Biography
Since 1993, New Jersey's Worthless United has focused on a melodic yet stomping brand of punk that echoes the early punk era's Clash, Sham 69, and Damned. Originally named Worthless, the group steers clear of the emocore punk-pop style that dominated alternative rock radio throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, setting it apart from blink-182, Fenix TX, and the Sloppy Meateaters. Instead, Worthless United draws from old-school punk roots and shows clear familiarity with the late-'70s and early-'80s pioneers, particularly British acts from that period. In the spirit of the Clash, the band also tackles politically charged material.
The original lineup formed in New Brunswick, NJ, in 1993 when lead singer Dave Calantoni and bassist Scott Asbury came together. Worthless United played its debut show at the Stone Pony, the well-known New Jersey venue where a young Bruce Springsteen performed before stardom. During those early years, the East Coast group experienced repeated lineup shifts. Guitarist/singer Zac Kaplan and drummer Steve Asbury, Scott Asbury's older brother, joined in 1996, forming the Calantoni/Kaplan/Steve Asbury/Scott Asbury configuration that remained intact through 2002. Over time, the New Jersey musicians built a modest regional audience, concentrated mainly in the northeastern United States, and adopted the name Worthless United to distinguish themselves from other bands called Worthless.
After issuing several 7-inch singles in the 1990s, some through their own Metro Recordings imprint, Worthless United assembled the full-length album Which Side Are You On. Released in 2002 on Chunksaah Records, the label run by fellow New Jersey band the Bouncing Souls, the record blended earlier demos with fresh tracks. That same year, the Jersey City, NJ-based Now or Never label put out the band's four-song EP I Am Nothing.
The original lineup formed in New Brunswick, NJ, in 1993 when lead singer Dave Calantoni and bassist Scott Asbury came together. Worthless United played its debut show at the Stone Pony, the well-known New Jersey venue where a young Bruce Springsteen performed before stardom. During those early years, the East Coast group experienced repeated lineup shifts. Guitarist/singer Zac Kaplan and drummer Steve Asbury, Scott Asbury's older brother, joined in 1996, forming the Calantoni/Kaplan/Steve Asbury/Scott Asbury configuration that remained intact through 2002. Over time, the New Jersey musicians built a modest regional audience, concentrated mainly in the northeastern United States, and adopted the name Worthless United to distinguish themselves from other bands called Worthless.
After issuing several 7-inch singles in the 1990s, some through their own Metro Recordings imprint, Worthless United assembled the full-length album Which Side Are You On. Released in 2002 on Chunksaah Records, the label run by fellow New Jersey band the Bouncing Souls, the record blended earlier demos with fresh tracks. That same year, the Jersey City, NJ-based Now or Never label put out the band's four-song EP I Am Nothing.
Albums