Andrew W.K. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Andrew W.K.
Wilkes-Krier performing in 2018
Background information
Birth name	Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier
Born	(1979-05-09) May 9, 1979 (age 46) Stanford, California, U.S.
Origin	Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.
Genres	Hard rock pop metal heavy metal
Occupation(s)	Musician singer songwriter record producer motivational speaker actor
Instruments	Vocals piano keyboards guitar bass drums
Years active	1993–present
Labels	Hanson Bulb Island Mercury Universal Ecstatic Peace! Skyscraper Music Maker Steev Mike Sony Napalm

Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier (born May 9, 1979), who is known by his stage name Andrew W.K., is an American singer, musician, and motivational speaker. He is famous for his high-energy rock and metal music. His songs are often anthems about partying and having fun.

Andrew W.K. grew up in Michigan and started his music career in the 1990s. He played in several local bands before moving to New York City. There, he began making music as Andrew W.K. and became famous for his 2001 album, I Get Wet. Since then, he has released five more albums, including You're Not Alone (2018) and God Is Partying (2021). He has also worked in television, given motivational speeches, and written for magazines.

Early Life and First Steps in Music

Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier was born in Stanford, California, on May 9, 1979. When he was four, his family moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan. His father, James E. Krier, is a professor at the University of Michigan Law School.

At age four, Andrew began learning classical piano at the University of Michigan's music school. An elementary school teacher first called him "Andrew W.K." to tell him apart from other students named Andrew. He went to Community High School from 1993 to 1997, where he kept studying piano.

Music Career

1993–1999: Starting Out

In 1993, when he was 14, Andrew joined a band called Slam. He played in many punk rock and heavy metal bands in the Detroit area. He also started a solo project called Ancient Art of Boar, or AAB.

In 1998, Andrew moved to New York City. He worked many different jobs, like selling bubblegum and decorating windows. He started recording new solo music and released a cassette single. Later, he moved to Seffner, Florida, to form a live band with drummer Donald "D.T." Tardy from the band Obituary.

2000–2003: Becoming Famous with I Get Wet

In 2000, Andrew W.K. released his first EP, Girls Own Juice. It got great reviews and helped him become more known for his fun, high-energy rock music. After getting noticed by Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, he was invited to open for them at a concert.

Soon after, he signed a record deal with Island Records. His first major album, I Get Wet, came out on November 13, 2001. The album is famous for its cover, which shows a photo of Andrew with a bloody nose. He created the effect by hitting himself in the face during the photo shoot.

The album was a success, especially in the United Kingdom. It included the hit singles "Party Hard" and "She Is Beautiful". His live shows became known for their incredible energy. He even joined Ozzfest, a famous music festival. Many of his songs were used in video games, movies, and TV shows.

His second album, The Wolf, was released in 2003. On this album, Andrew played all the instruments himself. While on tour for The Wolf, he broke his foot on stage but finished the tour performing in a wheelchair so he wouldn't disappoint his fans.

2004–2019: More Albums and Projects

W.K. in 2006

In 2006, Andrew W.K. released the album Close Calls with Brick Walls. He also released a live concert DVD called Who Knows?. In 2009, he started his own record label and released 55 Cadillac, an album of him playing piano.

In 2010, he promoted a new version of Close Calls with Brick Walls by playing on the Warped Tour. He continued to work on new music. In 2018, he released the album You're Not Alone, his first major album in many years.

2020–Present: God Is Partying

In 2020, Andrew W.K. signed with Napalm Records. His sixth studio album, God Is Partying, was released on September 10, 2021. The album featured a slightly darker sound than his previous work. One of the music videos for the album featured actress Kat Dennings.

Shortly after the album came out, Andrew W.K. postponed his upcoming shows. His website and social media pages were also taken down without any explanation.

Other Work

Motivational Speaking

Besides music, Andrew W.K. is known for his work as a motivational speaker. He gives talks about his "philosophy of partying," which is about being positive and confident. He has spoken at universities like Oxford Union and Yale.

In 2012, he gave a speech at a fan convention for My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. In 2018, the American Association of Suicidology named him Person of the Year for using his positive message to help people.

Writing and TV Appearances

Andrew has written advice columns for magazines in the U.S. and Japan. He also announced he was writing a book called "The Party Bible."

He has appeared on many TV shows on MTV and VH1. He hosted his own show on MTV2 called Your Friend, Andrew W.K., where he would help fans who wrote to him. He also hosted the Cartoon Network show Destroy Build Destroy.

Personal Life

W.K. in 2011 wearing his usual concert outfit

Andrew W.K. is known for his signature look: long hair and an all-white outfit of a t-shirt and jeans.

He was married to Cherie Lily from 2008 to 2019. Lily was also a singer in his band. In May 2021, he announced that he was dating actress Kat Dennings. They met in early 2021 and got engaged a week after announcing their relationship. The couple married on November 27, 2023.

Live Band Members

Current

• Erik Payne – guitars, backing vocals (1999–present)
• Gregg Roberts – bass, backing vocals (1999–present)
• Dave Pino – guitars, backing vocals (2012–present)
• Amanda Lepre – guitars, backing vocals (2016–present)
• Clark Kegley – drums (2016–present)

Former

• Donald Tardy – drums (1998–2003)
• Frank Werner – guitars, backing vocals (1999–2013)
• Jimmy Coup – guitars, backing vocals (1999–2004)
• Rich Russo – drums (2003–2016)
• Kenny Andrews – guitars, backing vocals (2003–2011)
• Cherie Lily – vocals (2006–2018)
• Justin Payne – guitars (2008–2013)
• Blake Canaris – bass, backing vocals (2010–2016)
• Erica E.T. Pino – keyboards, backing vocals (2018–2019)

Timeline

Discography

Studio Albums

• I Get Wet (2001)
• The Wolf (2003)
• Close Calls with Brick Walls (2006)
• 55 Cadillac (2009)
• You're Not Alone (2018)
• God Is Partying (2021)

Filmography

Films

Television

See also

In Spanish: Andrew W.K. para niños