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Papa Roach

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Band Timeline

1993

Formation of Papa Roach and Early Lineup

Papa Roach was formed in Vacaville, California, in January 1993 by lead vocalist Jacoby Shaddix and drummer Dave Buckner. They were soon joined by guitarist Jerry Horton, bassist Will James, trombonist Ben Luther, and rhythm guitarist Anne Mikolajcik. Initially called Papa Gato, the name was later changed to Papa Roach, a fusion of nicknames from Shaddix's grandfathers. Early on, the band performed extensively and released their first EP, "Potatoes for Christmas," in 1994. The lineup changed early with Luther and Mikolajcik departing and Tobin Esperance replacing Will James on bass in 1996.
1997

Release of Debut Album 'Old Friends from Young Years' and Touring

Papa Roach released their debut studio album, 'Old Friends from Young Years,' on February 4, 1997. During this period, they gained experience by extensively touring and supporting emerging rock bands such as Incubus, Powerman 5000, and Static-X. This album marked their first significant recorded effort and helped them establish a foothold in the rock scene, blending alternative rock and metal influences. They continued to develop a local following with energetic live shows and independent EPs leading up to a major label deal.
1999

Signing with DreamWorks Records and Production of Demo

After building momentum with independent EPs like 'Let 'Em Know,' Papa Roach attracted attention from major labels. Despite Warner Bros. rejecting their demo, DreamWorks Records signed the band in 1999. They worked with producer Jay Baumgardner, known for his work with rock bands, to polish their sound. The demo featured early versions of songs that would become major hits such as "Last Resort" and "Infest," setting the stage for the band's commercial breakthrough.
2000

Breakthrough with 'Infest' and Hit Single 'Last Resort'

Papa Roach achieved mainstream success with the release of their major-label debut album, 'Infest,' in 2000. The album went triple-platinum and included the hit single "Last Resort," which became a defining anthem of the nu-metal era. The song topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart for seven weeks and entered the top 10 in multiple countries. 'Infest' reflected themes of personal struggle and angst and propelled the band into international recognition, establishing their reputation in rock music.
2002

Release of Gold Album 'Lovehatetragedy'

Following the success of 'Infest,' Papa Roach released their second major album, 'Lovehatetragedy,' which went gold. The album showcased growth in their sound, moving towards a more melodic and alternative rock style while retaining the aggressive edge. This release helped solidify their fan base and marked a transition period where the band explored new musical directions, balancing heavy riffs with more melodic songwriting.
2004

Platinum Success with 'Getting Away with Murder'

In 2004, Papa Roach released their third major album, 'Getting Away with Murder,' which was certified platinum. This album signaled a stylistic shift to a more hard rock and alternative metal sound, stepping slightly away from the nu-metal roots of 'Infest.' Singles like the title track gained substantial radio play, further establishing their presence in mainstream rock. The album's success underscored their adaptability and staying power in the evolving rock landscape.
2006-2007

Lineup Change and Release of 'The Paramour Sessions'

In 2006, Papa Roach released 'The Paramour Sessions,' continuing their exploration of alternative and hard rock sounds. Shortly after, in 2007, founding drummer Dave Buckner departed and was replaced by Tony Palermo. Palermo brought a fresh dynamic to the band, contributing to their sustained touring and recording efforts. This lineup change was pivotal, ensuring the band remained active and productive through subsequent albums and tours.
2009-2019

Continued Album Releases and Evolution

Between 2009 and 2019, Papa Roach released a series of albums including 'Metamorphosis' (2009), 'Time for Annihilation' (2010), 'The Connection' (2012), 'F.E.A.R.' (2015), 'Crooked Teeth' (2017), and 'Who Do You Trust?' (2019). During this decade, the band continued to evolve their sound, incorporating modern rock elements while maintaining their signature energy. These releases helped the band stay relevant in the rock scene, with consistent touring and fan engagement spanning new generations.
2022

Release of Eleventh Studio Album 'Ego Trip'

Papa Roach released their eleventh studio album, 'Ego Trip,' on April 8, 2022. This album marked their latest contribution to rock music, continuing their legacy of blending heavy riffs with melodic hooks. 'Ego Trip' demonstrates the band's ability to adapt across nearly three decades, retaining core fans while reaching new listeners. The album's release highlights Papa Roach's enduring presence and influence in the rock genre, showcasing their evolution and resilience in the music industry.

Albums

papa-roach_1st_album
Old Friends From Young Years
13 tracks
1997
papa-roach_2nd_album
Infest
11 tracks
2000
papa-roach_3rd_album
Lovehatetragedy
11 tracks
2002
papa-roach_4th_album
Getting Away With Murder
14 tracks
2004
papa-roach_5th_album
The Paramour Sessions
15 tracks
2006
papa-roach_6th_album
Metamorphosis
12 tracks
2009
papa-roach_7th_album
The Connection
15 tracks
2012
papa-roach_8th_album
F.E.A.R.
12 tracks
2015
papa-roach_9th_album
Crooked Teeth
10 tracks
2017
papa-roach_10th_album
Who Do You Trust?
12 tracks
2019
papa-roach_11th_album
Ego Trip
14 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Tobin Esperance

1996

Bass guitar

Jerry Horton

N/A

Guitar

Jacoby Shaddix

N/A

Lead vocals

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

David Buckner

1993
2007

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Story of Papa Roach

Papa Roach: From Vacaville to the Global Stage

Papa Roach, the American rock band hailing from the Californian town of Vacaville, burst onto the scene in 1993, carving their own path in the world of alternative rock. The original lineup was a potent mix: Jacoby Shaddix's raw vocals, Jerry Horton's blistering guitar riffs, Dave Buckner's powerhouse drumming, Will James on bass, and Ben Luther adding a unique twist with the trombone.

Their early years were marked by a relentless grind, releasing two independent EPs before bassist James moved on. Tobin Esperance stepped in to fill the void, and together they unleashed two more EPs, showcasing their raw energy and infectious hooks. This raw talent caught the attention of DreamWorks Records, who signed them in 1999.

The year 2000 marked a turning point. Their debut album, "Infest," exploded, going triple-platinum and propelling them to mainstream success. The singles "Last Resort" and "Broken Home" became anthems of a generation, cementing Papa Roach as a force to be reckoned with.

Following the success of "Infest," the band released "Lovehatetragedy" (2002) and "Getting Away with Murder" (2004), further solidifying their position as one of the leading rock acts of the era.

Change inevitably came with "The Paramour Sessions" (2006), marking the departure of drummer Dave Buckner. Tony Palermo stepped in to keep the rhythm going, and Papa Roach continued to evolve, releasing "Metamorphosis" (2009), "Time for Annihilation" (2010), "The Connection" (2012), "F.E.A.R." (2015), "Crooked Teeth" (2017), and "Who Do You Trust" (2019), showcasing their adaptability and enduring power.

In 2022, Papa Roach dropped their eleventh studio album, "Ego Trip," proving they're still in the game, pushing boundaries and defying expectations. From their humble beginnings in Vacaville, Papa Roach has become a global phenomenon, leaving an indelible mark on rock music history.

Early Days: The Birth of a Band

The story of Papa Roach began in January 1993 on the football field of Vacaville High School. It was there that Jacoby Shaddix and Dave Buckner, destined to be the band's core, crossed paths. Soon after, Jerry Horton, a guitar prodigy from nearby Vanden High School, joined the fold, along with Anne Mikolajcik on rhythm guitar, Ben Luther on the trombone, and Will James on bass. This eclectic mix of talent was the foundation of a band destined for greatness.

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