88 Fingers Louie
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois , United States |
| Products | Punk rock music, albums, EPs |
88 Fingers Louie is a punk rock group originating from Chicago, Illinois, established in 1993. After their split in 1999, guitarist Dan Wleklinski and bassist Joe Principe went on to create the influential punk band Rise Against. The band reunited in 2009 and has since performed in locations such as Chicago, Canada, Belgium, Las Vegas, and Asbury Park, including a special 20th anniversary concert in 2013. Their name is inspired by a character from The Flintstones.
Formation and early years
The band was formed in 1993 by vocalist Denis Buckley, guitarist Dan Wleklinski (also known as Mr. Precision), bassist Joe Principe, and drummer Dom Vallone. That same year, they independently released their debut 7-inch record through their own Go Deaf Records label. Upon signing with Fat Wreck Chords, they issued two additional 7-inch EPs titled Go Away and Wanted.
In 1994, after contributing to various split releases and compilations, they launched the 10-inch EP Totin' 40's and Fuckin' Shit Up in 1995. Shortly thereafter, drummer Dom Vallone left the band and was succeeded by Glenn Porter. Their first full-length album, Behind Bars, was released on Hopeless Records on September 12, 1995, garnering favorable critical reception.
Challenges within the band
As their touring schedule intensified, internal tensions began to surface. Following the release of the split EP Chicago vs. Amsterdam, conflicts arose that culminated in their disbandment towards the end of 1996, reportedly stemming from disagreements between vocalist Denis Buckley and drummer Glenn Porter. Before parting ways, they recorded the 7-inch single The Teacher Gets It, which came out in early 1997. Later that year, Fat Wreck Chords compiled their previous 7-inch records into a collection named The Dom Years.
In 1998, the group reunited with new drummer John Carroll and produced their sophomore album, Back on the Streets, followed by touring activities. Nevertheless, disputes reemerged; shortly after releasing a split album with Kid Dynamite, they dissolved once more due to a confrontation between Buckley and Principe.
After this breakup, Buckley joined the melodic hardcore outfit Explode and Make Up; former drummer Glenn Porter became part of Alkaline Trio; John Carroll played drums for Paper Mice; while Wleklinski and Principe went on to form Rise Against.
Reunion era and live releases
On August 14 and 15, 2009, the band staged two sold-out reunion concerts: one at Riot Fest and another at Chicago’s Bottom Lounge. The lineup featured original members Mr. Precision (Dan Wleklinski), Denis "The Grandpa" Buckley, and John Carroll. Bassist Joe Principe was invited but could not participate due to commitments with Rise Against, so John Contreras filled in on bass. Additionally, former drummer Glenn Porter joined for five songs during these shows. The live album 88 Fingers Louie LIVES captures a 78-minute performance with 26 tracks recorded at Bottom Lounge on August 15, 2009; it was mixed by Dan Wleklinski at his Bombshelter Recording Studio. A DVD of this concert was released in 2010. Following their reunion, the band embarked on extensive tours including an Eastern Canadian leg as well as appearances at Belgium’s Groezrock Festival and Canada’s Amnesia Rockfest. In 2013, Nat Wright from Chicago’s Shot Baker took over bass duties. That same year marked a final show featuring the pre-reunion lineup with Joe Principe celebrating their 20th anniversary. In 2015, they performed back-to-back nights at Chicago’s Reggie’s Rock Club and planned performances at Pouzza Fest and Punk Rock Bowling. Tours of Florida and the West Coast followed in 2016. Their first new album in nearly two decades, Thank You for Being a Friend, was released on June 30, 2017 via Bird Attack Records (Jacksonville Beach, FL), accompanied by a European tour.
Band members
- Current roster
- Denis Buckley – lead vocals (1993–1996, 1998–1999, 2009–2010, 2013–present)
- Dan "Mr. Precision" Wleklinski – guitar and vocals (1993–1996, 1998–1999, 2009–2010, 2013–present)
- John Carroll – drums and backing vocals (1998–1999, 2009–2010, 2013–present)
- Nat Wright – bass guitar (2013–present)
- Past members
- Joe Principe – bass guitar and backing vocals (1993–1996, 1998–1999)
- Dominic "Dom" Vallone – drums (1993–1995)
- Glenn Porter – drums and backing vocals (1995–1996)
- John Contreras – bass guitar (2009–2010)
Studio albums
- Behind Bars (1995)
- Back on the Streets (1998)
- Thank You for Being a Friend (2017)
EPs, splits, and compilations
- Happy Anniversary 7" (1993)
- Go Away 7" (1993)
- Wanted 7" (1993)
- Totin' 40's & Fuckin' Shit Up 10" (1995)
- Chicago vs. Amsterdam 7" (1996)
- The Dom Years (1997)
- 88 Fingers Up Your Ass (1997)
- The Teacher Gets It 7" (1997)
- 88 Fingers Louie/Kid Dynamite (1999)
- 88 Fingers Louie LIVES (2009)
- 88 Fingers Louie Lives DVD (2010)
- Get Off My Lawn 7" (2017)
Music videos
- "I've Won" (1999)