The Refreshments (American band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1992 in Tempe, Arizona, United States |
| Founder | Roger Clyne, Dustin "Dusty" Denham |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Successor | Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers |
| Headquarters | Tempe , United States |
| Products | Albums, singles |
The Refreshments originated as an alternative rock ensemble based in Tempe, Arizona.[1] They are primarily recognized for their 1996 hit single "Banditos" from the album Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy. Additionally, they earned acclaim for "Yahoos and Triangles", the opening theme of the animated show King of the Hill. In 1998, the band transformed into Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, with Roger Clyne and P.H. Naffah continuing to perform and tour, including many songs from The Refreshments' repertoire.
Origins
The group was formed in early 1993 following the breakup of The Mortals, with founders Roger Clyne and Dustin "Dusty" Denham recruiting Brian David Blush (lead guitar), Art Edwards (bass), and Denham (drums) to complete The Refreshments lineup. Blush had previously played with August Red, while Denham and Edwards had a brief collaboration in the Hanson Brothers.
Within a year, The Refreshments advanced from supporting local bands such as Dead Hot Workshop and Gin Blossoms to headlining shows nearly every night of the week. Their March 1996 performance at South by Southwest garnered Mercury Records’ interest, resulting in a recording deal and management under Michael Lustig. In 1995, Denham departed and was succeeded by Paul "P.H." Naffah.
Their first album, Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy, debuted in February 1996 and included the successful single "Banditos," which climbed to No. 9 on Billboard's Alternative Rock chart and also entered the Hot 100. Although an Australian tour was planned, Mercury Records canceled it and prioritized producing a follow-up album. Released in late 1997, The Bottle & Fresh Horses suffered from minimal promotional efforts. After selling only 10,000 copies by December, Mercury dropped the band in early 1998.
While the second album briefly appeared on charts, internal conflicts arose; guitarist Blush’s struggles with substance abuse led to his dismissal in 1998. He subsequently sold his publishing rights for both "King of the Hill" and The Refreshments’ catalog for $2,500.
Roger Clyne composed "Yahoos and Triangles" originally as a submission for a Mike Judge cartoon project. A live version featuring audience applause—elicited by Clyne himself—initially raised concerns but was ultimately accepted by producers.
Renowned for their unique "Southwestern sound," The Refreshments shared regional musical influences with bands like the Sidewinders, Gin Blossoms, the Meat Puppets, and Dead Hot Workshop. Their notable tracks from Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy include "Banditos" (which reached No. 11 on Mainstream Rock and No. 14 on Modern Rock charts) and "Down Together" (peaking at No. 38 on Modern Rock).
Present Status
Following the band's rebranding in 1998 as Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and principal songwriter Roger Clyne along with drummer Paul "P.H." Naffah have continued performing many Refreshments songs live. This new incarnation has released eight studio albums, two live albums, and a live DVD capturing their annual Circus Mexicus festival held in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. They have also partnered with the Major League Baseball franchise Arizona Diamondbacks, creating and performing the team's anthem "The D-Back's Swing," regularly appearing at games and related events.
Meanwhile, Art Edwards shifted his focus toward writing, self-publishing novels such as Stuck Outside of Phoenix and Ghost Notes, with Badge published in early 2014. ‘’Stuck Outside of Phoenix’’ was adapted into a feature film that premiered on May 2, 2013; it was produced by Nico Holthaus and directed by Dean Mongan.
Guitarist Brian David Blush became a member of the Toluenes.
In March 2013, Roger Clyne, P.H., and Brian reunited under The Refreshments banner for a sold-out Circus Mexicus show. They reconvened again in 2016 to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy.
The 2017 documentary titled Here's To Life – The Story of the Refreshments documents their journey from local bar performers to major label artists while delving into internal struggles that contributed to their breakup.
On February 27, 2021, marking twenty-five years since the release of Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy, the band (excluding Buddy Edwards) reunited for a live-streamed event performing the entire album.
Band members
Template:Col-begin Template:Col-2 Former members
- Dusty Denham – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1992–1995)
- Arthur Eugene "Buddy" Edwards – bass guitar, backing vocals, keyboards (1993–1998)
- Brian David Blush – lead guitar, backing vocals (1993–1998, 2010, 2013, 2016)
Template:Col-2 Current Lineup
- Roger Clyne – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica, kazoo (1992–present)
- Paul "P.H." Naffah – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1995–present)
- Nick Scropos – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Jim Dalton – lead guitar, backing vocals
Discography
Studio albums
- Wheelie (self-released, 1994)
- Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy (Mercury Records, 1996)
- The Bottle & Fresh Horses (Mercury Records, 1997)
EPs
- Lo, Our Much Praised Yet Not Altogether Satisfactory Lady (1995)
Demos
- Seattle Demos (1994)
Singles
| Title | Release Year | Highest Chart Rankings | Associated Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Modern Rock | Australia | Canada | Canada Alternative | |||
| "Banditos" | 1996 | 14 | 56 | 20 | 13 | Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy |
| "Down Together" | 38 | — | — | — | ||
| "Girly" | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Good Year" | 1997 | — | — | — | — | The Bottle & Fresh Horses |
| "Wanted" | 1998 | — | — | — | — | |
| "Yahoos and Triangles" | 1999 | — | — | — | — | |
External links
- The Official Unofficial Refreshments Page
- Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers
- Art Edwards
- U: The National College Magazine Interview, 1996
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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