22 Jacks
Encyclopedia
22 Jacks is an American
punk rock
supergroup
, consisting of members of Wax
, The Breeders
, The Adolescents
and Royal Crown Revue
. They were active from 1995 to 2001, and again from 2007 on.
, decided to get together with long time friend Steve Soto
(former member of The Adolescents
and Agent Orange
) to write some material. They started writing songs and soon noticed that something special was taking place. They soon gathered Sandy Hansen (The Adolescents
), Scott Shiflett
(Face to Face
), and Jason Cropper
(Weezer
) to form 22 Jacks. In February 1996, 22 Jacks went to The Sandbox studio in Los Angeles
and recorded 12 songs which became the "Uncle Bob" record. With the three final additions to the band already having prior commitments, Sib and Soto went on a search for replacements to solidify the lineup. They found Kelly LeMieux
(Fear
), Jose Medeles
(The Breeders
, and Face to Face
), and Bill Fraenza.
Before a fourth album could be recorded, 22 Jacks called it quits around 2001 as Sib left the band to concentrate on the future of SideOneDummy Records
. Following the breakup, Soto went on to reform The Adolescents
and Medeles also joined the reunion of The Breeders
as their new drummer.
During its six year lifespan 22 Jacks toured with numerous bands, including Reel Big Fish
, Lit, The Bloodhound Gang
, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Goldfinger
, Social Distortion
, Bouncing Souls, Unwritten Law
, Face to Face
, Voodoo Glow Skulls
, and Ten Foot Pole
. They also sang back up for Joey Ramone
on a song for a Cheap Trick
Tribute album. This helped spark a friendship that lead to Joey Ramone showing up at 22 Jacks concerts and even singing a song or two with them.
in January 2008, making it their first performance together since breaking up in 2001. On one of the dates, they were supported by Social Distortion
. It was also announced that there may be a follow-up to that tour. As of this moment, the band has not yet expressed plans for a new studio album.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
punk rock
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
supergroup
Supergroup (music)
In the late 1960s, the term supergroup was coined to describe "a rock music group whose performers are already famous from having performed individually or in other groups"....
, consisting of members of Wax
Wax (rock band)
Wax is a Los Angeles, California based punk rock band that emerged during the pop punk resurgence of the early 1990s, and includes Joe Sib, Tom "Soda" Gardocki, Dave Georgeff, and Loomis Fall. The band is best known for their MTV buzz clip video "California," directed by Spike Jonze.-History:Wax...
, The Breeders
The Breeders
The Breeders are an American alternative rock band formed in 1988 by Kim Deal of the Pixies and Tanya Donelly of Throwing Muses. The band has experienced a number of line-up changes; the current line-up consists of Kim Deal , her twin sister Kelley Deal , Jose Medeles , Mando Lopez Todd the Fox...
, The Adolescents
The Adolescents
The Adolescents are an American punk band formed in 1980 in Fullerton, California. It is a punk supergroup, made up of early members of Agent Orange and Social Distortion. They are often credited as one of the leading bands of the 1980s hardcore punk scene....
and Royal Crown Revue
Royal Crown Revue
The Royal Crown Revue is a band formed in 1989 in Los Angeles, California. They are often credited with starting the Swing Revival movement. Live, RCR has been extremely successful: They participated in 1998's Vans Warped Tour, opened for the B-52s and The Pretenders and played at major US Jazz...
. They were active from 1995 to 2001, and again from 2007 on.
Career
In late 1995, Joe Sib after the breakup of his band WaxWax (rock band)
Wax is a Los Angeles, California based punk rock band that emerged during the pop punk resurgence of the early 1990s, and includes Joe Sib, Tom "Soda" Gardocki, Dave Georgeff, and Loomis Fall. The band is best known for their MTV buzz clip video "California," directed by Spike Jonze.-History:Wax...
, decided to get together with long time friend Steve Soto
Steve Soto
Steve Soto is an American musician. He was once part of California punk band Agent Orange, and joined The Adolescents in 1980.When The Adolescents broke up, Soto, together with Frank Agnew, joined the Los Angeles based band Legal Weapon....
(former member of The Adolescents
The Adolescents
The Adolescents are an American punk band formed in 1980 in Fullerton, California. It is a punk supergroup, made up of early members of Agent Orange and Social Distortion. They are often credited as one of the leading bands of the 1980s hardcore punk scene....
and Agent Orange
Agent Orange (band)
Agent Orange is an American punk rock band formed in Orange County, California in 1979. The band is one of the first to mix punk rock with surf music. They first gained attention with their song "Bloodstains" which they released on their own 7" E.P. An early demo of the song was presented to...
) to write some material. They started writing songs and soon noticed that something special was taking place. They soon gathered Sandy Hansen (The Adolescents
The Adolescents
The Adolescents are an American punk band formed in 1980 in Fullerton, California. It is a punk supergroup, made up of early members of Agent Orange and Social Distortion. They are often credited as one of the leading bands of the 1980s hardcore punk scene....
