and subsequently is listed as an additional musician on the CD. He was replaced by ].
''Why Do They Rock So Hard'' was the last album for three members of RBF: trombonist Grant Barry and trumpet player Tavis Werts were either fired or left the band voluntarily, depending on the source, while drummer Andrew Gonzales left the band to spend more time with family. Electing to replace only Werts and Gonzales, RBF opened the door for a rotating cast of drummers and trumpets over the next six years.


Compared to the previous album (''Cheer Up!''), which was more lighthearted and cheerful, Allmusic describes the songs in ''We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy'' as "angry" and "embittered", but also deemed the album as "super catchy". Common themes expressed throughout the songs include jealousy, regret, short-lasting fame, and disappointment toward mainstream record companies.
In ] the group released '']'', which fared much better on the rock charts, particularly because of the horn-less single "Where Have You Been". Former ] drummer Carlos de la Garza helmed the drum kit, while Tyler Jones took over lead trumpet duties (Jones actually played only two tracks on ''Cheer Up'', as Werts had already done the majority of recording before his departure). De la Garza would leave the band to pursue other career paths, with his last show on June 20, 2003 at the ] in ]. That show was later released on DVD ('']''). Jones was then fired in August 2004. After a succession of fill-ins (at one point, Barrett claimed online that Werts and Barry had rejoined the band and left again without playing a single show), the band settled on John Christianson (a.k.a John Evil) on trumpet and Ryland Steen on drums. On ], ], Reel Big Fish released their fourth album on ], titled '']''.


Aaron Barrett has stated that ''We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy'' was "the third record in a trilogy" that began with '']''. "The first one was about being in a band and trying to make it. Then '']'' was like, 'we've made it, we're rock stars'. '']'' we made because we had to make it. But ''We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy'' is about us being old and jaded now."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inmusicwetrust.com/articles/70h07.html |title=INTERVIEW: Reel Big Fish: Aaron Barrett discusses 15 minutes of fame, new record, and SKA's next generation |publisher=In Music We Trust |access-date=July 9, 2011}}</ref>
Well-known for their ], RBF have been known to cover such songs as the Cure's "]" , Reggae Classic ] and "]" live. They have even recorded a cover version of "It's Not Easy" from the ] film "]" for a ] ] rock tribute album called "Mosh Pit on Disney." They have appeared on many film soundtracks, most notably that of '']'' with their cover of ]'s ] hit single "]" (as well as performing their single "Beer" in the movie itself), and '']'' soundtrack with a cover of ] "Monkey Man".


===2006–present: Independent work===
In 2005 Reel Big Fish guest starred in an episode of the online cartoon Waterman. They played their song A-W-E-S-O-M-E with Waterman, Pal, Roybot, and the others rocking out in the background.
While on tour in early 2006, Reel Big Fish were dropped from the ] label.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Shuster|first1=Fred|title=Music Writer|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/THE+BIG+FISH+THAT+GOT+AWAY+O.C.%27S+LONG-RUNNING+SKA-PUNK+ENSEMBLE...-a0157409399|website=www.thefreelibrary.com|publisher=Daily News (Los Angeles, CA)|access-date=February 20, 2015|date=Jan 12, 2007|quote="When word came in via phone from band management during a 2006 tour stop in Salt Lake City, happiness was instantly in the air. "}}</ref> The band formed its own label and released a 3-disc live performance CD/DVD set, '']''. This package became available on July 18, 2006, on the Internet and in retail stores on August 22. Jive later released a Reel Big Fish greatest hits album, '']''.


On February 20, 2007, the band released '']'', which is a split EP with power pop punk band '']''. It features six cover songs (three from each band), with the two vocalists performing with both bands. The song, "Say Say Say" features ] on vocals in place of Barrett.
In early ], Reel Big Fish parted ways with ]. Though currently unsigned, they hope to return to an independent label as well as their DIY roots.


