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Oingo Boingo

From Alfawiki
Oingo Boingo
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1979
FounderDanny Elfman
Headquarters
Los Angeles
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, singles, live performances

Oingo Boingo () was an American rock ensemble established by songwriter Danny Elfman in 1979. This band originated from the avant-garde musical theater group known as the Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo, which Elfman had previously led and composed for.

Renowned for their dynamic performances and innovative sound, Oingo Boingo blended styles such as new wave, art rock, punk, ska, pop, jazz, and global music influences. Over a span of 17 years, the group experienced numerous changes in both musical direction and membership. Their notable tracks include "Only a Lad", "Little Girls", "Dead Man's Party", and their most commercially successful single, "Weird Science", which peaked at number 45 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Throughout its existence, the band saw several personnel adjustments, with Elfman, Leon Schneiderman, Dale Turner, Sam Phipps, Steve Bartek, and John "Vatos" Hernandez forming the core lineup. Initially influenced by ska and punk within a new wave framework as an eight-member group, they built a strong following in Southern California. By the mid-1980s, their sound shifted toward mainstream pop before evolving into a more rock-driven style by 1994. At that point, the group shortened its name to Boingo and removed both keyboard and horn sections. The band concluded its career with a final Halloween performance in 1995, restoring the original Oingo Boingo name and horn lineup for the farewell show.

The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo (1972–1979)

Founded by Richard Elfman, The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo began as a Los Angeles-based street theater troupe. Their name was inspired by a fictional secret society called The Mystic Knights of the Sea from the Amos 'n' Andy television program. The ensemble featured as many as 15 performers playing over 30 instruments, some custom-made by members themselves.

Danny Elfman joined his brother Richard in 1974 and eventually took over leadership duties. The troupe transitioned from street performances to musical theater productions, presenting an eclectic repertoire that ranged from covers of Cab Calloway to Balinese gamelan and Russian ballet compositions, alongside original pieces penned by Danny Elfman. Guitarist Steve Bartek became part of the group in 1976 as co-musical director. That same year, they won the television talent competition The Gong Show.

I.R.S. and A&M years (1979–1984)

In 1979, Danny Elfman restructured the ensemble into a focused rock band named Oingo Boingo, with most original members departing except for Steve Bartek and brass players Dale Turner, Sam "Sluggo" Phipps, and Leon Schneiderman. This reformation aimed to concentrate on emerging musical interests while streamlining operational complexity. Their influences included ska revival groups like the Specials and Madness, new wave bands such as XTC, Devo, and Fun Boy Three, along with the vigor of punk rock.

The name Oingo Boingo was officially adopted in 1979; their early track "I'm Afraid" featured on Rhino Records' Los Angeles rock/new wave compilation L.A. In. That year also saw them self-produce a promotional EP ("Demo EP") intended for radio stations and A&R representatives, which garnered attention from I.R.S. Records. I.R.S. subsequently released an updated version titled Oingo Boingo in 1980.

The eight-member lineup consisted of Danny Elfman (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Steve Bartek (lead guitar), Richard Gibbs (keyboards), Kerry Hatch (bass), Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez (drums), along with horn players Leon Schneiderman, Sam "Sluggo" Phipps, and Dale Turner. Their track "Only a Lad" received notable regional airplay on Los Angeles' KROQ-FM in 1980.

Building on this momentum, Oingo Boingo signed with A&M Records, releasing their debut full-length album Only a Lad in 1981 featuring a newly recorded title track. They followed up with albums Nothing to Fear (1982) and Good for Your Soul (1983). Although often categorized as new wave, their distinctive sound incorporated exotic percussion elements, a three-piece horn section, unconventional musical scales, and surreal lyrical themes that transcended typical genre boundaries.

MCA years (1984–1992)

Following three albums that failed to achieve nationwide recognition, A&M Records grew increasingly dissatisfied with Oingo Boingo's commercial results. Manager Mike Gormley, who had previously served as A&M's Vice President of Publicity, negotiated the band's release from the label and arranged a solo contract for Danny Elfman with MCA Records. Despite pursuing a solo project, Elfman remained dedicated to the band, using his solo album as a means to sustain Oingo Boingo by co-producing alongside Steve Bartek and involving band members as session players. The album So-Lo was issued in late 1984.

Soon afterward, bassist Kerry Hatch and keyboardist Richard Gibbs departed to establish the group Zuma II. Elfman attributed their exit to diminished enthusiasm, highlighting the difficulties inherent in maintaining an eight-member ensemble focused on non-mainstream music.

Oingo Boingo resumed activity with new additions: bassist John Avila and keyboardist Mike Bacich. MCA altered the contract to encompass the entire band instead of Elfman alone. The 1985 release Dead Man's Party marked a transition toward more pop-influenced songwriting and became their highest-selling album. It featured their most successful Billboard Hot 100 hit, "Weird Science", crafted for the John Hughes film sharing its title.

The group contributed tracks to numerous 1980s film soundtracks, including performing "Dead Man's Party" in the 1986 movie Back to School. Elfman composed the theme for Bachelor Party, which also included an unreleased Oingo Boingo song, "Something Isn't Right".

During this era, Elfman embarked on his career as a film composer, beginning with 1985's Pee-wee's Big Adventure. He would go on to score nearly all Tim Burton films, with guitarist Steve Bartek orchestrating much of Elfman's compositions.

