Suburban Legends facts for kids
Suburban Legends are an American ska punk band. They started in Huntington Beach, California, in 1998. Later, they moved their base to nearby Santa Ana. The band became popular in the Orange County ska scene. They did many shows at the Disneyland Resort. Around 2005, the band's style changed. They started adding sounds from funk and disco music.
Since 2009, the band has slowly gone back to its ska roots. They have also recorded cover songs from Disney films and TV shows.
Quick facts for kids
Suburban Legends
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Suburban Legends in 2002.
(Left to right: Brian Klemm, Brian Robertson, Vince Walker, Aaron Bertram, Derek Rock, Dallas Cook. Across: Tim Maurer. Not pictured: Chris Maurer.) |
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| Origin | Huntington Beach, California, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1998–present |
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Band History
Early Days and First EP (1998-2002)
The band started in 1998. They were first called The No Tones. They were inspired by bands like Reel Big Fish and artists like Michael Jackson. The first members included Tim Maurer on vocals and Vince Walker on trumpet.
A few months later, some members changed. The band then called themselves Bomb Squad. Under this name, they released an EP called Bomb Squad EP.
In 1999, the band changed their name again to Suburban Legends. They recorded their first demo album, Origin Edition. Brian Klemm joined as the guitarist. Later that year, the singer Tim Maurer and drummer Jimmy Sullivan left. Jimmy Sullivan later helped start the band Avenged Sevenfold.
In 2001, the band released their first EP, Suburban Legends. This was their only release with Chris Batstone as the singer. He left the band in early 2002.
Rump Shaker and Disney Shows (2002-2005)
In early 2002, Tim Maurer came back as the singer. The band re-recorded their EP with his vocals. They released it as Suburban Legends (Tim Remix). That year, the band played almost 1000 shows at Downtown Disney. They also performed at Disney California Adventure Park.
In 2003, the band released their first full album, Rump Shaker. They toured a lot after that. In 2004, they released their first live DVD, Season One. At the end of 2004, trumpet player Vince Walker and bassist Chris Maurer left. Mikey Hachey replaced Chris Maurer.
In May 2005, trumpet player Aaron Bertram also left. Luis Beza replaced him. Later in 2005, Vince Walker rejoined the band for a special show. After that, singer Tim Maurer left again. The band then took a break.
New Beginnings (2005-2006)
On October 19, 2005, trombone player Dallas Cook passed away suddenly. A few days later, fans and friends gathered at Downtown Disney. This was where the band often played. They shared memories of Dallas. On November 29, 2005, the band played a benefit show. It raised money for the Dallas Cook Memorial Fund. This fund helped the music program at Huntington Beach High School. At this show, Vince Walker became the new lead singer.
In 2006, Phillip Inzerillo joined as the new trombonist. The band released a new EP, Dance Like Nobody's Watching. This EP showed a new disco rock sound. The band appeared on TV to promote it.
Later in 2006, the band's tour van caught fire in St. Louis, Missouri. Their tour money was also missing. This caused problems for the band. Phillip Inzerillo left the band at the end of the year.
Changing Sounds (2007-2009)
In 2007, the band released an album in Japan called Dance Like Nobody's Watching: Tokyo Nights. It had new and re-recorded songs. Later that year, they released Infectious. This album continued their shift away from ska. It focused more on pop-rock with disco and funk sounds.
On November 11, 2007, the band's van and all their equipment were stolen. This was a huge loss for them. Fans helped spread the word. The van was found later, but everything inside was gone. The band worked hard to get back on tour. Their song "Fire" from their 2008 album was about these events.
The band's second DVD, Poisonous Candy Factory, came out in March 2008. It showed live performances and music videos. Soon after, they released their album Let's Be Friends. This album mixed their old ska sound with their newer pop-rock style.
In 2008, they toured with The Aquabats. In 2009, they worked with MC Lars on a song called "This Gigantic Robot Kills." They also performed at Miley Cyrus's 16th Birthday Party. Trumpet player Luis Beza left the band around this time.
In 2009, the band performed on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. They played a new ska song. Former member Aaron Bertram returned to play trumpet.
The Day Job Era (2010-Present)
In 2009, the band announced they would make a full ska album again. In late 2010, they released a preview EP called Going on Tour EP. Bassist Mikey Hachey left the band but still works with them sometimes. Brad Polidori replaced him.