The band released its first studio album since leaving ]; '']'' worldwide on July 10, 2007, on the ] record label. On June 26, 2007, shortly before its release, the band announced in a Myspace blog that Matt Wong was leaving the band to spend more time with his wife and newborn child. He was replaced by Derek Gibbs who played bass in ] and Aaron Barrett's now defunct side project, ]. Since Matt Wong was very popular with fans, some were skeptical of the new bassist's ability, but the band has stated that Derek Gibbs is "Matt Wong Approved" therefore extinguishing several fans' worries. Gibbs had been filling in for Wong on various tours since early 2002.
==Discography==
===Albums===
* '']'' (1995, reissued in 2000)
* '']'' (1996)
* '']'' (1998)
* '']'' (2001)
* '']'' (2002) - Europe only
* '']'' (2002)
* '']'' (2005)


On December 19, 2007, the band announced that it would play the entire Warped Tour 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.warpedtour.com/warpedtour/news.asp?id=1437446 |title=Warped Tour 2007 |publisher=Warpedtour.com |access-date=July 9, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071214232033/http://www.warpedtour.com/warpedtour/news.asp?id=1437446 |archive-date=December 14, 2007 }}</ref>
=== EPs===
* '']'' (1997)


Reel Big Fish released a new studio album on January 20, 2009.<ref> ]. October 16, 2008.</ref> The name of the album is '']'', and it consists of 10 cover songs.<ref name="livedaily.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.livedaily.com/news/15091.html |title=Reel Big Fish maps real big tour |publisher=Livedaily.com |access-date=October 15, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906163551/http://www.livedaily.com/news/15091.html |archive-date=September 6, 2009 }}</ref> Another album, '']'', featuring a 22-track disc of re-recorded songs and a 14-track disc of "Skacoustic" versions produced by lead singer Aaron Barrett, was released on July 20, 2010.<ref name="readjunk.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.readjunk.com/news/music/reel-big-fish-are-releasing-a-best-of-album/ |title=New Album |publisher=Readjunk.com |access-date=October 15, 2011}}</ref> An extended version of the album, ], was released on June 21, 2011. The group also intended to work on a new album, recording new songs in the fall of 2010.<ref name="absolutepunk.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1766572 |title=Another Album |publisher=Absolutepunk.net |date=June 23, 2010 |access-date=October 15, 2011}}</ref> The band has also recorded a live DVD at ] in ], California, on January 4, 2009; which was released on July 21, 2009, with the title '']''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=11034452&blogID=457180360 |title=Myspace |publisher=Blogs.myspace.com |access-date=July 9, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207065936/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view |archive-date=February 7, 2009 }}</ref> In an interview with 'The Examiner', Aaron Barrett stated that he planned on releasing a new album, with all new material, in late 2011.
===7" ]s===
* "Vacationing In Palm Springs"
* "Teen Beef"


On January 11, 2011, the band announced that longtime member Scott Klopfenstein would be leaving the band to focus on raising a family.<ref> Punknews.org. January 11, 2011.</ref> Matt Appleton of ] began filling in for Scott on the band's 20th Anniversary Tour, and he has since been announced as a permanent replacement. This marks the first time since 1995 that the band has had a saxophone player.<ref>Archived at {{cbignore}} and the {{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSvqPkKygFE&feature=player_detailpage#t=177s |title=ForgeTV Music Spotlight: Reel Big Fish Interview |publisher=Youtube.com |access-date=October 15, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
===Compilations===
* '']'' - Track 5, "We Close Our Eyes" (2005)
* ''Take Warning: A Tribute to Operation Ivy'' - Track 2, "Unity"
* ''The Duran Duran Tribute Album'' - Track 6, "Hungry Like the Wolf"
* ''Baseketball Original Sountrack'' - Track 1, "Take on Me", Track 10 "Beer"
* ''Where is My Mind? - A Tribute to the Pixies'' - Track 9, "Gigantic" (1999)
* ''The Wild Thornberrys Soundtrack'' - Track 9, "Monkey Man"
* ''Metalliska - Track 3, "Kiss Me Deadly"


In March 2012, Reel Big Fish announced via Facebook that the group had begun recording a new album of new, original songs. The album is titled '']'', though the band also considered ''Honk If You're Horny'' as a title.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/ReelBigFish/posts/10150893521035285 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/160684890284/10150893521035285 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Reel Big Fish (official) on Facebook|publisher=Facebook.com|date= October 25, 2011|access-date=April 28, 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stickam.com/viewMedia.do?mId=193121887|title=Aaron Barrett Stickam Interview|publisher=Stickam.com|date=April 26, 2012|access-date=April 28, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721041926/http://www.stickam.com/viewMedia.do?mId=193121887|archive-date=July 21, 2012}}</ref> The album was released on July 31, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Candy-Coated-Fury-Reel-Fish/dp/B0089N7SL4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340219201&sr=8-1&keywords=candy+coated+fury |title=Candy Coated Fury: Reel Big Fish: Music |website=Amazon |date=September 9, 2009 |access-date=July 17, 2012}}</ref>
==Band members' other projects==
Scott Klopfenstein and Dan Regan are also members of The ]. Aaron Barrett and John Christianson are also members of ] (now defunct), along with former members of ] and other ] ] musicians. Before they were members of Reel Big Fish, Aaron Barrett, Scott Klopfenstein, and Grant Barry were members of a band called ]. Scott Klopfenstein was also a member of a ska band called the ].