The 1987 album BOI-NGO followed this period, after which keyboardist Mike Bacich was replaced by Carl Graves. In 1988, Oingo Boingo released Boingo Alive, an album featuring live studio re-recordings of earlier tracks alongside a new single titled "Winning Side," which reached number 14 on US Modern Rock radio charts.

Their seventh studio effort, Dark at the End of the Tunnel (1990), revealed a softer musical approach and included singles such as "Out of Control" and "Flesh 'N Blood".

Final years (1993–1995)

Oingo Boingo maintained their live presence, particularly through annual Halloween concerts held at Irvine Meadows and the Universal Amphitheatre. After taking a break in 1992 during which Elfman concentrated on film scoring, the band returned in 1993 adopting a heavier rock sound and introducing new songs like "Insanity" and "Helpless." These performances featured the "Sad Clown Orchestra," incorporating instruments like accordion and circus percussion.

In 1993, recording sessions commenced for an eighth studio album under Giant Records; however, progress slowed as Elfman became deeply engaged in composing for the animated musical The Nightmare Before Christmas. He later confessed that his enthusiasm for the band had diminished after more than fifteen years.

By 1994, the group shortened its name to Boingo and evolved stylistically by adding guitarist Warren Fitzgerald, while dismissing keyboardist Carl Graves and eliminating the horn section—resulting in their only tour without horns. The previously unfinished album was completed with this five-member lineup, integrating orchestral arrangements and improvisation within the studio for the first time. Released as Boingo in 1994, it stood as their final studio release.

In 1995, Boingo declared their dissolution after seventeen years together. They conducted a farewell tour that reinstated the original horn trio and reverted to using the name Oingo Boingo. This series of shows culminated in a final Halloween performance at the Universal Amphitheatre. The concert was recorded and subsequently issued on VHS and CD in 1996 under the title Farewell.

Post-breakup

Following the dissolution of the band, Danny Elfman embarked on a distinguished career as a film composer, garnering four Academy Award nominations. He composed the scores for the majority of Tim Burton's movies starting with Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985), including notable works such as Batman (1989), Edward Scissorhands (1990), and The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). His other significant film compositions include Good Will Hunting (1997), Men in Black (1997), and Spider-Man (2002). Elfman also crafted theme music for more than a dozen television series, including The Simpsons, Batman: The Animated Series, and Desperate Housewives, often collaborating with former Oingo Boingo guitarist Steve Bartek, who served as orchestrator.

John Avila and Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez continued their musical pursuits with Food for Feet and Tito & Tarantula based in Los Angeles. Doug Lacy established Doug & The Mystics, enlisting Avila, Bartek, Hernandez, and saxophonist Sam Phipps; this group released one album titled New Hat, which features a rendition of Oingo Boingo's "Try to Believe." Meanwhile, former keyboardist Richard Gibbs shifted his focus to composing for films.

Elfman has consistently dismissed the idea of an Oingo Boingo reunion, citing issues related to hearing impairment and a general hesitance toward reunions among aging bands. In 2021, he likened such reunions to "zombies."

In October 2015, Elfman and Bartek reunited on stage to perform "Dead Man's Party" live for the first time in twenty years during a concert dedicated to The Nightmare Before Christmas, accompanied by an orchestra. This song was included in subsequent performances.

In April 2016, Oingo Boingo was formally honored at Los Angeles City Hall, with several former members present. Radio and television host Richard Blade delivered remarks highlighting the band's enduring influence.

On June 11, 2021, Elfman unveiled his first solo studio album in 37 years, titled Big Mess. This record features contributions from past Oingo Boingo members Bartek, Fitzgerald, and Mann, including a fresh arrangement of "Insects" from the 1982 album Nothing to Fear.

Tribute band

Since Halloween 2005, former drummer Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez has led an Oingo Boingo tribute ensemble primarily performing across Southern California and Arizona venues such as the Grove of Anaheim. Originally called "Johnny 'Vatos' Tribute to Halloween, Featuring Former Members of Oingo Boingo," the group was later renamed "Johnny Vatos Oingo Boingo Dance Party," then "Oingo Boingo Former Members." Beginning in 2015, Danny Elfman officially endorsed this band as the authorized tribute act, granting Hernandez exclusive permission to use the names 'Boingo' and 'Oingo Boingo'.

The tribute group occasionally includes appearances by former members like Steve Bartek, Carl Graves, John Avila, and Sam "Sluggo" Phipps. Vocals are typically performed by Brendan McCreary. During the 2006 Halloween season, two concerts were held in Los Angeles and Orange County, California, featuring Vatos alongside Bartek, Avila, Phipps, and Legacy.

Final line-up

Note:

  • Leon Schneiderman – baritone and alto saxophones (1972–1995)
  • Dale Turner – trumpet, trombones, backing vocals (1972–1995)
  • Sam "Sluggo" Phipps – tenor and soprano saxophones (1973–1995)
  • Danny Elfman – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1972–1995)
  • Steve Bartek – lead guitar, backing vocals (1975–1995)
  • Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez – drums and percussion (1978–1980, 1980–1995)
  • John Avila – bass guitar, backing vocals (1984–1995)
  • Warren Fitzgerald – guitars, backing vocals (1993–1995)

Discography

Filmography

Appearances featuring Oingo Boingo

External links

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