22 Jacks
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Defunct | 2001 (initial period) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2007 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Punk rock music |
22 Jacks is a punk rock supergroup from the United States, comprising musicians associated with Wax, The Breeders, The Adolescents, and Royal Crown Revue. Their initial period of activity spanned from 1995 until 2001, with a resurgence beginning in 2007.
Career
Following the dissolution of Wax in late 1995, Joe Sib collaborated with longtime associate Steve Soto (previously of The Adolescents and Agent Orange) to develop new songs. They quickly assembled a lineup including Sandy Hansen (The Adolescents), Scott Shiflett (Face to Face), and Jason Cropper (Weezer), forming 22 Jacks. In February 1996, the group recorded a dozen tracks at The Sandbox studio located in Los Angeles, which culminated in their album Uncle Bob. As original members pursued other projects, Sib and Soto brought in replacements: Kelly LeMieux (Fear), Jose Medeles (The Breeders, Face to Face), and Bill Fraenza.
Around 2001, before producing a fourth album, 22 Jacks disbanded as Sib concentrated on developing SideOneDummy Records. Afterward, Soto revived The Adolescents, while Medeles became the drummer for The Breeders’ reunion.
Throughout their first six years, 22 Jacks toured extensively alongside groups such as Reel Big Fish, Lit, The Bloodhound Gang, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Goldfinger, and Social Distortion. Additionally, they contributed backing vocals for a track featuring Joey Ramone on a tribute album honoring Cheap Trick.
Reunion and Soto's death
On December 13, 2007, 22 Jacks announced their reunion to perform three concerts in California scheduled for January 2008—marking their first live shows since 2001—with support from bands including Social Distortion. Although there was talk of further touring, no new studio recordings have been officially announced.
Founding member Steve Soto passed away unexpectedly on June 27, 2018, at age 54, shortly after completing a tour with The Adolescents.
Members
- Joe Sib – Lead Vocals (1995–2001; 2007–present)
- Bill Fraenza – Guitar (1995–2001; 2007–present)
- James Achor – Bass Guitar (2007–present)
- Jose Medeles – Drums (1995–2001; 2007–present)
Former members
- Steve Soto – Vocals, Guitar (1995–2001; 2007–2018; deceased 2018)
- Dave Nassie – Bass
- Matt Riddle – Bass
- Kelly LeMieux – Bass
- C.J. Ramone – Bass
- Scott Shiflett – Bass
- Jason Cropper – Guitar
- Sandy Hansen – Drums
- Chris Shiflett – Guitar
Albums
- Uncle Bob (1996)
- Overserved (1998)
- Going North (1999)
Splits
- 22 Jacks ("Breakin'") & Clowns for Progress ("Insect") (7" Vinyl)
- 22 Jacks ("Fall") & The Smooths ("Sin Supposed To Be") (7" Vinyl)
- 22 Jacks ("Passport") & Mess ("You're a Drag & Five-O") (7" Vinyl)
- 22 Jacks ("Sky") & Wank ("Larry Brown") (7" Vinyl)
Singles
- "Swallow" (7" Vinyl)
Box sets
- Twenty-Two Jacks (1998)