On October 21, 2013, the band announced via its website that long-time trombonist Dan Regan, who has played with Reel Big Fish since 1994, will depart from the band to spend more time with his family and follow his dream of starting a brewery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reel-big-fish.com/trombone-player-dan-regan-announces-retirement-from-rbf/|title=Beloved Longtime Trombone Player Dan Regan Announces Retirement from RBF - Reel Big Fish|website=Reel-big-fish.com}}</ref>
==External links==
*


Reel Big Fish announced a co-headline UK and Ireland tour with Less than Jake with support from Zebrahead in early 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.giggingni.com/2014/01/live-less-than-jake-reel-big-fish-zebrahead/|title=LIVE: Less than Jake, Reel Big Fish, Zebrahead – Gigging NI|website=Giggingni.com|access-date=January 31, 2014|archive-date=April 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417192100/https://www.giggingni.com/2014/01/live-less-than-jake-reel-big-fish-zebrahead/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*
]
]
]
]


In November 2014, Reel Big Fish announced on Facebook that the group would release an EP titled ''Happy Skalidays'' scheduling release on December 15, 2014.


In February 2015, the band announced through its website that drummer ] had gone on hiatus from the band in order to play drums in ]. Since the summer of 2014, Edward Beach (née Larsen) of ] has been filling in.
]

]
On October 9, 2018, through their ] page, the band announced a new single called "You Can't Have All of Me", released on October 12. They also confirmed the title for the new album to be '']'' and a December release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BopN-i7DmqB/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BopN-i7DmqB |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=ᖇEEᒪ ᗷIG ᖴIᔕᕼ on Instagram: "#Repost @lifeofthepartysd with @get_repost ・・・ One of the many highlights from @hightidebeachparty was chatting it up with @reelbigfish and…" |website=Instagram.com |date=2018-10-07 |access-date=2020-03-12}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On April 11, 2019, Billy Kottage announced that he had quit the band via his Instagram page.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BwILs0xgHzk/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BwILs0xgHzk |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Billy Kottage on Instagram: "I quit Reel Big Fish a few days ago. I am forever grateful for my experiences with them and was some of the most fun I've ever had." |website=Instagram.com |access-date=2020-03-12}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Kottage has since toured as a featured musician with ]. ] of Suburban Legends played with the band from June 2019 until their touring hiatus starting in 2020.

On March 22, 2020, former trumpet player Tyler Jones died; the band paid its respects via social media.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1241885810049216512|user=ReelBigFish|title=Very sad to hear about the passing of our old friend and former trumpet player. RIP Tyler Jones.<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=March 23, 2020}}</ref>

On October 28, 2021, former member ] reunited with Aaron Barrett to sing on a track by Lo(u)ser titled No Hope. Former drummer ] played drums and produced, and Dan Regan also appeared in the music video alongside the others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/reel-big-fish-members-reunite-on-new-louser-song-no-hope-watch-the-video/|title=Reel Big Fish members reunite on new Lo(u)ser song "No Hope" (watch the video) |publisher=BrooklynVegan.com |access-date=October 28, 2021}}</ref>

In July 2024, ] released a cover of "Walking On Sunshine" in collaboration with Reel Big Fish, featuring Dan Regan as a credited band member for the first time since 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-nKsBl3m2w |title=ICE NINE KILLS x REEL BIG FISH - Walking On Sunshine (Official Music Video) |publisher=Youtube.com |access-date=July 10, 2024}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Band members==
{{main|List of Reel Big Fish members}}
'''Current members'''
*Aaron Barrett – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards {{small|(1991–present)}}
*John Christianson – trumpet, backing vocals {{small|(2004–present)}}
*Derek Gibbs – bass, backing vocals {{small|(2007–present)}}
*Matt Appleton – saxophone, keyboards, vocals {{small|(2011–present)}}
*Ed "Smokey" Beach (née Larsen) – drums, percussion {{small|(2014–present)}}
*Dan Regan – trombone {{small|(1994–2013; 2024–present)}}

