No Use for a Name
Encyclopedia
No Use for a Name is a punk rock
band
from San Jose, California
, United States
formed in 1987 by Chris Dodge (guitar
), Steve Papoutsis (bass
), Rory Koff (drums
) and John Meyers (vocals
). The band's sound has evolved considerably through its career, taking on a much lighter brand of melodic punk as the years passed.
's 1987 Turn it Around compilation, with the song "Gang Way." A year later the band's self-titled debut EP was released on Woodpecker Records. Their second EP, Let 'em Out, was released a year later through Slap A Ham Records. Chris Dodge, Doug Judd, and John Meyers left the band after the release of "Let 'em Out". Soon after, Tony Sly
entered the band.
NUFAN's debut album, Incognito, was released in 1990 through New Red Archives. Chris Dodge rejoined on second guitar, and they released their second album Don't Miss the Train
in 1992 before signing up with Fat Mike's label Fat Wreck Chords
in 1993. During this year Chris Dodge left the line-up, and was replaced with guitarist Robin Pfefer, who took over on lead guitar so Sly could concentrate on singing and stick to rhythm. No Use for a Name also released their first record on Fat that year, The Daily Grind
, which turned out to be a highly successful album.
Ed Gregor replaced Robin Pfefer on lead guitar soon after the release of The Daily Grind
. In 1995, after the release of Leche Con Carne, their fourth full-length, Chris Shiflett
and Matt Riddle
joined the band to play guitar
and bass
, replacing Ed Gregor and Steve Papoutsis respectively. With the punk music breakthrough in 1994, No Use for a Name received a larger audience after releasing this album, compliments of their video for the song "Soulmate" which was played on the MTV
show 120 Minutes
. This was the first video on Fat Wreck Chords
to ever be aired on MTV
. In 1997, after the success of Making Friends
, the band went on a worldwide tour through the U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, and Japan.
After releasing More Betterness!, Chris Shiflett
left the band in 1999 to join the successful Foo Fighters
, being replaced by Dave Nassie. Two years later, the band contributed to Fat Wreck Chords
with the release of their live album, Live in a Dive: No Use for a Name
and during the following year in 2002 No Use for a Name released its seventh studio album Hard Rock Bottom
.
The band released their 8th full-length studio album titled Keep Them Confused
June 14, 2005. It takes a more political position than earlier releases.
A greatest hits collection titled All the Best Songs
was released on July 10, 2007.
A new fourteen song full-length studio album entitled The Feel Good Record of the Year
was released on April 1, 2008. In 2009, when promoting the album in Europe, Dave Nassie left the band to join the ranks of Bleeding Through
.
In August 2009 the band announced, that they replaced Nassie with Lagwagon
's guitarist and founding member of RKL
, Chris Rest.
No Use for a Name is currently working on a new album, which is due for release in late 2011/early 2012.
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...
band
Band (music)
In music, a musical ensemble or band is a group of musicians that works together to perform music. The following articles concern types of musical bands:* All-female band* Big band* Boy band* Christian band* Church band* Concert band* Cover band...
from San Jose, California
San Jose, California
San Jose is the third-largest city in California, the tenth-largest in the U.S., and the county seat of Santa Clara County which is located at the southern end of San Francisco Bay...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
formed in 1987 by Chris Dodge (guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
), Steve Papoutsis (bass
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
), Rory Koff (drums
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
) and John Meyers (vocals
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
). The band's sound has evolved considerably through its career, taking on a much lighter brand of melodic punk as the years passed.
History
The original line-up of four added Doug Judd as a second guitarist. The band was first featured on Maximum RocknRollMaximum RocknRoll
Maximum rocknroll is a widely distributed, monthly not-for-profit fanzine based in San Francisco, USA. It features interviews, columns, and reviews from international contributors...
's 1987 Turn it Around compilation, with the song "Gang Way." A year later the band's self-titled debut EP was released on Woodpecker Records. Their second EP, Let 'em Out, was released a year later through Slap A Ham Records. Chris Dodge, Doug Judd, and John Meyers left the band after the release of "Let 'em Out". Soon after, Tony Sly
Tony Sly
Anthony J. Sly is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist, best known as the frontman of seminal punk rock band No Use for a Name...
entered the band.
