Johnny Q. Public
Encyclopedia
Johnny Q. Public was a Christian alternative rock
band from Springfield, Missouri
. Although their sound was wholly modern, it was influenced by bands such as Led Zeppelin
and Cream
. In addition to their music they were known for their Charismatic theology
, which they would dramatically display through audience participation at their live shows.
, its members were between the ages of fifteen and twenty-three. Their signing came after producing a demo with Steve Griffith. Their debut record, Extra*Ordinary, was released in 1995 and garnered the band mainstream distribution through Elektra Records Dan Fritz would later refer to the period after releasing Extra*Ordinary as a "whirlwind of craziness". Their song "Body Be" gained them national exposure when its video got picked up by MTV. They toured for three years before being able to pursue a second album, and during that time the band experienced some personnel changes. Around 1998 guitarist Oran Thornton married Christian artist Miss Angie
, sister of guitarist Shawn Turner, and moved on to a band called Flick. Drummer Brian DuVall also left and was replaced by Nate McCorkle, former drummer for Morella's Forest
.
Their follow-up record, Welcome to Earth, was released by both Gotee and Roadrunner records. Its sound shifted toward pop with hints of hard rock. HM magazine likened it to the Newsboys
, stating that the band could easily receive radio play in both Christian and mainstream markets. In support they toured with Bleach and Skillet
.
Johnny Q. Public broke up in the Summer of 2001.
Christian alternative rock
Christian alternative rock is a form of alternative rock music that is lyrically grounded in a Christian worldview. Some critics have suggested that unlike CCM and older Christian rock, Christian alternative rock generally emphasizes musical style over lyrical content as a defining genre...
band from Springfield, Missouri
Springfield, Missouri
Springfield is the third largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and the county seat of Greene County. According to the 2010 census data, the population was 159,498, an increase of 5.2% since the 2000 census. The Springfield Metropolitan Area, population 436,712, includes the counties of...
. Although their sound was wholly modern, it was influenced by bands such as Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band, active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed in 1968, they consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham...
and Cream
Cream (band)
Cream were a 1960s British rock supergroup consisting of bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce, guitarist/vocalist Eric Clapton, and drummer Ginger Baker...
. In addition to their music they were known for their Charismatic theology
Charismatic movement
The term charismatic movement is used in varying senses to describe 20th century developments in various Christian denominations. It describes an ongoing international, cross-denominational/non-denominational Christian movement in which individual, historically mainstream congregations adopt...
, which they would dramatically display through audience participation at their live shows.
Background
When Johnny Q. Public signed to Gotee RecordsGotee Records
Gotee Records is a record label founded by dc Talk member Toby McKeehan , Todd Collins, and Joey Elwood...
, its members were between the ages of fifteen and twenty-three. Their signing came after producing a demo with Steve Griffith. Their debut record, Extra*Ordinary, was released in 1995 and garnered the band mainstream distribution through Elektra Records Dan Fritz would later refer to the period after releasing Extra*Ordinary as a "whirlwind of craziness". Their song "Body Be" gained them national exposure when its video got picked up by MTV. They toured for three years before being able to pursue a second album, and during that time the band experienced some personnel changes. Around 1998 guitarist Oran Thornton married Christian artist Miss Angie
Miss Angie
Miss Angie is a Christian music artist who produced two albums on Myrrh Records, the final one in 1999. Her music was based in aggressive hard rock and pop sound with a feel that was described as "retro-eclectic," and vocals likened to those of Cyndi Lauper...
, sister of guitarist Shawn Turner, and moved on to a band called Flick. Drummer Brian DuVall also left and was replaced by Nate McCorkle, former drummer for Morella's Forest
Morella's Forest
Morella's Forest was a band from Dayton, Ohio which formed in 1992. They released three albums on Tooth and Nail Records and one with an independent label. Their signature sound is noise pop or space music comparable to Starflyer 59 or The Breeders....
.
Their follow-up record, Welcome to Earth, was released by both Gotee and Roadrunner records. Its sound shifted toward pop with hints of hard rock. HM magazine likened it to the Newsboys
Newsboys
Newsboys are a Christian pop rock band founded in 1985 in Mooloolaba, Australia. They have released 15 studio albums, six of which have been certified gold...
, stating that the band could easily receive radio play in both Christian and mainstream markets. In support they toured with Bleach and Skillet
Skillet (band)
Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996. The band currently consists of husband and wife John and Korey Cooper , along with Jen Ledger and lead guitarist Seth Morrison. The band has released eight albums, two receiving Grammy nominations: Collide and Comatose...
.
Johnny Q. Public broke up in the Summer of 2001.
Members
- Dan Fritz - vocals
- Shawn Turner - guitar
- Ken Bassham - bass (-2000)
- Brian DuVall - drums (-1998)
- Nathan McCorkle - drums (1998+)
- Oran Thornton - guitar (-1998)
- Brad Barnerd - guitar (+1998)