== Discography ==
{{main|Reel Big Fish discography}}

'''Studio albums'''
*'']'' (1995)
*'']'' (1996)
*'']'' (1998)
*'']'' (2002)
*'']'' (2005)
*'']'' (2007)
*'']'' (2009)
*'']'' (2012)
*'']'' (2018)
<!-- Please do not add "A Best of Us for the Rest of Us". It is a compilation album, and this list is of primary studio albums only. The complete list of releases is at the separate discography article. -->

==Related projects==
* ] and Dan Regan were also members of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thelittlestmanband.com/ |title=The Littlest Man Band official site |website=Thelittlestmanband.com |access-date=October 15, 2011}}</ref>
* Aaron Barrett, ] and John Christianson were also members of ], along with former members of ] and other ] ] musicians. .{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}}
* Before they were members of Reel Big Fish, Aaron Barrett, Scott Klopfenstein, and Grant Barry were members of a band called ].{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}}
* Dan Regan has a ] project called Black Casper. Notably, he remixed Reel Big Fish's cover of "]", incorporating different sound bites, including ] from Reel Big Fish's live DVD, ''You're All In This Together''.{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}

{{Reel Big Fish}}

{{Authority control}}

]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 23:22, 10 November 2024

American ska punk band

Reel Big Fish
Reel Big Fish performing at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz, California on March 27, 2008Reel Big Fish performing at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz, California on March 27, 2008
Background information
OriginHuntington Beach, California, U.S.
GenresSka punk
DiscographyReel Big Fish discography
Years active1991–present
Labels
Spinoffs
MembersAaron Barrett
Matt Appleton
Derek Gibbs
John Christianson
Edward Larsen
Dan Regan
Past membersMatt Wong
Andrew Gonzales
Zach Gilltrap
Ben Guzman
Lisa Smith
Tavis Werts
Adam Polakoff
Robert Quimby
Stephan Reed
Eric Vismantas
Scott Klopfenstein
Grant Barry
Carlos de la Garza
Tyler Jones
Justin Ferreira
Ryland Steen
Billy Kottage
Websitereel-big-fish.com

Reel Big Fish is an American ska punk band from Huntington Beach, California. The band gained mainstream recognition in the mid-to-late 1990s during the third wave of ska with the release of the gold-certified album Turn the Radio Off. Soon after, the band lost mainstream recognition but gained an underground cult following. As of 2006, the band was no longer signed to a major record label and has since been independent. After numerous line-up changes, frontman Aaron Barrett is the last remaining founding member still performing in the band.

History

1991–2001: Early success

The band formed in 1991 while the members were in high school. The group started as a cover band until they released a demo in 1992, titled In The Good Old Days. With the departure of Ben Guzman soon after, then backup vocalist Aaron Barrett took his place as lead singer. The band then changed its genre to ska.

Reel Big Fish's self-released debut album, Everything Sucks, was successful and became an underground hit spread by word-of-mouth, which led to the band signing a deal with Mojo Records. In August 1996, the band released the album Turn the Radio Off on the new label, which appealed to fans of ska punk style, and the band began touring throughout the United States. After the single "Sell Out" became well known in mainstream venues, including MTV, the album peaked at number 57 on the Billboard charts, staying on the charts for 32 weeks. However, the ska revival was short-lived, and the group's 1998 album Why Do They Rock So Hard? failed to match the sales of the band's previous record. In 1998, the band appeared in the movie BASEketball, performing in the stands to rouse the crowd. The band also appeared on the film's soundtrack with a cover of A-ha's "Take On Me". Why Do They Rock So Hard? was the last album for two members of the band. Trombonist Grant Barry was fired for his conduct, culminating with him committing battery on a security guard at Mississippi Nights during a concert in St. Louis, and drummer Andrew Gonzales left the band to spend more time with his family.

2001–2006: Major label years

Trumpet player Tavis Werts left the band in 2001. Former Suburban Rhythm drummer Carlos de la Garza and former Spring Heeled Jack trumpeter Tyler Jones, who tracked for two songs on Cheer Up! (because Werts had already recorded the majority of his trumpet parts before his departure), were brought in. De la Garza's last concert with Reel Big Fish was on June 20, 2003, at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California. That concert was later released as a DVD in The Show Must Go Off! series. Jones appeared in the music videos for "Where Have You Been?" and "Monkey Man" (although neither featured any trumpet-playing), and continued to play live with the band until September 2004. Jones was replaced by trumpeter John Christianson, who had previously played with Barrett in the band, The Forces of Evil.

