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Screeching Weasel

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Screeching Weasel
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1986 in Prospect Heights, Illinois, United States
FounderBen Weasel, John Jughead (John Pierson)
Headquarters
Prospect Heights, Illinois
,
United States
Area served
United States
Key people
Ben Weasel (vocalist), John Jughead (guitarist, until 2009), Gianluca "Ginger" Panero (guitarist), Mike Hunchback (guitarist), Zach "Poutine" Brandner (bassist), Pierre Marche (drummer)
ProductsPunk rock music, studio albums
Number of employees
6 (current members)

Screeching Weasel is a punk rock group from the United States, established in 1986 by vocalist Ben Weasel and guitarist John Jughead (John Pierson) in Prospect Heights, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. The band's current roster features Ben Weasel, guitarists Gianluca "Ginger" Panero and Mike Hunchback, bassist Zach "Poutine" Brandner, and drummer Pierre Marche. Ben Weasel has been the only continuous member since the band's inception, with Jughead remaining involved until 2009. Notable contributors include guitarist/bassist Dan Vapid and drummer Dan Panic, each appearing on six studio records, as well as Green Day’s bassist Mike Dirnt, who participated on one album.

Throughout their career, Screeching Weasel has produced 14 studio albums, working with influential independent labels like Lookout! Records and Fat Wreck Chords. Although they have not broken into mainstream commercial markets, their impact is acknowledged by several leading punk bands.

Formation and initial phase (1986–1989)

The band originally went by the name All Night Garage Sale before adopting the moniker Screeching Weasel, inspired by a friend’s suggestion and a T-shirt phrase. Upon forming, Ben Weasel found it difficult to sing while playing bass simultaneously, which led to Vince Vogel ("Vinnie Bovine") joining as bassist. Their debut album, Screeching Weasel, was recorded in a single night for $200 and released in 1987 via Chicago’s Underdog Records.

In 1988, Warren Fischer ("Fish"), formerly of Ozzfish, replaced Vogel on bass. The band recorded their sophomore album, Boogadaboogadaboogada!, with Weasel adding second guitar parts on some tracks. They gained exposure opening for Operation Ivy at 924 Gilman Street. Drummer Steve Cheese was briefly replaced by Aaron Cometbus before Brian Vermin took over. This album was released through Roadkill Records, a label founded by David Best.

After a challenging tour experience, Fish departed and Dan Schafer ("Danny Vapid") stepped in as bassist. This lineup recorded the Punkhouse EP under Limited Potential Records and contributed to various compilations with second guitarist Doug Ward. The band dissolved when Vermin and Vapid left to concentrate on their side project Sludgeworth.

Reunion and resurgence (1991–1994)

Following the breakup, Weasel and Jughead created The Gore Gore Girls; Ben also briefly played with the original lineup of The Vindictives. On December 29, 1990, Screeching Weasel reunited for a one-time show to clear debts from prior recordings. This lineup featured Ben, Jughead, Vapid, Vermin, and Ward. Subsequently, Vapid and Jughead proposed reviving the band; Vermin and Ward declined while drummer Dan Panic joined.

Prior to recording their third album My Brain Hurts (1991) for Lookout! Records, Ben Weasel focused solely on vocals. Vapid transitioned from bass to guitar with Dave Naked brought in as bassist. These sessions also produced the Pervo Devo EP.

Dave Naked was soon replaced by Scott "Gub" Conway for touring purposes; Johnny Personality later assumed bass responsibilities. By late 1992, they recorded Wiggle, marking the first collaboration with producer Mass Giorgini—who would become bassist from 1998 to 2004. Personality left to prioritize The Vindictives; rather than add another member, Weasel returned to guitar while Vapid switched back to bass. The band then recorded a full Ramones tribute album titled Ramones (1992), followed by Anthem for a New Tomorrow. After these releases, Weasel stopped performing live shows; Vapid exited following creative differences.

After issuing How to Make Enemies and Irritate People (1994), Screeching Weasel disbanded once more.

Second reformation (1996–2001)

Following their second split, Weasel, Vapid, and Panic established the Riverdales, gaining prominence by touring alongside Green Day. By 1996, they reunited with Jughead to produce Bark Like a Dog under Fat Wreck Chords, which reached number 34 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart—marking their highest chart position. After recording, Vapid and Panic departed, prompting Weasel and Jughead to continue with bassist Mass Giorgini and drummer Dan Lumley from Squirtgun, along with guitarist Zac Damon as Weasel stepped away from guitar duties.