), Scott Shiflett
Scott Shiflett
Scott David Shiflett is a bassist. He plays with the band Face to Face and is also associated with the bands Viva Death, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes and Jackson United . He also played on 22 Jacks debut album Uncle Bob...
(Face to Face
Face to Face (punk band)
Face to Face is an American pop punk band from Victorville, California formed in 1991 by frontman Trever Keith. Originally known as "Zero Tolerance", Keith had been the only constant member of the band during their years of touring and recording albums. The group was initially signed by Dr. Strange...
), and Jason Cropper
Jason Cropper
Jason Cropper is a musician best known as an original member of the band Weezer.-Early years:Cropper claimed to have picked up the guitar at age 16. His mother reports that he first "rocked" to a small 45 rpm record in his bedroom where he played "Let's Go To The Hop" by Danny and the Juniors. He...
(Weezer
Weezer
Weezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...
) to form 22 Jacks. In February 1996, 22 Jacks went to The Sandbox studio in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
and recorded 12 songs which became the "Uncle Bob" record. With the three final additions to the band already having prior commitments, Sib and Soto went on a search for replacements to solidify the lineup. They found Kelly LeMieux
Kelly LeMieux
Kelly LeMieux is a studio session bass guitar player. He is best known for his work in the Dave Mustaine project MD.45. He was touring bass player for Los Angeles punk band Fear in 1997 and 1998...
(Fear
Fear (band)
Fear is an American punk rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1977. The band is credited for helping to shape the sound and style of American hardcore punk, the group started out as part of the early California punk rock scene, and gained national prominence after an infamous 1981...
), Jose Medeles
Jose Medeles
Jose Medeles is an American musician. He is the drummer for The Breeders, and in 1998 played drums for Face to Face as a touring member. He also played drums in 22 Jacks, appearing on Overserved and their final album Going North....
(The Breeders
The Breeders
The Breeders are an American alternative rock band formed in 1988 by Kim Deal of the Pixies and Tanya Donelly of Throwing Muses. The band has experienced a number of line-up changes; the current line-up consists of Kim Deal , her twin sister Kelley Deal , Jose Medeles , Mando Lopez Todd the Fox...
, and Face to Face
Face to Face (punk band)
Face to Face is an American pop punk band from Victorville, California formed in 1991 by frontman Trever Keith. Originally known as "Zero Tolerance", Keith had been the only constant member of the band during their years of touring and recording albums. The group was initially signed by Dr. Strange...
), and Bill Fraenza.
Before a fourth album could be recorded, 22 Jacks called it quits around 2001 as Sib left the band to concentrate on the future of SideOneDummy Records
SideOneDummy Records
SideOneDummy Records is a Los Angeles-based independent record label whose roster focuses mostly on punk and related genres. Founded in 1995 by Joe Sib and Bill Armstrong, who continue to run it today, the label has built a reputation for its diverse roster of artists ranging from third wave ska...
. Following the breakup, Soto went on to reform The Adolescents
The Adolescents
The Adolescents are an American punk band formed in 1980 in Fullerton, California. It is a punk supergroup, made up of early members of Agent Orange and Social Distortion. They are often credited as one of the leading bands of the 1980s hardcore punk scene....
and Medeles also joined the reunion of The Breeders
The Breeders
The Breeders are an American alternative rock band formed in 1988 by Kim Deal of the Pixies and Tanya Donelly of Throwing Muses. The band has experienced a number of line-up changes; the current line-up consists of Kim Deal , her twin sister Kelley Deal , Jose Medeles , Mando Lopez Todd the Fox...
as their new drummer.
During its six year lifespan 22 Jacks toured with numerous bands, including Reel Big Fish
Reel Big Fish
Reel Big Fish is an American ska punk band from Huntington Beach, California, best known for the 1997 hit "Sell Out". The band gained mainstream recognition in the mid-to-late 1990s, during the third wave of ska with the release of the gold certified album Turn the Radio Off. Soon after, the band...
, Lit, The Bloodhound Gang
The Bloodhound Gang
The Bloodhound Gang may be a reference to:*The Bloodhound Gang , a segment on the program 3-2-1 Contact*The Bloodhound Gang, a band that took its name from the TV show segment...
, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Goldfinger
Goldfinger (band)
Goldfinger is a Los Angeles pop punk/ska punk band that formed in 1994. Currently, the band is composed of vocalist/guitarist John Feldmann, guitarist Charlie Paulson, bassist Kelly LeMieux, and drummer Darrin Pfeiffer...
, Social Distortion
Social Distortion
Social Distortion is an American punk rock band formed in 1978 in Fullerton, California. The band currently consists of Mike Ness , Jonny Wickersham , Brent Harding and David Hidalgo, Jr...