On January 1, 2011, the band's song "You" was played by a marching band. This was at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. They played it to honor Dallas Cook.
In 2011, Suburban Legends was chosen as the house band for a TV show pilot. In November 2011, a fundraiser helped release Rump Shaker on vinyl.
On April 3, 2012, the band released their album Day Job. It had new songs, re-recorded tracks, and two Disney covers. These covers, "Under the Sea" and "I Just Can't Wait to Be King", were popular at their live shows. Drummer Derek Rock left in November 2012. Edward Larsen joined as the new drummer in 2013.
The band released an all-Disney covers EP in October 2013. It was called Dreams Aren't Real, But These Songs Are, Vol. 1. In March 2015, they announced their next album, Forever in the Friend Zone.
In 2015, the band worked with MC Lars and Roger Lima on a song.
Retirement from Touring
On December 23, 2015, the band announced that their 2016 US tour would be their "last tour ever." They said they would take a break from touring. However, they left open the chance to tour again in the future. In late 2018, Suburban Legends toured again, supporting Reel Big Fish.
Band Style
Suburban Legends' music style has changed over time. Their early music was heavily based in ska. But their 2006 EP, Dance Like Nobody's Watching, brought a different sound. It took ideas from disco, funk, and pop. Some songs on this EP had very little ska sound. The band moved even further from ska with their 2007 album, Infectious.
However, the band has not forgotten its old sound. They often play older songs alongside their newer ones. The 2008 album Let's Be Friends combined elements from all their past music. In 2009, the band said they would record a "full blown ska rock album" again. They started playing more of their older ska songs live.
A big part of the band's fame comes from their live shows. They often do complicated dance routines. This is special for a ska band, as playing horns usually makes it hard to move a lot on stage.
Cover Songs
Suburban Legends are known for playing many cover songs live. Especially at the Disneyland Resort, they often play popular pop or rock hits. This helps them connect with theme park guests. The band has also played and recorded many songs from Disney films and TV shows.
They have played "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid since 2002. Other Disney covers include the theme songs from Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears and DuckTales. They also play "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" from The Lion King. More recently, they added "Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid and "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas.
Until 2013, only "Gummi Bears," "Under the Sea," and "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" were officially recorded. The band released an EP of Disney covers in October 2013. It included "DuckTales" and "Kiss the Girl."
At Disneyland, they have also covered songs like "Build Me Up Buttercup" by The Foundations and "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang.
Most cover songs do not appear on the band's studio albums. An exception is "Dancing Machine" by The Jackson 5. This song was on their 2007 Japan-only release. Other covers have been part of special compilation albums.
Band Members
The band has had many changes in its members over the years.
Original singer Tim Maurer left and was replaced by Chris Batstone. Chris Batstone later left, and Tim Maurer rejoined. After some time, Tim Maurer left again. He was replaced by former trumpet player Vince Walker. Vince Walker became the new lead singer in 2005. He also plays trumpet and guitar on some songs.
Guitarist Brian Klemm joined in 1999 and has been with the band ever since. He also sings lead vocals on several songs.
The band's first bassist, Justin Meacham, left in 2000. He was replaced by Chris Maurer. Chris Maurer left in 2004 and Mikey Hachey took his place. Mikey Hachey left in 2010 to work with Cirque du Soleil. The band's current bassist is Brad Polidori, who joined in 2010.
One of the band's early drummers, Jimmy Sullivan, later became famous in Avenged Sevenfold. After him, Derek Lee Rock was the drummer from 2000 to 2012. Edward Larsen joined as the drummer in 2013.
Trumpet player Vince Walker left in 2004 for college. He rejoined in 2005 to become the lead singer. Aaron Bertram left in 2005 but returned in 2009 as a touring trumpet player. Chris Lucca often plays trumpet for the band's overseas tours. In 2013, Chris Lucca became an official trumpet player. Aaron Bertram still plays with the band at local shows.
Trombonist Brian Robertson is the only member who has been in the band since it started in 1998. Dallas Cook was also a trombonist. He passed away in 2005. Phillip Inzerillo replaced him but left in 2006. Since then, Brian Robertson has been the band's only trombonist.
Keyboardist Dallas Kruse started playing with the band around 2006. He was not an "official" member but often performed with them. He also produced some of their albums.
