Papa Wheelie
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Jason Newsted |
| Headquarters | San Francisco Bay Area , United States |
Area served | San Francisco Bay Area |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Papa Wheelie is a punk rock and heavy metal group from the United States, established in 1996 by Jason Newsted, who is widely recognized for his role in Metallica from 1986 until 2001. Their performances have been mainly concentrated within the San Francisco Bay Area, appearing at local rock venues and private gatherings.
The band's inception stemmed from Newsted's camaraderie with a mountain bike shop proprietor, united by their enthusiasm for biking. The band's name is inspired by the cycling maneuver known as "pop a wheelie." At first, Newsted was on drums while Steven Wiig played guitar; subsequently, Newsted assumed guitar and vocal duties, Wiig shifted back to drums and took on creative responsibilities, with multiple bass players participating over time.
Every recording session has taken place at Newsted's personal studio, The Chophouse.
After a break around 2006 caused by Newsted’s shoulder injuries, Papa Wheelie reunited in August 2011, motivated by an episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations that showcased bands such as Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age. This comeback resulted in several shows across the Bay Area, including a supporting slot for Anvil and Kyuss Lives! at San Francisco's Regency Ballroom in November 2011.
Members
- Jason Newsted – guitar, vocals
- Steven Wiig – drums
- Joe Ledesma – bass
Discography
- 2002: Unipsycho
- 2002: Live Lycanthropy