My Superhero
| Company type | Independent band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Defunct | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Anaheim, California , United States |
| Products | Ska punk music albums and EPs |
My Superhero was a ska punk group originating from Anaheim, California, active between 1994 and 2003.
Biography
Established in 1994, My Superhero promptly issued their first album, SKAteboard Music, in 1995 via their own independent label, Sick Little Monkey Music. Their most acclaimed record, Solid State 14 (1997), garnered favorable critiques from prominent outlets such as The Los Angeles Times and AllMusic, both commending its excellence as a punk-ska debut.
In 1998, the band re-recorded SKAteboard Music for Vegas Records and subsequently partnered with Risk Records to re-release Solid State 14, achieving national airplay success. The following year, they collaborated with producer Thom Wilson on their third album, Station One, also released through Risk Records. During the next two years, My Superhero toured extensively across the country alongside well-known acts including Reel Big Fish, The Aquabats, The Hippos, Fenix TX, and Frenzal Rhomb. They also took part in the 1999 and 2000 editions of the Warped Tour. Additionally, they frequently appeared on KUCI's influential Ska Parade radio program, equaling the record for the highest number of live on-air performances.
In April 2000, controversy arose when frontman Brian Gilmore's homophobic remarks on the band's message board were exposed by the OC Weekly. Initially defended by management, Gilmore's comments were later labeled as "unfortunate," with Gilmore himself expressing remorse.
That same year, My Superhero transitioned into a power pop trio and expanded to a four-piece lineup in 2002 to produce their final release, the Send Gas EP. The group disbanded quietly following Gilmore's marriage, with their concluding live appearance occurring at his wedding in 2004.
Reunion shows and beyond
On September 17, 2011, the founding members reunited for a performance at The Glasshouse in Pomona, California, headlining an event organized by Tazy Phyllipz and the Ska Parade. They performed together again on November 5 at the same venue, opening for The Aquabats; this marked their first shared stage since 1998.
Pick It Up - Ska in the 90's
In April 2018, Mike Berault of My Superhero took on the role of Executive Producer for the documentary Pick It Up! - Ska in the '90s, which showcases the DIY spirit and ascent of ska bands during the 1990s to worldwide recognition. Berault also facilitated screenings in San Diego and Long Beach, California.
Discography
- SKAteboard Music (1995; re-recorded 1999)
- Solid State 14 (1997; remastered 1998)
- Station One (1999)
- Send Gas EP (1999)
Band members
- Brian Gilmore – vocals, guitar, bass (1994–2003, 2011)
- Chris Clawson – drums (1994–2003)
- Huey Huynh – guitar (1994–2003, 2011)
- Mike Berault – keyboards, accordion (1994–1999, 2003, 2011)
- Dan Park – bass (1994–1998, 2011)
- James Salomone – bass (1999)
- Ean Brown – guitar (2001–2003)
- Chris Bivens – drums (1999–2000)
- Tim Bivens – drums (2011)