NUFAN's debut album, Incognito, was released in 1990 through New Red Archives. Chris Dodge rejoined on second guitar, and they released their second album Don't Miss the Train
Don't Miss the Train
Don't Miss the Train is the second full length album released by punk band No Use for a Name. It was re-released on Fat Wreck Chords on October 23, 2001 with different artwork.-Track listing:# "Born Addicted" – 2:40# "Thorn In My Side" – 2:18...
in 1992 before signing up with Fat Mike's label Fat Wreck Chords
Fat Wreck Chords
Fat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
in 1993. During this year Chris Dodge left the line-up, and was replaced with guitarist Robin Pfefer, who took over on lead guitar so Sly could concentrate on singing and stick to rhythm. No Use for a Name also released their first record on Fat that year, The Daily Grind
The Daily Grind (album)
The Daily Grind is an EP by punk rock band No Use for a Name released in 1993. This is the band's first studio record for Fat Wreck Chords.-Track listing:# "Until It's Gone" – 3:50# "Old What's His Name" – 2:18# "Permanent Rust" – 2:31# "Biomag" – 1:30...
, which turned out to be a highly successful album.
Ed Gregor replaced Robin Pfefer on lead guitar soon after the release of The Daily Grind
The Daily Grind (album)
The Daily Grind is an EP by punk rock band No Use for a Name released in 1993. This is the band's first studio record for Fat Wreck Chords.-Track listing:# "Until It's Gone" – 3:50# "Old What's His Name" – 2:18# "Permanent Rust" – 2:31# "Biomag" – 1:30...
. In 1995, after the release of Leche Con Carne, their fourth full-length, Chris Shiflett
Chris Shiflett
Christopher 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...
and Matt Riddle
Matt Riddle
Matt 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...
joined the band to play guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
and bass
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, replacing Ed Gregor and Steve Papoutsis respectively. With the punk music breakthrough in 1994, No Use for a Name received a larger audience after releasing this album, compliments of their video for the song "Soulmate" which was played on the MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
show 120 Minutes
120 Minutes
120 Minutes is a television show in the United States dedicated to alternative music, originally airing on MTV from 1986 to 2000, and then on MTV's sister channel MTV2 from 2001 to 2003....
. This was the first video on Fat Wreck Chords
Fat Wreck Chords
Fat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
to ever be aired on MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
. In 1997, after the success of Making Friends
Making Friends
Making Friends is a full length by the hardcore melodic punk rock band No Use for a Name, released in 1997. It also includes a hidden track cover of the Kiss song "Beth"...
, the band went on a worldwide tour through the U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, and Japan.
After releasing More Betterness!, Chris Shiflett
Chris Shiflett
Christopher 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...
left the band in 1999 to join the successful Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters is an American alternative rock band originally formed in 1994 by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl as a one-man project following the dissolution of his previous band. The band got its name from the UFOs and various aerial phenomena that were reported by Allied aircraft pilots in World War...
, being replaced by Dave Nassie. Two years later, the band contributed to Fat Wreck Chords
Fat Wreck Chords
Fat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
with the release of their live album, Live in a Dive: No Use for a Name
Live in a Dive: No Use for a Name
Live In A Dive is an album by No Use for a Name released by Fat Wreck Chords on September 11, 2001. The album is a part of Fat Wreck Chord's series of live albums which share the same name.-Track listing:# "Intro" – 0:49# "Invincible" – 2:06...
and during the following year in 2002 No Use for a Name released its seventh studio album Hard Rock Bottom
Hard Rock Bottom
Hard Rock Bottom is a full-length album by the punk rock band No Use for a Name, released on June 16, 2002. This is the band's fifth studio record for Fat Wreck Chords. Song number nine, "This Is a Rebel Song", features Karina Denike from Dance Hall Crashers...
.
The band released their 8th full-length studio album titled Keep Them Confused
Keep Them Confused
Keep Them Confused is a full length by the punk rock band No Use for a Name, released on June 14, 2005. This is the band's sixth studio record for Fat Wreck Chords...
June 14, 2005. It takes a more political position than earlier releases.
A greatest hits collection titled All the Best Songs
All the Best Songs
All The Best Songs is a greatest hits collection from No Use For a Name, released to mark the twentieth year since the band formed. It is their tenth release, including reissues, on Fat Wreck Chords, and their first since 2005's Keep Them Confused...
was released on July 10, 2007.