On April 5, 2005, the band released its fourth album on Mojo, We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy. Justin Ferreira (who replaced De La Garza) was on drums for the recording, but left before the album's release to join the Orange County band Takota and subsequently is listed as an additional musician on the CD. He was replaced by Ryland Steen.

Compared to the previous album (Cheer Up!), which was more lighthearted and cheerful, Allmusic describes the songs in We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy as "angry" and "embittered", but also deemed the album as "super catchy". Common themes expressed throughout the songs include jealousy, regret, short-lasting fame, and disappointment toward mainstream record companies.

Aaron Barrett has stated that We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy was "the third record in a trilogy" that began with Turn the Radio Off. "The first one was about being in a band and trying to make it. Then Why Do They Rock So Hard? was like, 'we've made it, we're rock stars'. Cheer Up we made because we had to make it. But We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy is about us being old and jaded now."

2006–present: Independent work

While on tour in early 2006, Reel Big Fish were dropped from the Jive Records label. The band formed its own label and released a 3-disc live performance CD/DVD set, Our Live Album Is Better Than Your Live Album. This package became available on July 18, 2006, on the Internet and in retail stores on August 22. Jive later released a Reel Big Fish greatest hits album, Greatest Hit...And More.

On February 20, 2007, the band released Duet All Night Long, which is a split EP with power pop punk band Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer. It features six cover songs (three from each band), with the two vocalists performing with both bands. The song, "Say Say Say" features Scott Klopfenstein on vocals in place of Barrett.

The band released its first studio album since leaving Jive Records; Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free worldwide on July 10, 2007, on the Rock Ridge Music record label. On June 26, 2007, shortly before its release, the band announced in a Myspace blog that Matt Wong was leaving the band to spend more time with his wife and newborn child. He was replaced by Derek Gibbs who played bass in Jeffries Fan Club and Aaron Barrett's now defunct side project, The Forces Of Evil. Since Matt Wong was very popular with fans, some were skeptical of the new bassist's ability, but the band has stated that Derek Gibbs is "Matt Wong Approved" therefore extinguishing several fans' worries. Gibbs had been filling in for Wong on various tours since early 2002.

On December 19, 2007, the band announced that it would play the entire Warped Tour 2008.

Reel Big Fish released a new studio album on January 20, 2009. The name of the album is Fame, Fortune and Fornication, and it consists of 10 cover songs. Another album, A Best of Us for the Rest of Us, featuring a 22-track disc of re-recorded songs and a 14-track disc of "Skacoustic" versions produced by lead singer Aaron Barrett, was released on July 20, 2010. An extended version of the album, A Best of Us for the Rest of Us (Bigger Better Bonus Deluxe Version), was released on June 21, 2011. The group also intended to work on a new album, recording new songs in the fall of 2010. The band has also recorded a live DVD at The Grove in Anaheim, California, on January 4, 2009; which was released on July 21, 2009, with the title Reel Big Fish Live! In Concert! In an interview with 'The Examiner', Aaron Barrett stated that he planned on releasing a new album, with all new material, in late 2011.

On January 11, 2011, the band announced that longtime member Scott Klopfenstein would be leaving the band to focus on raising a family. Matt Appleton of Goldfinger began filling in for Scott on the band's 20th Anniversary Tour, and he has since been announced as a permanent replacement. This marks the first time since 1995 that the band has had a saxophone player.

In March 2012, Reel Big Fish announced via Facebook that the group had begun recording a new album of new, original songs. The album is titled Candy Coated Fury, though the band also considered Honk If You're Horny as a title. The album was released on July 31, 2012.

On October 21, 2013, the band announced via its website that long-time trombonist Dan Regan, who has played with Reel Big Fish since 1994, will depart from the band to spend more time with his family and follow his dream of starting a brewery.

Reel Big Fish announced a co-headline UK and Ireland tour with Less than Jake with support from Zebrahead in early 2014.

In November 2014, Reel Big Fish announced on Facebook that the group would release an EP titled Happy Skalidays scheduling release on December 15, 2014.

In February 2015, the band announced through its website that drummer Ryland Steen had gone on hiatus from the band in order to play drums in America. Since the summer of 2014, Edward Beach (née Larsen) of Suburban Legends has been filling in.

On October 9, 2018, through their Instagram page, the band announced a new single called "You Can't Have All of Me", released on October 12. They also confirmed the title for the new album to be Life Sucks...Let's Dance! and a December release.

