Pennywise

Building on punk rock’s long obsession with horror, Jim Lindbergh (vocals), Fletcher Dragge (guitar), Byron McMackin (drums) and Jason Thirsk (bass) named their band after the monster from Stephen King’s legendary novel “It”. Their self-titled debut album was released on Epitaph records in 1991 and the world took notice. Today the name Pennywise is an essential part of punk history.

The band’s lineup has been shaky since “Pennywise” was released. Lindbergh immediately departed, and Thirsk took over vocals while Randy Bradbury took bass. Then Dave Quackenbush of the Vandals took Pennywise’s vocals for a bit while Thirsk returned to bass and Bradbury left to pursue other opportunities. This was all before their second album could be recorded – by which time Lindbergh had returned to vocals! Their second album, “Unknown Road”, did not make the charts, but likely because sales were being generated in the underground scene at a much higher rate than the commercial market. Refusing to join fellow mainstream punkers Green Day, the Offspring, and Rancid on tour nor any major record labels, Pennywise developed a reputation for DIY-ethics and grassroots fanbases.

Sadly, in 1996, Jason Thirsk lost his battle with depression and alcoholism, taking his own life with a gun. The band decided to keep moving ahead without comrade Thirsk, bringing Randy Bradbury back into the fold. On the first Pennywise album after the loss of Jason his brother Justin Thirsk of 98 Mute helped the band re-record Jason’s song “Bro Hymn” and re-dedicate it to the fallen friend. In fact, the entire album “Full Circle” was a tribute to Thirsk.

Associated acts:

Con 800, One Hit Wonder, Chaos Delivery Machine, Ignite, The Black Pacific

Since then Pennywise has recorded more albums and kept touring.