Current Band Members
- Brian "Robot" Robertson – trombone, backing vocals (1998–present)
- Aaron Bertram – trumpet, vocals (1998–2005; full member, 2009–present; local shows only)
- Vincent Walker – lead vocals, trumpet, guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboard (2005–present), trumpet, backing vocals (1998–2004, 2005)
- Brian Klemm – lead guitar, vocals (1999–present)
- Chris Lucca – trumpet (2013–present, 2009–2013 touring)
- Edward Larsen – drums (2013–present)
- Ryan Brown - bass (2021–present)
Former Band Members
- Dallas Cook – trombone (1998–2005; passed away 2005)
- Tim Maurer – lead vocals (1998–2000, 2002–2005)
- Justin Meacham – bass guitar (1998–2000)
- Fred Johnson – drums (1998)
- Brent Feige – lead guitar (1998)
- Josh Lander – lead guitar (1998–1999)
- Jimmy Sullivan – drums (1998–1999; passed away 2009)
- Chris Batstone – lead vocals (2000–2002)
- Derek Rock – drums, keyboard (2000–2012)
- Chris Maurer – bass guitar, backing vocals (2000–2004)
- Mikey Hachey – bass guitar, backing vocals (2004–2010)
- Luis Beza – trumpet (2005–2009)
- Phillip Inzerillo – trombone (2005–2006)
- Brad Polidori – bass, backing vocals (2010–2021)
- Former Touring Musicians
- Byron Panopio – trumpet (2009)
- Justin Lewis – trombone (2009)
- Ryland Steen – Drums (2011, 2012–2013)
- Max MacVeety – Drums (2012–2013)
- Dallas Kruse – keyboard, keytar, backing vocals (2006–2009; local shows only)
Timeline
Discography
Most of the band's music has been released by themselves. Some older or rare recordings were once shared by fans with the band's permission.
Albums
- Origin Edition (1999)
- Rump Shaker (2003)
- Dance Like Nobody's Watching: Tokyo Nights (2007) (Japan only)
- Infectious (2007)
- Let's Be Friends... and Slay the Dragon Together (2008)
- Day Job (2012)
- Forever in the Friend Zone (2015)
EPs
- Bomb Squad EP (1998)
- Suburban Legends (2001)
- Suburban Legends Raw (Karaoke) (2002)
- Suburban Legends (Tim Remix) (2002)
- Dance Like Nobody's Watching (2006)
- Going on Tour (2010)
- Getting Down to Business (2011) (Europe only)
- Dreams Aren't Real, But These Songs Are, Vol. 1 (2013)
DVDs
- Season One (2004)
- Poisonous Candy Factory (2008)
Singles
- "Rose Tint My World" (download only) (2001)
- "Gimme, Gimme" (CD single) (2004)
Collaborations
- "This Gigantic Robot Kills" with MC Lars and The MC Bat Commander (2009)
- "Five Finger Discount" with Uh Oh! Explosion (2009)
Music Videos
- "I Want More" (2001)
- "High Fives" (2003)
- "Up All Night" (2004) - animated
- "Come Back Home" (2007)
- "Infectious" (2007)
- "Kiss the Girl" (2013)
- "You've Got a Friend in Me" (2013)
- "Roadkill Jamboree" (2023)
Compilations
- Supporting the Scene - "All The Nights" (2000)
- Skratch Comp CD No. 6 - "Gummi Bears" (2000)
- Fatty's Favorites - "Waikiki" (2000)
- Because We Care: A Benefit for the Children's Hospital of Orange County - "Gummie Bears" (2002)
- Skyboys vs Highscalers - "Desperate", "Alternative Is Dead" (2003)
- Dead Baby vs. Jesus - "Zanzibar" (2003)
- Camp Ska (DVD) - "High Fives" (2003)
- Sorry If It Isn't Cool Anymore! Vol. 1 - "You" (2004)
- Live @ iMusicast 1.0 (DVD) - "Up All Night" (2004)
- Casino Chips and Sunset Strips - "Autumn in the Park", "All the Nights", "Bright Spring Morning" (2004)
- Of Hands and Hearts: Music for the Tsunami Disaster Fund - "Blingity Bling" (2005)
- Dead Bands Party: A Tribute to Oingo Boingo - "On the Outside" (2005)
- The Christmas Chronicles vol. 1 - "I Wish Every Day Was Christmas" (2011)
- Skannibal Party vol. 11 - "Emergency" (2012)