, Bouncing Souls, Unwritten Law
Unwritten Law
Unwritten Law is an American rock band formed in 1990 in Poway, California and currently recording for Suburban Noize Records. They have released seven full-length studio albums and have toured internationally, including performances on the Warped Tour...
, Face to Face
Face to Face (punk band)
Face to Face is an American pop punk band from Victorville, California formed in 1991 by frontman Trever Keith. Originally known as "Zero Tolerance", Keith had been the only constant member of the band during their years of touring and recording albums. The group was initially signed by Dr. Strange...
, Voodoo Glow Skulls
Voodoo Glow Skulls
Voodoo Glow Skulls are an American ska punk band formed in 1988 in Riverside, California by brothers Frank, Eddie and Jorge Casillas and their longtime friend Jerry O'Neill...
, and Ten Foot Pole
Ten Foot Pole
Ten Foot Pole is an American punk rock band, formerly on Epitaph Records.-History:Ten Foot Pole was founded in 1983 as Scared Straight.Scared Straight was a Nardcore Punk band from Simi Valley, California...
. They also sang back up for Joey Ramone
Joey Ramone
Joey Ramone was an American vocalist and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist in the punk rock band the Ramones. Joey Ramone's image, voice and tenure as frontman of the Ramones made him a countercultural icon.-Early life:Joey Ramone was born Jeffry Hyman to parents Noel and Charlotte Hyman...
on a song for a Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. The band consists of members Robin Zander , Rick Nielsen , Tom Petersson , and Bun E...
Tribute album. This helped spark a friendship that lead to Joey Ramone showing up at 22 Jacks concerts and even singing a song or two with them.
Reunion
On December 13, 2007, Punkbands.com reported that 22 Jacks had reformed to play three shows in CaliforniaCalifornia
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
in January 2008, making it their first performance together since breaking up in 2001. On one of the dates, they were supported by Social Distortion
Social Distortion
Social Distortion is an American punk rock band formed in 1978 in Fullerton, California. The band currently consists of Mike Ness , Jonny Wickersham , Brent Harding and David Hidalgo, Jr...
. It was also announced that there may be a follow-up to that tour. As of this moment, the band has not yet expressed plans for a new studio album.
Members
- Joe Sib - Vocals (1995–2001; 2007 – present)
- Steve SotoSteve SotoSteve Soto is an American musician. He was once part of California punk band Agent Orange, and joined The Adolescents in 1980.When The Adolescents broke up, Soto, together with Frank Agnew, joined the Los Angeles based band Legal Weapon....
- Vocals, Guitars (1995–2001; 2007 – present) - Bill Fraenza - Guitars (1995–2001; 2007 – present)
- James Achor - Bass (2007 – present)
- Jose MedelesJose MedelesJose Medeles is an American musician. He is the drummer for The Breeders, and in 1998 played drums for Face to Face as a touring member. He also played drums in 22 Jacks, appearing on Overserved and their final album Going North....
- Drums (1995–2001; 2007 – present)
Former members
- Dave Nassie - Bass
- Matt RiddleMatt RiddleMatt Riddle is an American punk rock bassist. He was the original bass player for Face to Face, which was founded in Victorville, California, in the early 1990s. After the band's major-label debut "Big Choice" was released in 1995, Riddle parted ways with Face to Face due to personal conflicts...
- Bass - Kelly LeMieuxKelly LeMieuxKelly LeMieux is a studio session bass guitar player. He is best known for his work in the Dave Mustaine project MD.45. He was touring bass player for Los Angeles punk band Fear in 1997 and 1998...
- Bass - C.J. Ramone - Bass
- Scott ShiflettScott ShiflettScott David Shiflett is a bassist. He plays with the band Face to Face and is also associated with the bands Viva Death, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes and Jackson United . He also played on 22 Jacks debut album Uncle Bob...
- Bass - Jason CropperJason CropperJason Cropper is a musician best known as an original member of the band Weezer.-Early years:Cropper claimed to have picked up the guitar at age 16. His mother reports that he first "rocked" to a small 45 rpm record in his bedroom where he played "Let's Go To The Hop" by Danny and the Juniors. He...
- Guitar - Sandy Hansen - Drums
- Chris ShiflettChris ShiflettChristopher Aubrey "Chris" Shiflett is best known as the lead guitarist for the rock band Foo Fighters as well as the punk rock cover band Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. He is the younger brother of musician Scott Shiflett.-Career:Shiflett joined Foo Fighters after the release of their third...
- Guitar
Splits
- 22 Jacks (Breakin') & Clowns for Progress (Insect) (7" Vinyl)
- 22 Jacks (Fall) & The Smooths (Sin Supposed To Be) (7" Vinyl)
- 22 Jacks (Passport) & Mess (You're a Drag & Five-O) (7" Vinyl)
- 22 Jacks (Sky) & Wank (Larry Brown) (7" Vinyl)