A new fourteen song full-length studio album entitled The Feel Good Record of the Year
The Feel Good Record of the Year
The Feel Good Record of the Year is the ninth studio album by No Use for a Name.Recorded in Ft. Collins, Colorado at the Blasting Room with the producers Bill Stevenson & Jason Livermore , and was released April 1, 2008.-Track listing:#"Biggest Lie" #"I Want to Be Wrong" #"Yours to Destroy" #"Under...
was released on April 1, 2008. In 2009, when promoting the album in Europe, Dave Nassie left the band to join the ranks of Bleeding Through
Bleeding Through
Bleeding Through is an American metalcore band from Orange County, California. Formed in 1999, the band blends influences stemming from modern hardcore punk, symphonic black metal, and melodic death metal...
.
In August 2009 the band announced, that they replaced Nassie with Lagwagon
Lagwagon
Lagwagon is an American punk rock band originally from Goleta, just outside Santa Barbara, California. They formed in 1990 and went on hiatus and reunited several times over the years...
's guitarist and founding member of RKL
Rich Kids on LSD
Rich Kids on LSD was a Californian hardcore punk band formed in 1982 in Montecito, California, a suburb of Santa Barbara. They were associated with the "Nardcore" scene that evolved out of nearby Oxnard. Their music expanded over the years from West Coast hardcore to a mix of hardcore with rock...
, Chris Rest.
No Use for a Name is currently working on a new album, which is due for release in late 2011/early 2012.
Current members
- Tony SlyTony SlyAnthony J. Sly is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist, best known as the frontman of seminal punk rock band No Use for a Name...
- vocals, guitar (1989–present) - 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, vocals (1996–present) - Rory Koff - drums (1987–present)
- Chris Rest - guitar (2009–present)
Former members
- Doug Judd - guitar (1987–1989)
- John Meyers - vocals (1987–1989)
- Chris Dodge - guitar (1987–1989, 1990–1993)
- Robin Pfefer - guitar (1993)
- Steve Papoutsis - bass (1987–1995)
- Ed Gregor - guitar (1993–1995)
- 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 (1995–1999) - Dave Nassie - guitar (1999–2009)
Studio albums
- Incognito (New Red ArchivesNew Red ArchivesNew Red Archives is an independent record label based in San Francisco, mainly home to punk rock bands. Started in 1987, the label began by releasing punk and hardcore records on coloured vinyl...
, 1990. Re-released Fat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
, 2001) - Don't Miss the TrainDon't Miss the TrainDon't Miss the Train is the second full length album released by punk band No Use for a Name. It was re-released on Fat Wreck Chords on October 23, 2001 with different artwork.-Track listing:# "Born Addicted" – 2:40# "Thorn In My Side" – 2:18...
(New Red ArchivesNew Red ArchivesNew Red Archives is an independent record label based in San Francisco, mainly home to punk rock bands. Started in 1987, the label began by releasing punk and hardcore records on coloured vinyl...
, 1992. Re-released Fat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
, 2001) - The Daily Grind (Fat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
, 1993) - Leche Con Carne (Fat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
, 1995) - Making FriendsMaking FriendsMaking Friends is a full length by the hardcore melodic punk rock band No Use for a Name, released in 1997. It also includes a hidden track cover of the Kiss song "Beth"...
(Fat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
, 1997) - More Betterness!More Betterness!More Betterness! is a full length album by the punk rock band No Use for a Name, released in 1999. This is the band's fourth studio record for Fat Wreck Chords.The song "Fairytale of New York" is a cover of The Pogues' famous original.-Track listing:...
(Fat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
, 1999) - Hard Rock BottomHard Rock BottomHard Rock Bottom is a full-length album by the punk rock band No Use for a Name, released on June 16, 2002. This is the band's fifth studio record for Fat Wreck Chords. Song number nine, "This Is a Rebel Song", features Karina Denike from Dance Hall Crashers...
(Fat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
, 2002) - Keep Them ConfusedKeep Them ConfusedKeep Them Confused is a full length by the punk rock band No Use for a Name, released on June 14, 2005. This is the band's sixth studio record for Fat Wreck Chords...