In 1998, this ensemble released the Major Label Debut EP, the inaugural release on Panic Button Records, a label founded by Ben and John that year, followed by the album Television City Dream. The 1999 record Emo featured the same band members except Damon, who was absent due to academic obligations. Guitarist Phillip Hill joined in 2000 for what was intended as their final album, Teen Punks in Heat. That year also marked their first live performances since 1993 with brief sets at Chicago's House of Blues. The group disbanded once again on July 6, 2001, citing Jughead’s dissatisfaction with touring.

Hiatus and brief third reformation (2001–2008)

After the breakup, Jughead went on to form Even in Blackouts, while Weasel released his solo album Fidatevi along with a new Riverdales record titled Phase Three. Both members authored books related to Screeching Weasel: Ben Weasel published the 2001 novel Like Hell, centered on a fictional punk band, while Jughead released a semi-fictional history called Weasels in a Box, published through his own Hope And Nonthings press. Additionally, Jughead remained active in theater with the Neo-Futurists.

In 2004, Ben regained ownership of Screeching Weasel's master recordings from Lookout! Records amid financial disagreements; these masters were subsequently licensed to Asian Man Records for re-releases. That same year saw original members reunite for surprise shows at Chicago's Fireside Bowl. Although discussions about touring occurred, no concrete offers emerged.

Ben Weasel issued a second solo album, These Ones Are Bitter, in 2007 and performed solo at Baltimore’s Insubordination Fest, supported by The Guts, with Dan Vapid joining onstage for selections from Screeching Weasel and Riverdales repertoires. In August 2008, Ben Weasel and Dan Vapid played two Chicago concerts featuring a full performance of My Brain Hurts alongside additional songs from their projects.

Fourth reformation (2009–2011)

2009–2011

In March 2009, Ben Weasel revived Screeching Weasel with a lineup that excluded John Jughead but included longtime collaborator Dan Vapid. Weasel explained that resolved legal complications previously restricting his control over the band allowed him to lead again alongside new members Simon Lamb, Justin Perkins, and Adam Cargin.

Jughead responded via MySpace by questioning the legitimacy of this new incarnation without his participation, emphasizing that he had co-founded Screeching Weasel with Weasel and asserting he had never officially left the group.

Weasel later disclosed that their split stemmed from a two-year legal dispute over business matters, describing their separation as irreparable and acrimonious.

In November 2009, Weasel severed ties with Asian Man Records and transferred Screeching Weasel’s, Riverdales’, and his solo catalogs to Recess Records.

On November 30, 2010, Ben Weasel openly discussed his struggles with anxiety and agoraphobia during an appearance on Last Call with Carson Daly.

The band released First World Manifesto on March 15, 2011—its first album in over a decade—through Fat Wreck Chords. Produced by Mike Kennerty of The All-American Rejects, the label also planned reissues of Screeching Weasel's back catalog.

During a March 18 performance at SXSW in Austin, Texas, Foster became involved in an altercation with audience members after provocation; security intervened and escorted him out of the venue. Foster issued an apology on March 22. The following day, the remaining four band members announced their departure from the group.

As a consequence of these events, "Weasel Fest," intended as a 25th-anniversary celebration at Reggie's Rock Club in Chicago, was canceled due to multiple act withdrawals. In July 2011, Fat Mike of Fat Wreck Chords expressed no interest in releasing new material from Screeching Weasel but remained open to reissuing their previous works.

New lineup (2011-present)

Although there were speculations about their disbandment, Screeching Weasel made a comeback on October 29, 2011, performing at Reggie's Rock Club in Chicago with a refreshed roster: Ben Weasel on vocals, Zac Damon handling guitar, Dave Klein on bass, Pierre Marche behind the drums, and Mike Hunchback playing rhythm guitar. That same year, they recorded a seven-track EP titled Carnival of Schadenfreude, produced by Mike Kennerty and released through Recess Records in November. In March 2013, Dave Klein amicably departed to join Black Flag and was succeeded by bassist Zach Brandner, known as "Poutine."

In July 2014, Ben Weasel revealed intentions to create a two-part rock opera named Baby Fat. The first installment, Baby Fat: Act 1, was funded via crowdfunding efforts that raised over $40,000 and was released in 2015; however, Act 2 has yet to be made public. By the end of 2016, Trevor Jackson took over guitar duties from Zac Damon.

