Ska

Reel Big Fish

When one thinks of the third wave of ska, many bands might come to mind, but none more prominently than Reel Big Fish. This band has shaped the way for many aspiring young ska bands and continues to be a favorite among a wide variety of people. Best known for the single “Sell Out” off of 1996′s “Turn the Radio Off,” Reel Big Fish still plays today at venues all over the world. Although they weren’t they first band of ska’s third wave, few can argue that they haven’t left the greatest impression on ska, or even music today.

The Early Years

The band’s first album; “Everything Sucks,” was self-released and helped Reel Big Fish gain success in the underground ska scene. This album also led to Reel Big Fish’s first record deal with Mojo Records. With the release of their second album; “Turn the Radio Off,” the band began touring the United States and gained much more widespread success. “Sellout” was probably the biggest contribution to this success as it enjoyed much radio and MTV airtime at it’s peak of success in 1997. Sadly, the album “Why Do They Rock So Hard?” failed to pull in nearly as many sales as their previous record, but Reel Big Fish would continue to gain success in the ska community. It was also at this time that three members would be a part of the band. Grant Barry (trombone), and Andrew Gonzales (drums) left the band to pursue other things while Travis Werts (trumpet) was fired.

Playing Under a Major Label

“Cheer Up,” which was released in 2002, gave the band much success with the rock crowd because of the single “Where Have You Been?” which did not feature a horn section. After this album, Tyler Jones (trumpet) who replaced Travis Werts on the album just prior to this, was replaced by John Christianson who continues to play with the band today. Their following album, “We’re Not Happy “Til You’re Not Happy,” was released in 2005. It was also that this time that the band again acquired a new drummer in Ryland Steen. This album was revealed by Aaron Barret to be the third in a trilogy symbolizing various stages of playing in and being a band. The trilogy is ordered as follows; “Turn the Radio Off,” “Why Do They Rock So Hard?,” and “We’re Not Happy ‘Til You ‘re Not Happy.”

Independent and Proud

After the band’s release from Jive records in 2006, a live album was put out called “Our Live Album Is Better Than Your Live Album.” Jive released a Reel Big Fish greatest hits album which is not endorsed by the band in any way. After doing a split CD with the band Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer, the band released their first album with new material in a while titled “Monkeys for Nothing, and the Chimps for Free.” Matt Wong (bassist) revealed to the band that he was leaving to focus on his family at this time. Reel Big Fish released a cover album in 2009 titled “Fame, Fortune and Fornication” and after their most recent album; “A Best of Us for the Rest of Us,” long time trumpet player Scott Klopfenstein also took his leave and was replaced by Matt Appleton (saxophone.) The band’s current lineup is Aaron Barret – guitar/ lead vocals, Dan Regan – trombone/ backing vocals, John Christianson – trumpet/ backing vocals, Ryland Steen – drums, Derek Gibbs – bass, and Matt Appleton – saxophone/ backing vocals.

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