(Fat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
, 2005) - The Feel Good Record of the YearThe Feel Good Record of the YearThe Feel Good Record of the Year is the ninth studio album by No Use for a Name.Recorded in Ft. Collins, Colorado at the Blasting Room with the producers Bill Stevenson & Jason Livermore , and was released April 1, 2008.-Track listing:#"Biggest Lie" #"I Want to Be Wrong" #"Yours to Destroy" #"Under...
(Fat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
, 2008)
EPs and 7"
- Self-titled (Woodpecker Records, 1988)
- Let 'Em Out EP (Slap-a-Ham RecordsSlap-a-Ham RecordsSlap A Ham Records was a hardcore punk, thrash metal and grindcore label from San Francisco, California owned and operated by Chris Dodge of Spazz, Despise You, Lack Of Interest and several other bands.-Discography:Published albums include:...
, 1989) - Death Doesn't Care EP (New Red ArchivesNew Red ArchivesNew Red Archives is an independent record label based in San Francisco, mainly home to punk rock bands. Started in 1987, the label began by releasing punk and hardcore records on coloured vinyl...
, 1993) - Split 7" with Soda (Session Records, 1996)
- Black Box EP (Fat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
, 2005; never released)
Compilation and live albums
- NRA YearsNRA YearsThe NRA Years is a 2000 compilation album by No Use for a Name released by Golf Records, which contains many of the band's more well-known songs from their albums released by New Red Archives Records.-Track listing:# "Truth Hits Everybody" – 2:44...
(Golf RecordsGolf RecordsGolf Records is an independent record label based in the UK.-Artists:*4ft Fingers*Amulet*A New Way Trust*Black Flame Dispute*The Blueprint*Boy Hits Car*Carpathian*The Chariot*Dead Poetic*The Devil Wears Prada*District*Dopamine...
, 2000) - Live in a Dive: No Use for a NameLive in a Dive: No Use for a NameLive In A Dive is an album by No Use for a Name released by Fat Wreck Chords on September 11, 2001. The album is a part of Fat Wreck Chord's series of live albums which share the same name.-Track listing:# "Intro" – 0:49# "Invincible" – 2:06...
(Fat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
, 2001) - All the Best SongsAll the Best SongsAll The Best Songs is a greatest hits collection from No Use For a Name, released to mark the twentieth year since the band formed. It is their tenth release, including reissues, on Fat Wreck Chords, and their first since 2005's Keep Them Confused...
(Fat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck ChordsFat Wreck Chords is a San Francisco, California based independent record label, focused on punk rock. It was started by Fat Mike and his ex-wife, Erin, in 1990....
, 2007)
Singles and music videos
- "Soulmate" from Leche Con Carne
- "Why Doesn't Anybody Like Me?" from More Betterness!More Betterness!More Betterness! is a full length album by the punk rock band No Use for a Name, released in 1999. This is the band's fourth studio record for Fat Wreck Chords.The song "Fairytale of New York" is a cover of The Pogues' famous original.-Track listing:...
- "Dumb Reminders" from Hard Rock BottomHard Rock BottomHard Rock Bottom is a full-length album by the punk rock band No Use for a Name, released on June 16, 2002. This is the band's fifth studio record for Fat Wreck Chords. Song number nine, "This Is a Rebel Song", features Karina Denike from Dance Hall Crashers...
- "For Fiona" from Keep Them ConfusedKeep Them ConfusedKeep Them Confused is a full length by the punk rock band No Use for a Name, released on June 14, 2005. This is the band's sixth studio record for Fat Wreck Chords...
- "Biggest Lie" from The Feel Good Record of the YearThe Feel Good Record of the YearThe Feel Good Record of the Year is the ninth studio album by No Use for a Name.Recorded in Ft. Collins, Colorado at the Blasting Room with the producers Bill Stevenson & Jason Livermore , and was released April 1, 2008.-Track listing:#"Biggest Lie" #"I Want to Be Wrong" #"Yours to Destroy" #"Under...
- "Pacific Standard Time" from The Feel Good Record of the YearThe Feel Good Record of the YearThe Feel Good Record of the Year is the ninth studio album by No Use for a Name.Recorded in Ft. Collins, Colorado at the Blasting Room with the producers Bill Stevenson & Jason Livermore , and was released April 1, 2008.-Track listing:#"Biggest Lie" #"I Want to Be Wrong" #"Yours to Destroy" #"Under...