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The Suburbs (band)

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article The Suburbs (band), available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 2025
The Suburbs
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1977 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Headquarters
Minneapolis
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, singles, EPs

The Suburbs represent a Minneapolis-based group known for their fusion of alternative punk rock, funk, and new wave styles.

During the 1980s, the band gained considerable recognition across Minneapolis and the broader Midwest region, producing notable radio and dance club hits such as "Music for Boys," "Waiting," and "Love Is the Law." Their discography includes four albums and two EPs, featuring significant releases like In Combo, Credit in Heaven, and Love Is The Law. The Suburbs regularly headlined prominent Minneapolis venues including Jay's Longhorn Bar and First Avenue. Ira Robbins of Trouser Press characterized them as "one of Minneapolis’ major musical resources of the late ’70s and early ’80s."

Before The Suburbs: 1974–1977

Minneapolis natives and high school friends, keyboardist Chan Poling and guitarist Beej Chaney, drew inspiration from the Los Angeles punk scene during their art school years starting in 1974. While still in Los Angeles in 1976, they formed The Technocats alongside Sue Tissue of the post-punk outfit Suburban Lawns.

After relocating back to the Minneapolis suburbs in 1977, Poling aimed to join the punk band Suicide Commandos with Chaney but instead met drummer Hugo Klaers, guitarist Bruce Allen, and bassist Michael Halliday from Tsetse Flies. This collaboration led to the formation of The Suburbs in November 1977.

Twin/Tone period and major label years: 1977–1987

The Suburbs combined polished glam rock influences from artists like Roxy Music and David Bowie with punk-inspired energy reminiscent of Talking Heads and Devo. Both Poling and Chaney contributed vocals, with Chaney’s unique guitar style, nicknamed "beejtar," becoming a signature element for fans. Music journalist Martin Keller described their interplay as Poling’s "refined and often romantic" approach counterbalanced by Chaney’s "manic foil." Author Cyn Collins referred to Chaney as a "captivating frontman, both menacing and humorous," whose stage presence drew comparisons to Iggy Pop. Ira Robbins from Trouser Press praised Poling’s calm demeanor amid chaos, likening it to that of Bryan Ferry.

Their initial release was a nine-track 7-inch red vinyl EP titled The Suburbs, launched in early 1978 as Twin/Tone Records' inaugural release—a label that would become pivotal in the indie music scene throughout the 1980s. Two tracks also appeared on the compilation Big Hits of Mid-America, Volume Three, with Bruce Allen responsible for art direction and logo design, including both the band’s iconic five-men-in-a-circle emblem and Twin/Tone’s logo.

The band cultivated a following through basement shows before breaking through with regular performances at Minneapolis’ punk/New Wave hotspot Jay's Longhorn Bar, quickly rising to local prominence. Notably, Bruce Springsteen, touring his album The River, was impressed enough to nearly join them on stage.

Throughout the early to mid-1980s, their blend of new wave dance rhythms and eclectic lyrics expanded their fanbase beyond the Midwest to both U.S. coasts. Their debut full-length LP, In Combo, was released by Twin/Tone in 1980. The track "World War III" showcased their songwriting development, followed by the ambitious 1981 double album Credit In Heaven, which incorporated elements of jazz, funk, and disco; its single "Music for Boys" received notable radio airplay.

In 1982, their dance-focused 12-inch single "Waiting" gained traction in clubs. This was followed by the Dream Hog on Twin/Tone, featuring three new songs plus a remix of "Waiting," produced by Steven Greenberg of Lipps Inc. Greenberg subsequently connected them with major label Phonogram in 1983, which re-released Dream Hog under Mercury Records. Keyboardist/vocalist Chan Poling expressed their desire to transcend indie boundaries for wider commercial exposure. By this time, their live performances were characterized by a strong funk influence and energetic delivery as they supported acts like Iggy Pop and The B-52's, often donning coordinated dinner jackets.

Phonogram issued Love is the Law in 1983—a more rock-driven record featuring horn arrangements and quirky lyrics—once again produced by Greenberg. In 1986, The Suburbs signed with A&M Records, releasing The Suburbs, produced by Bobby Z., drummer for Prince. However, dissatisfaction with limited radio exposure and insufficient major label backing contributed to their disbandment in 1987.

Throughout their career, The Suburbs received several nominations at the Minnesota Music Awards, winning Best LP for Credit in Heaven in 1982 as well as accolades for both the Love is the Law album and its title track in 1984.

Post-breakup and reunion: 1990–2009

In 1990, Chaney moved to Los Angeles. Although the Suburbs reunited in the early 1990s, Klaers observed that Chaney’s geographical separation from the group led to his creative frustration as the rest of the band progressed together without him: "Everything changed. It kind of put a dent in his creative juices." Consequently, Chaney’s participation within the band slowly waned.