On April 11, 2019, Billy Kottage announced that he had quit the band via his Instagram page. Kottage has since toured as a featured musician with The Interrupters. Brian Robertson of Suburban Legends played with the band from June 2019 until their touring hiatus starting in 2020.

On March 22, 2020, former trumpet player Tyler Jones died; the band paid its respects via social media.

On October 28, 2021, former member Scott Klopfenstein reunited with Aaron Barrett to sing on a track by Lo(u)ser titled No Hope. Former drummer Ryland Steen played drums and produced, and Dan Regan also appeared in the music video alongside the others.

In July 2024, Ice Nine Kills released a cover of "Walking On Sunshine" in collaboration with Reel Big Fish, featuring Dan Regan as a credited band member for the first time since 2013.

Band members

Main article: List of Reel Big Fish members

Current members

  • Aaron Barrett – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards (1991–present)
  • John Christianson – trumpet, backing vocals (2004–present)
  • Derek Gibbs – bass, backing vocals (2007–present)
  • Matt Appleton – saxophone, keyboards, vocals (2011–present)
  • Ed "Smokey" Beach (née Larsen) – drums, percussion (2014–present)
  • Dan Regan – trombone (1994–2013; 2024–present)

Discography

Main article: Reel Big Fish discography

Studio albums

Related projects

References

  1. ^ "Reel Big Fish". AllMusic. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  2. "Reel Big Fish Music News & Info | Billboard.com". M.billboard.com. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  3. "Reel Big Fish - 10.18.06 - Interview". AbsolutePunk.net. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
  4. "INTERVIEW: Reel Big Fish: Aaron Barrett discusses 15 minutes of fame, new record, and SKA's next generation". In Music We Trust. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  5. Shuster, Fred (January 12, 2007). "Music Writer". www.thefreelibrary.com. Daily News (Los Angeles, CA). Retrieved February 20, 2015. When word came in via phone from band management during a 2006 tour stop in Salt Lake City, happiness was instantly in the air.
  6. "Warped Tour 2007". Warpedtour.com. Archived from the original on December 14, 2007. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  7. "Reel Big Release Date." Absolutepunk.net. October 16, 2008.
  8. "Reel Big Fish maps real big tour". Livedaily.com. Archived from the original on September 6, 2009. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
  9. "New Album". Readjunk.com. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
  10. "Another Album". Absolutepunk.net. June 23, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
  11. "Myspace". Blogs.myspace.com. Archived from the original on February 7, 2009. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  12. "Scott Klopfenstein leaves Reel Big Fish". Punknews.org. January 11, 2011.
  13. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "ForgeTV Music Spotlight: Reel Big Fish Interview". Youtube.com. Retrieved October 15, 2011.
  14. "Reel Big Fish (official) on Facebook". Facebook.com. October 25, 2011. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
  15. "Aaron Barrett Stickam Interview". Stickam.com. April 26, 2012. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
  16. "Candy Coated Fury: Reel Big Fish: Music". Amazon. September 9, 2009. Retrieved July 17, 2012.
  17. "Beloved Longtime Trombone Player Dan Regan Announces Retirement from RBF - Reel Big Fish". Reel-big-fish.com.
  18. "LIVE: Less than Jake, Reel Big Fish, Zebrahead – Gigging NI". Giggingni.com. Archived from the original on April 17, 2018. Retrieved January 31, 2014.
  19. "ᖇEEᒪ ᗷIG ᖴIᔕᕼ on Instagram: "#Repost @lifeofthepartysd with @get_repost ・・・ One of the many highlights from @hightidebeachparty was chatting it up with @reelbigfish and…"". Instagram.com. October 7, 2018. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
  20. "Billy Kottage on Instagram: "I quit Reel Big Fish a few days ago. I am forever grateful for my experiences with them and was some of the most fun I've ever had."". Instagram.com. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
  21. @ReelBigFish (March 23, 2020). "Very sad to hear about the passing of our old friend and former trumpet player. RIP Tyler Jones" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  22. "Reel Big Fish members reunite on new Lo(u)ser song "No Hope" (watch the video)". BrooklynVegan.com. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  23. "ICE NINE KILLS x REEL BIG FISH - Walking On Sunshine (Official Music Video)". Youtube.com. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  24. "The Littlest Man Band official site". Thelittlestmanband.com. Retrieved October 15, 2011.

External links

Reel Big Fish
  • Aaron Barrett
  • Derek Gibbs
  • Edward Larsen
  • John Christianson
  • Matt Appleton
  • Brian Robertson
Studio albums
Associated acts
Related articles
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