Champion (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | March 1, 1999 in Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Founder | Jim Hesketh, Chris Williams |
| Defunct | May 27, 2006 |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
| Products | Hardcore punk music |
Champion was a hardcore punk band from the United States, known for their straight edge stance, established in Seattle, Washington, during spring 1999 by vocalist Jim Hesketh and guitarist Chris Williams.
History
Following their inception, Champion issued their initial demo on cassette and embarked on a tour along the West Coast of the United States. The band's lineup underwent several changes early on but reached stability by 2000, coinciding with the release of the Come Out Swinging EP through Platinum Recordings in Germany.
Gaining recognition partly due to American Nightmare's influence, Champion secured a contract with Bridge 9 Records. Under this label, they launched the Count Our Numbers EP and reissued Come Out Swinging. Their touring schedule expanded internationally, covering the U.S., Europe, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. During these tours, they shared stages with bands such as American Nightmare, Comeback Kid, Terror, Slapshot, and Sick of It All.
The band’s debut full-length album, Promises Kept, was released via Bridge 9 Records after Andy Norton joined to solidify the main lineup. After completing numerous global tours, Champion compiled their two EPs into a single CD titled Time Slips Away, which was re-released in 2005.
On January 31, 2006, Champion officially announced their breakup through Bridge 9 Records. Their farewell performance occurred on May 27, 2006, in Seattle. The group attributed their decision to end to the pressures associated with ongoing recording and touring commitments while emphasizing their desire to preserve both personal integrity and friendships.
Following the dissolution of Champion, its members continued participating actively within the hardcore music community: Aram Arslanian contributed guitar work to The First Step and other projects while managing REACT! Records; Chris Williams performed with Dead Weight among other acts; Jim Hesketh provided vocals for ON and True Identity (the latter disbanded amid serious accusations); Todd Preboski played drums for Betrayed and Lonewolf; Andy Norton was involved with Time to Escape and Warpriest and currently leads vocals for Praise.
In 2020, Aram Arslanian initiated a new band named CHANGE, releasing the LP Closer Still on React! Records, featuring live performances by Chris Williams.
Members
- Current members
- Jim Hesketh – lead vocals
- Aram Arslanian – guitar
- Chris Williams – guitar
- Todd Preboski – drums
- Andy Norton – bass guitar
- Former members
- Ben Colton – bass
- Eagle Barber – guitar
- Timm McIntosh – guitar
- Joe Preston – drums
- Jeff Boltz – drums
- Nikki Platter – drums
- Sean Spear – bass
- Brandon Wallace – drums
Discography
- Demo Tape (1999)
- Come Out Swinging (Platinum Records, 2000)
- Count Our Numbers (Bridge 9 Records, 2002)
- Promises Kept (Bridge 9 Records, 2004)
- Time Slips Away (Bridge 9 Records, 2005)
- Champion/Betrayed split EP (Rivalry Records, 2006)
- Different Directions (Bridge 9 Records, 2007)