Twin/Tone issued Ladies and Gentlemen, The Suburbs Have Left the Building, a greatest hits compilation, in 1992, followed by the live recording Viva! Suburbs! in 1994. The band continued performing intermittently in the Twin Cities, including serving as an opening act for the B-52's in 2003.

In 2002, the Suburbs re-released In Combo, Credit In Heaven, and Love Is The Law on CD through their own label, Beejtar Records. The following year saw the release of Chemistry Set: The Songs Of The Suburbs 1977 - 1987, a compilation featuring bonus tracks and a DVD documenting their 2002 performances at First Avenue.

Chan Poling established The New Standards in 2004 with John Munson and Steve Roehm, integrating reimagined Suburbs tracks such as "Love Is The Law" into their jazz-oriented setlist.

On December 7, 2009, guitarist Bruce Allen passed away at age 54 after battling health problems. That same year, bassist Michael Halliday retired due to arthritis.

Reformation and new albums: 2013–present

The band unveiled Si Sauvage on November 19, 2013—their first studio album in 27 years. This release featured original members Poling, Klaers, and Chaney, alongside newcomers Steve Brantseg and Steve Price, with guest vocalists Janey Winterbauer and Aby Wolf contributing. The album was inspired by reunion concerts held in memory of Allen.

On August 26, 2014, founding member Beej Chaney temporarily stepped away from the group. At that time, the lineup included original members Poling and Klaers; saxophonist Max Ray (formerly of The Wallets); guitarists Brantseg and Jeremy Ylvisaker; bassist Steve Prince; backing vocalist Janey Winterbauer; baritone saxophonist Rochelle Becker; and Steven Kung on horns and keyboards.

The band was honored with a star on Minneapolis’s First Avenue exterior mural—an accolade recognizing performers who have sold out shows or made significant cultural contributions to the venue, regarded as one of the city’s highest honors.

In July 2021, following First Avenue’s COVID-19 shutdown, the Suburbs were the inaugural act to perform there again. They played two sold-out shows at the 7th Street Entry to celebrate their seventh album, Poets Party.

In January 2025, Beej Chaney tragically died in an accidental drowning near Hermosa Beach, California. He is survived by three daughters. Outside of his work with the Suburbs, Chaney released solo projects including the 2003 album Windows and the 1992 EP Reckless Heart. He also owned Malibu’s Shangri-La recording studio from the late ’90s until 2011. Prior to his passing, he was collaborating on a rockabilly/punk album titled Shake It All Up with Robby Vee (son of singer Bobby Vee), contributing as co-writer, vocalist, and guitarist. This album was scheduled for release in early 2025.

Current roster (2014–present)

  • Chan Poling: Vocals, keyboards
  • Hugo Klaers: Vocals, drums
  • Max Ray: Saxophone
  • Steve Brantseg: Guitar
  • Jeremy Ylvisaker: Guitar
  • Steve Price: Bass guitar
  • Janey Winterbauer: Backing vocals
  • Rochelle Becker: Baritone saxophone
  • Stephen Kung: Horns, keyboards

Original lineup (1977–1987, 1992–2009)

  • Chan Poling: Vocals, keyboards
  • Bruce C. Allen (deceased 2009): Guitar, vocals
  • Blaine John "Beej" Chaney (retired 2014; passed away 2025): Guitar (Beejtar), vocals
  • Michael Halliday (retired 2009): Bass guitar
  • Hugo Klaers: Vocals, drums

Studio albums

Extended plays

Compilations and live recordings

Singles

  • "World War III" (Twin/Tone 1979)
  • "Music for Boys" (Twin/Tone 1982)
  • "Waiting" (Twin/Tone 1982)
  • "Love Is The Law" (Mercury/Universal 1984)
  • "Rattle My Bones" (Mercury/Universal 1984)
  • "Life Is Like" (A&M 1986)
  • "#9" (A&M 1986)
  • "Heart Of Gold" (A&M 1986)
  • "Little Man's Gonna Fall" (Buy Records 1987)
  • "Turn the Radio On" (2013)

Music videos

  • "Love Is The Law"
  • "Music For Boys"
  • "Tape Your Wife To The Ceiling"
  • "Cows"
  • "Waiting"
  • "#9"

Awards

  • Recognized as one of the "100 Most Influential Minnesota Musical Entities of the Twentieth Century" by The Minneapolis Star Tribune.
  • Chan Poling placed sixth in Rake Magazine’s list of "Favorite Minnesota Rockers," alongside Prince, Bob Dylan, and Paul Westerberg.
  • Chan Poling received the POP Award for Perpetually Outstanding Performer from the Minnesota Music Awards.

Media

  • The track "Love is the Law" was featured in season five, episode "Promises, Promises," of Roseanne in 1993.
  • "Rattle My Bones" appeared in a Target Corporation commercial and is regularly played during home games of the Minnesota Vikings.

Bibliography

External links

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