A documentary initially halted in 2012 due to production complications involving Weasel was revived in 2017 under the title My Right: The Screeching Weasel Story. The band issued two digital singles—"Christmas Eve" and "New Years Eve"—in December 2017 and performed several concerts throughout 2018. They announced plans to record a new album in the summer of 2019 and scheduled a tour for 2020.

On March 24, 2020, Screeching Weasel unveiled their thirteenth studio album, Some Freaks of Atavism. This was followed by their fourteenth album, The Awful Disclosures of Screeching Weasel, released on July 15, 2022. This record featured producer Mike Kennerty stepping in as guitarist and backing vocalist in place of Trevor Jackson. Both albums were met with favorable reception from both fans and critics alike.

Despite tour postponements caused by the COVID-19 pandemic since 2019, the band remains active. In 2024, they announced a return to live performances set for 2025; notably, tickets for their Chicago shows sold out within an hour. That year also marked the addition of Italian guitarist Ginger Panero to the lineup. Ben Weasel affirmed the band's enduring commitment by stating, "Screeching Weasel is never breaking up again. The band dies when I do."

Musical style and legacy

Besides drawing inspiration from the Ramones, Ben Weasel acknowledges bands such as Black Flag, D.O.A., The Dickies, and Zero Boys as significant influences on Screeching Weasel's sound.[1] Similar to the Ramones, Screeching Weasel’s lyrics frequently explore themes involving girls and mental health challenges, mirroring Weasel’s personal experiences with anxiety.[2] While Ben Weasel penned most songs for the band, some compositions credit collaborators like Vapid, Jughead, or The Queers' frontman Joe King.

Numerous prominent punk and pop punk bands have cited Screeching Weasel as an influential force. For instance, Blink-182 covered "The Girl Next Door" on their album Buddha, with guitarist Tom Delonge naming them as a key inspiration for his songwriting.[2] Other acts influenced include Green Day, whose bassist Mike Dirnt once played with Screeching Weasel; The All-American Rejects, with guitarist Mike Kennerty producing several of their records; as well as New Found Glory,[3] Eve 6,[4] Bowling for Soup,[5] MxPx,[6] Chicago-based groups like Rise Against, Fall Out Boy, Allister,[7] and Alkaline Trio, along with ska punk ensemble Less Than Jake.[8]

Independent punk outfits including The Apers, Bigwig, The Leftovers, The Manges, and The Unlovables also recognize Screeching Weasel’s impact.[9][10][11][12] Musically, Screeching Weasel is often categorized under genres such as skate punk,[13] pop punk,[14][15] and punk rock.[16][17]

Band members

Current lineup

  • Ben Weasel – lead vocals, guitar (1986–1989, 1991–1994, 1996–2001, 2004, 2009–present); bass (1986)
  • Pierre Marche – drums and percussion (2011–present)
  • Mike Hunchback – guitar (2011–present)
  • Zach "Poutine" Brandner – bass guitar, backing vocals (2013–present)
  • Gianluca "Ginger" Panero – guitar, backing vocals (2025–present)

Past members

  • Jughead – guitar, backing vocals (1986–1989, 1991–1994, 1996–2001, 2004)
  • Vinnie Bovine – bass guitar (1986–1988)
  • Steve Cheese – drums and percussion (1986–1988)
  • Warren Fish – bass guitar (1988–1989)
  • Brian Vermin – drums and percussion (1988–1989)
  • Dan Vapid – bass guitar, guitar, backing vocals (1989, 1991–1994, 1996, 2004, 2009–2011)
  • Doug Ward – guitar (1989)
  • Dave Naked – bass guitar (1991–1992)
  • Scott "Gub" Conway – bass guitar (1992)
  • Dan Panic – drums and percussion (1991–1994, 1996)
  • Johnny Personality – bass guitar, backing vocals (1992)
  • Mass Giorgini – bass guitar, backing vocals (1994, 1996–2001, 2004)
  • Mike Dirnt – bass guitar, backing vocals (1994)
  • Dan Lumley – drums and percussion (1996–2001, 2004)
  • Phillip Hill – guitar, backing vocals (2000–2001)
  • Simon Lamb – guitar (2009–2010)
  • Justin Perkins – bass guitar, backing vocals, percussion (2009–2011)
  • Adam Cargin – drums and percussion (2009–2011)
  • Drew Fredrichsen – guitar, backing vocals (2010–2011)
  • Dave Klein – bass guitar (2011–2013)
  • Zac Damon – guitar, backing vocals (1997–1998, 2011–2016)
  • Trevor Jackson – guitar, backing vocals (2017–2022)
  • Mike Kennerty - guitar, backing vocals (2022-2025)

