The Band Index

Juliette Lewis and The Licks

AmericasUnited StatesRockGarage Rock
Community

Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow Juliette Lewis and The Licks!

Top Juliette Lewis and The Licks Community Posts

Loading posts...
Sponsor content

Band Timeline

2003

Formation of Juliette and the Licks

Juliette and the Licks were formed by actress and singer Juliette Lewis after she was inspired by attending a Blondie concert with Patty Schemel, the drummer from the band Hole. Juliette Lewis took on lead vocals, Schemel was on drums, with Todd Morse on guitar and Paul Ill on bass. This marking the birth of the band as a new venture for Lewis, merging her acting persona with a rock band platform.
2004

Release of debut EP and album

In 2004, the band released their first EP titled '…Like a Bolt of Lightning,' which introduced their energetic rock style to audiences. This was quickly followed by their debut full-length album 'You're Speaking My Language,' featuring the title track as their most successful single. The album showcased their raw, guitar-driven sound, and the single helped build the band's early fanbase, especially in the indie and alternative rock scenes.
2005-2006

Dave Grohl joins for second album and major performances

Before recording their second album, Patty Schemel left the band. Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters stepped in to fill in on drums during the recording sessions. The album 'Four on the Floor' was released in late 2006, featuring the hit single 'Hot Kiss.' The band gained greater exposure by performing as a guest act at the Foo Fighters' Hyde Park concert in June 2006, performing in front of approximately 85,000 people. This period marked a peak in their live performance profile and industry recognition.
2007-2008

Lineup changes and international tours

Following the departure of Kemble Walters in 2007, the band recruited Emilio Cueto as guitarist. The Licks performed at major international music events such as the MTV Brasil music awards and the 2008 MTV Asia Awards in Sydney. Todd Morse left the band after these tours and was replaced by Craig Fairbaugh for touring purposes. The band continued to tour extensively in America and Europe, supporting prominent acts like Muse and Chris Cornell, solidifying their presence on international stages.
2009

Band dissolves as Juliette Lewis pursues solo career

In 2009, Juliette Lewis announced that Juliette and the Licks were at the end of their run. The remaining band members had left, and Lewis sought new artistic directions to grow as a solo artist. She formed a new band and released a solo album titled 'Terra Incognita.' This marked the official breakup of the band after several years of recording and touring together.
2015

Reunion show and announcement of new music

The band reunited for a special show on July 23, 2015, at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles. This event marked their return after a six-year hiatus. Around this time, Juliette Lewis announced the band was working on new music, their first since 2006's 'Four on the Floor.' The reunion was inspired by Lewis's work with members of Cage the Elephant and reflected a renewed commitment to the band's original high-energy rock chemistry.
2016

Extensive touring and uncertain future

Following their reunion show, Juliette and the Licks embarked on extensive touring across the United States and Europe in 2016 to reconnect with fans and promote their renewed presence. However, in June 2016, Juliette Lewis announced she would be embarking on a solo tour, leaving the future of The Licks uncertain. This period was characterized by energetic live performances but a hiatus in recorded output from the band.
2018

Working on new music

In May 2018, members of Juliette and the Licks indicated via social media that they were in the studio working on new material. This signaled the band's continued interest in creating new music together, despite earlier uncertainties about their future. This activity suggested that the band was moving towards another phase of active recording and possible release, keeping alive the potential for new projects from the group.

Albums

juliette-lewis-and-the-licks_1st_album
You’re Speaking My Language
12 tracks
2005
juliette-lewis-and-the-licks_2nd_album
Four on the Floor
10 tracks
2006
Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Paul Ill

N/A

Kemble Walters

2015

Patty Schemel

N/A

Juliette Lewis

N/A

Todd Morse

N/A

Craig Fairbaugh

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Kemble Walters

2006
2007

Story of Juliette Lewis and The Licks

Juliette and the Licks: A Rock & Roll Story

Juliette and the Licks, fronted by the iconic actress and singer Juliette Lewis, burst onto the rock scene with a raw and infectious energy. The band's core lineup featured Lewis's powerhouse vocals, Todd Morse's blistering guitar riffs, and a dynamic rhythm section.

Their debut EP, "Like a Bolt of Lightning," in 2004, quickly ignited a firestorm of attention. Their follow-up, the self-titled debut album "You're Speaking My Language," cemented their status, with the title track becoming their signature anthem. While "Got Love to Kill," their disco-infused single, didn't reach the same heights, it showcased the band's versatility and willingness to experiment.

After a successful run, the band went on hiatus in 2009, leaving fans wondering about their future. A reunion show in Los Angeles in 2015 sparked a wave of excitement, followed by an extensive tour in 2016.

However, Juliette Lewis's announcement of a solo tour in June 2016 left the fate of The Licks uncertain. The band's future seemed to be up in the air until May 2018 when members took to Twitter, hinting at a return to the studio and new music on the horizon.

The band's story is one of rock and roll grit, with Lewis's undeniable charisma driving the energy of the band, leaving a lasting mark on the music scene. While the future of The Licks remains to be seen, their music continues to resonate with fans, a testament to their powerful sound and undeniable talent.

Early Days:

The band's origins can be traced back to a Blondie concert where Lewis, accompanied by Patty Schemel (Hole's drummer), decided to form their own band. This initial lineup featured Lewis on vocals, Schemel on drums, Todd Morse on guitar, and Paul Ill on bass. The Licks quickly gained recognition with their high-octane live performances, captivating audiences with their raw energy and fiery stage presence.

Sponsor content

Learn more about Juliette Lewis and The Licks

Bands you may like