Slapstick

Rowdy ska-punk outfit Slapstick formed in 1993 and swiftly rose to the forefront of Chicago’s underground punk community. The group’s energy prompted countless teenagers to launch their own projects throughout the mid-’90s, and its sway over the third wave ska revival persisted well after the band’s three-year run concluded. Brendan Kelly handled vocals, Dan Andriano played bass and sang, Peter Anna performed on trombone, Matt Stamps covered guitar, Dan Hanaway played trumpet and sang, and Rob Kellenberger rounded out the lineup on drums and vocals. The sextet contributed tracks to multiple compilations and issued a single full-length, Lookit!, which was captured in fall 1995 and surfaced the following year on Dill Records, the imprint run by Skankin’ Pickle. When Mike Park exited Skankin’ Pickle and established Asian Man Records, he brought Slapstick along as one of four acts signed to the new venture. The band nevertheless dissolved in 1996. On November 23, 1997, the members regrouped for a sold-out benefit performance at Chicago’s Fireside Bowl; overwhelming attendance prompted an immediate second set that same evening. Later that year Asian Man released an eponymous compilation containing every song the group had recorded, among them eight previously unheard tracks. After the split, its alumni helped form or joined the Lawrence Arms, Tuesday, the Broadways, Alkaline Trio, the Honor System, Colossal, Duvall, Less Than Jake, Smoking Popes, and The Falcon. In June 2006 Asian Man issued the live DVD Reunion Show, which captured the final Fireside Bowl appearance and included additional commentary from Kelly and Kellenberger.