Biography
Slapstick was a seminal Chicago ska-punk band formed our of Elgin in 1993 and officially broke up in 1996 and is known for being the root of the “Slapstick Family Tree”, a group of musical projects which spawned from members of Slapstick, many of which are still active.
Slapstick was incredibly important to Chicago’s continuing punk rock scene because although they took their influences from Operation Ivy and Crimpshrine, their sound was unlike any of the ska-punk bands at the time from the east or west coast.
Despite the fact that they were only officially together for less than four years, and only released one LP, Lookit on Dill Records (originally the Skankin’ Pickle label) in early of 1996; recorded in late 1995, (re-released on Asian Man - the label that Dill Records became), their influence is immeasurable, inspiring a decade of kids with a Squire electric guitar and a 10 watt amp to start a garage band. Without Slapstick and its members, the 90s to current punk scene in Chicago would not be what it is.
After suddenly breaking up in 1996, they reunited once on November 23, 1997 for a one night only sold out benefit show at Chicago’s Fireside Bowl. Due to the reunion’s overwhelming turnout, they played one more show in succession. Asian Man issued a compilation record in 1997 simply called Slapstick containing all of the band’s recorded songs, eight of which had previously been unreleased. Much later two DVDs were released by Asian Man as well - one in 2001 - Live from the Fireside Bowl and another in 2006 titled Reunion Show.
Despite their shortly lived existence, Slapstick acted as a segue to many bands that were to highlight the mid 90’s scene into the new millennium. Their have been other various reunion shows for Riot Fest and benefits.
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Members