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Finger Eleven

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Band Timeline

1990

Formation and Early Years as Stone Soul Picnic and Rainbow Butt Monkeys

Finger Eleven originated in 1990 in Burlington, Ontario at Lester B. Pearson High School, initially named Stone Soul Picnic before changing to Rainbow Butt Monkeys. The founding lineup included Scott Anderson (vocals), James Black and Rick Jackett (guitars), Sean Anderson (bass), and Rob Gommerman (drums). Their early time was marked by school performances and winning a local rock search competition, helping them gain initial momentum as a band.
1995

Debut Album Letters from Chutney Released Under Rainbow Butt Monkeys

As Rainbow Butt Monkeys, the band signed with Mercury Records and released four EPs leading up to their debut album, Letters from Chutney, in 1995. The album was generally well-received critically, establishing the band on the Canadian rock scene. By 1996, they had attracted management from Coalition Entertainment, signaling an important step towards broader commercial success.
1997

Name Change to Finger Eleven and Release of Album Tip

The band rebranded themselves as Finger Eleven, a name inspired by a demo track "Thin Spirits," and released the album Tip produced by Arnold Lanni. After Mercury Records dropped them post-release, they signed with Wind-up Records, which reissued Tip in 1998. This period featured intense touring with major rock tours and opening for bands like Creed and Fuel. A key lineup change occurred with drummer Rob Gommerman leaving and Rich Beddoe joining.
2000

Mainstream Breakthrough with The Greyest of Blue Skies

Finger Eleven continued to grow their fan base with the 2000 album The Greyest of Blue Skies, also produced by Arnold Lanni. It achieved Gold certification in Canada and featured heavy touring at festivals such as Edgefest and Summersault. This era also saw the band's music used in notable media including the film Scream 3 and the TV show Daria, enhancing their exposure in popular culture.
2003

Self-Titled Album Finger Eleven and Breakthrough Single 'One Thing'

The band reached a new commercial peak with their 2003 self-titled album produced by Johnny K. Thanks to the hit single "One Thing," which peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the album achieved Platinum status in Canada and Gold in the US. They gained increased visibility with their songs featured in video games and sustained touring, which solidified their presence in the North American rock scene.
2007

Success with Them vs. You vs. Me and Hit Single 'Paralyzer'

Them vs. You vs. Me, released in 2007, marked a significant career milestone highlighted by the single "Paralyzer." The song topped the Canadian Hot 100 and US rock charts while breaking into mainstream US charts, reaching No. 6 on the Hot 100. The band won the Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2008, and the album eventually earned gold certification in the US and multi-platinum in Canada, underscoring its broad appeal and commercial success.
2010

Release of Life Turns Electric and Juno Award Nomination

On October 5, 2010, Finger Eleven released Life Turns Electric, continuing their rock trajectory with a fresh sound. The album received recognition within the industry, earning a nomination for Best Rock Album of the Year at the 2011 Juno Awards. This period showcased the band's ability to maintain relevance and adapt within the changing rock music landscape while continuing to produce quality recordings.
2015

Release of Seventh Studio Album Five Crooked Lines

Finger Eleven released their seventh studio album, Five Crooked Lines, in 2015. The album further expanded their discography and demonstrated their longevity as a band navigating the evolving music industry. While not reaching the commercial heights of earlier works, the album contributed to sustaining their dedicated fanbase and maintaining their cultural presence within Canadian rock.
2023

Compilation Album Greatest Hits Released

In 2023, Finger Eleven released a compilation album titled Greatest Hits, encapsulating their successful career with a curated selection of their most popular and impactful songs. This release served both as a celebration of their enduring influence in rock music and as an accessible entry point for new listeners, reinforcing their legacy within Canadian and international rock music scenes.

Albums

finger-eleven_1st_album
Letters From Chutney
12 tracks
1995
finger-eleven_2nd_album
Tip
11 tracks
1997
finger-eleven_3rd_album
The Greyest of Blue Skies
11 tracks
2000
finger-eleven_4th_album
Finger Eleven
12 tracks
2003
finger-eleven_5th_album
Them vs. You vs. Me
11 tracks
2007
finger-eleven_6th_album
Life Turns Electric
10 tracks
2010
finger-eleven_7th_album
Five Crooked Lines
12 tracks
2015
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Rick Jackett

N/A

James Black

N/A

Scott Anderson

N/A

Rich Beddoe

1997

Sean Anderson

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Rob Gommerman

N/A
1997

Story of Finger Eleven

Hailing from the rock-infused streets of Burlington, Ontario, Finger Eleven emerged in 1990, ready to carve their own path in the Canadian music scene. Over the years, they've unleashed seven studio albums, including one under their cheeky alter ego, Rainbow Butt Monkeys, showcasing their evolution and musical prowess.

Their breakout moment came with the release of The Greyest of Blue Skies, propelling them into the mainstream spotlight. Then, in 2003, their self-titled album Finger Eleven achieved Gold in the US and Platinum in Canada, fueled by the chart-topping single "One Thing". This anthem marked their first entry on the prestigious US Hot 100 Chart, reaching a peak at number 16.

Fast forward to 2007, and Finger Eleven unleashed their electrifying Them vs. You vs. Me album. The album's lead single, "Paralyzer", took the world by storm, conquering the Canadian Hot 100 and both US rock charts. It also reached a remarkable No. 6 on the US Hot 100 and No. 12 on the Australian Singles Chart, solidifying their global presence. Their hard work was recognized with a Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2008, a testament to their musical prowess. Them vs. You vs. Me went on to achieve Gold in the US and multi-platinum in Canada, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in the rock world.

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