Timeline

{{#tag:timeline |ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:18 |PlotArea = left:100 bottom:60 top:0 right:20 |Alignbars = justify |DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy |Period = from:01/01/1986 till: |TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy |Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom |ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:01/01/1986 unit:year |ScaleMinor = increment:2 start:01/01/1987 unit:year

|Colors = 

 id:vocals    value:red        legend:Lead_vocals
 id:bvocals   value:pink       legend:Backing_vocals
 id:guitars   value:green      legend:Guitars
 id:bass      value:blue       legend:Bass
 id:drums     value:orange     legend:Drums,_percussion
 id:studio    value:black      legend:Studio_albums

|BarData = 

bar:Ben        text:"Ben Weasel"
bar:John       text:"John Jughead"
bar:Zac        text:"Zac Damon"
bar:Phillip    text:"Phillip Hill"
bar:Simon      text:"Simon Lamb"
bar:Drew       text:"Drew Fredrichsen"
bar:Hunchback  text:"Mike Hunchback"
bar:Trevor     text:"Trevor Jackson"
bar:Kennerty   text:"Mike Kennerty"
bar:Panero     text:"Ginger Panero"
bar:Vinnie     text:"Vinnie Bovine"
bar:Warren     text:"Warren Fish"
bar:Vapid      text:"Dan Vapid"
bar:Naked      text:"Dave Naked"
bar:Johnny     text:"Johnny Personality"
bar:Dirnt      text:"Mike Dirnt"
bar:Mass       text:"Mass Giorgini"
bar:Justin     text:"Justin Perkins"
bar:Dave       text:"Dave Klein"
bar:Zach       text:"Zach Brandner"
bar:Steve      text:"Steve Cheese"
bar:Brian      text:"Brian Vermin"
bar:Panic      text:"Dan Panic"
bar:Lumley     text:"Dan Lumley"
bar:Adam       text:"Adam Cargin"
bar:Pierre     text:"Pierre Marche"

|PlotData= 

width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
bar:Ben       from:01/01/1986   till:31/12/1989   color:vocals
bar:Ben       from:01/01/1991   till:23/09/1994   color:vocals
bar:Ben       from:01/01/1996   till:31/12/2001   color:vocals
bar:Ben       from:01/01/1986 till:01/11/1986 color:bass width:3
bar:Ben       from:08/10/1988   till:31/12/1989   color:guitars width:3
bar:Ben       from:30/06/1991   till:01/06/1992   color:guitars width:3
bar:Ben       from:01/03/1993   till:23/09/1994   color:guitars width:3
bar:Ben       from:01/01/1996   till:01/01/1997   color:guitars width:3
bar:Ben       from:31/12/1998   till:01/01/2000   color:guitars width:3
bar:Ben       from:01/01/2004   till:end          color:vocals
bar:J...

Studio albums

EPs, singles, and splits

Compilation albums

Compilation appearances

  • Innocence Is Bliss: A 17 Band Punk Sampler (Wasted Effort Production, 1986)
  • They Don't Get Laid, They Don't Get Paid, But Boy, Do They Work Hard (Maximum RockNRoll, 1989)
  • What Are You Pointing At? (Very Small Records, 1989)
  • It's A Punk Thing, You Wouldn't Understand (Shakefork Records, 1993)
  • Four Two Pudding (Very Small Records, 1993)
  • They Came, They Played, They Blocked The Driveway (WFMU, 1993)
  • Fallen Upon Deaf Ears (Skullduggery Records, 1994)
  • Chairman Of The Board (Grass Records, 1994)
  • Physical Fatness (Fat Wreck Chords, 1997)
  • Four On the Floor (Panic Button Records, 1998)
  • Punk USA (Lookout! Records, 1998)
  • Short Music for Short People (Fat Wreck Chords, 1999)
  • Life In The Fat Lane (Fat Wreck Chords, 1999)
  • Return of the Read Menace (Honest Don's Records, 1999)
  • God Save The Queers (Asian Man Records, 2008)
  • Soundtrack: Jennifer's Body: Music From The Original Motion Picture (Fueled By Ramen, 2009)
  • Compilation: Wrecktrospective (Fat Wreck Chords, 2009)
  • Tribute EP: Authorities Tribute E.P. (Get Hip Recordings, 2012)

External links

  1. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named avclub1
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  14. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named popcandytopfive
  15. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  16. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  17. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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