Pennywise

Pennywise Artistfacts

  • 1988-
    Jason ThirskBass, vocals1988–1996
    Byron McMackinDrums, vocals
    Fletcher DraggeGuitar, vocals
    Jim LindbergVocals1988-1991, 1992-2009
    Randy BradburyBass, vocals1996-
    Zoli TéglásVocals2010-
  • Pennywise began in 1988 in Hermosa Beach, California. Their name is derived from the monster It, from the Stephen King novel of the same name.
  • Former Pennywise frontman Jim Lindberg is a huge fan of surfing and regularly supports the Surfrider Foundation. He's appeared in several public service announcements for various ocean-related causes and helped to organize Pennywise's involvement in the M.O.M. (Music for our Mother Ocean) compilation.
  • Former Pennywise lead singer Jim Lindberg has been participating in the California Punk scene since the late '80s. In 1994, he contributed vocals to the Bad Religion track "Marked" and has contributed backing vocals to two albums by The Offspring: Americana and Splinter.
  • Since Pennywise guitarist Fletcher Dragge has such a large frame, guitar manufacturer Ibanez offered to create a custom axe just for him. Dragge is 6' 8" and about 350lbs, so Ibanez thought it would be appropriate to make him his own RG420 model guitar that is approximately 25% larger than the regular RG420 model.
  • In 1995, Pennywise guitarist Fletcher Dragge appeared on the radio call-in show Loveline. Dragge's spot on the program was one of the most memorable as he was inebriated and ended up throwing up in the studio where the show is taped. Allegedly, he chased host Dr. Drew around the studio and tried to vomit on him as well.
  • After battling alcoholism and depression for most of his life, Pennywise bassist Jason Thirsk committed suicide in 1996. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot at the age of 28. As a tribute to their fallen friend, the remaining members of the band decided to re-record "Bro Hymn," a Pennywise fan favorite that was written by Thirsk.
  • When frontman Jim Lindberg left Pennywise in 2009, the rest of the band members recruited Hungarian vocalist Zoli Téglás to take over singing duties. Téglás had previously toured with The Misfits and Motorhead. In 2012, the band released All or Nothing, their first album with Téglás on vocals.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")Songwriter Interviews

Holly Knight talks about some of the hit songs she wrote, including "The Warrior," "Never" and "The Best," and explains some songwriting philosophy, including how to think of a bridge.

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Desmond Child

Desmond ChildSongwriter Interviews

One of the most successful songwriters in the business, Desmond co-wrote "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" and "Livin' On A Prayer."

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."