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The Lemonheads

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Band Timeline

1986

Formation of The Lemonheads in Boston

The Lemonheads were formed in 1986 in Boston by teenagers Evan Dando, Ben Deily, and Jesse Peretz. Originally called The Whelps, the band's name was changed to The Lemonheads, inspired by a candy brand that symbolized their musical style as 'sweet on the inside and sour on the outside.' The band played their first show on August 19, 1986, marking the beginning of their journey in the alternative rock and indie scene.
1987

Release of Debut Album 'Hate Your Friends'

In 1987, The Lemonheads released their debut album 'Hate Your Friends' on the independent label Taang! Records. This album was a collection of punk-influenced songs that helped establish the band's early sound. At the time, Evan Dando and Ben Deily shared lead vocals and songwriting duties. The band was part of the vibrant Boston indie rock scene, gaining attention on college radio stations.
1988

Follow-up Album 'Creator' and Continued Development

The band continued to develop their sound with the 1988 release of their second album 'Creator.' This album further explored their punk rock and alternative influences. Throughout this period, the Lemonheads often switched roles in instrumentation, with Deily and Dando sharing guitar and drum duties before settling with additional musicians to support live performances and recordings.
1989

'Lick' Album Release and Departure of Ben Deily

In 1989, The Lemonheads released their third album, 'Lick,' which captured their evolving style combining punk energy with melodic sensibility. After this release, co-founder Ben Deily left the band, marking a significant lineup change. Following Deily's departure, the band recruited new members including drummer David Ryan and guitarist Corey Loog Brennan, shifting the band's dynamic and preparing for their major-label debut.
1990

Major Label Debut with 'Lovey'

The Lemonheads signed with Atlantic Records and released 'Lovey' in August 1990. This album fused punk, country, and heavy metal elements but did not achieve commercial success. Despite limited mainstream impact, 'Lovey' represented an important phase as the band transitioned from indie roots to a major label, setting the stage for their later breakthrough.
1992

Breakthrough Album 'It's a Shame About Ray' and Rising Fame

In 1992, The Lemonheads released 'It's a Shame About Ray,' which became their breakthrough success. Written partly in collaboration with Australian musicians, the album featured Juliana Hatfield on bass and backing vocals. Its catchy alternative rock sound attracted mainstream attention. The band’s single, a cover of Simon and Garfunkel's 'Mrs. Robinson,' achieved significant popularity, expanding their audience and cementing their place in early 1990s alternative rock.
1997

Hiatus Begins

After years of touring and several album releases, The Lemonheads went on hiatus in 1997. Evan Dando pursued solo projects, and the band members went their separate ways. This pause marked the end of the band's initial period of activity that had defined alternative rock in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
2005

Band Reformation

The Lemonheads reformed in 2005 with Evan Dando as the sole original member returning. This marked a new chapter for the band with a new lineup, signaling their return to making music together after an extended break. This reformation revived interest in the band and introduced their music to a new generation.
2006

Release of Self-Titled Album 'The Lemonheads'

In 2006, The Lemonheads released their self-titled album, their first studio effort since reuniting. This album showcased the band's continued rock sensibilities and Dando's songwriting evolution. It was an important release demonstrating the band’s persistence in the music industry and their ability to adapt to contemporary musical trends.
2019

Release of 'Varshons 2' and Continued Activity

The Lemonheads released 'Varshons 2' in February 2019, continuing their legacy with a collection of covers and new interpretations. This album reflected the band's diverse influences and commitment to their craft over three decades. The release underscored The Lemonheads' enduring presence in alternative rock and their willingness to explore and experiment within the genre.

Albums

the-lemonheads_1st_album
Hate Your Friends
13 tracks
1987
the-lemonheads_2nd_album
Creator
13 tracks
1988
the-lemonheads_3rd_album
Lick
11 tracks
1989
the-lemonheads_4th_album
Lovey
11 tracks
1990
the-lemonheads_5th_album
It’s a Shame About Ray
13 tracks
1992
the-lemonheads_6th_album
Come On Feel The Lemonheads
15 tracks
1993
the-lemonheads_7th_album
Car Button Cloth
13 tracks
1996
the-lemonheads_8th_album
The Lemonheads
13 tracks
2006
the-lemonheads_9th_album
Varshons
11 tracks
2009
the-lemonheads_10th_album
Hotel Sessions
14 tracks
2011
the-lemonheads_11th_album
Varshons 2
13 tracks
2019
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Evan Dando

1986

Juliana Hatfield

N/A

John P. Strohm

N/A

Bill Stevenson

2005

Karl Alverez

2005

T. Corey Brennan

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Ben Deily

1986
1989

Nic Dalton

1993
1995

Dave Ryan

1989
1995

Jesse Peretz

1986
1991

Story of The Lemonheads

The Lemonheads: From Boston Basements to Chart-Topping Hits

The Lemonheads, a quintessential American alternative rock band, emerged from the vibrant Boston music scene in 1986. Founded by Evan Dando, Ben Deily, and Jesse Peretz, the band has undergone numerous line-up changes throughout its history, with Dando remaining the only constant member.

The band's early days were marked by a raw, punk-influenced sound, building a following in the independent and college rock circuits of the late 1980s. Their breakthrough came in 1992 with the release of "It's a Shame About Ray," a major label album produced by the Robb Brothers (Bruce, Dee, and Joe). This record, with its infectious melodies and Dando's introspective lyrics, propelled the Lemonheads into the mainstream.

The band's popularity soared even further with their iconic cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson," which became one of their biggest hits.

After a successful run, the Lemonheads went on hiatus in 1997. However, they returned in 2005 with a new lineup, releasing the self-titled album "The Lemonheads" the following year. The band's latest album, "Varshons 2," dropped in February 2019.

Over the years, the Lemonheads have collaborated with a diverse roster of musicians, including John Strohm (Blake Babies), Doug Trachten, Corey Loog Brennan, Byron Hoagland (Folks on Fire), Ben Daughtrey (Squirrel Bait), Juliana Hatfield (Blake Babies), Nic Dalton (Godstar, Sneeze, the Plunderers), David Ryan (Fuzzy), Patrick "Murph" Murphy (Dinosaur Jr.), George Berz (Dinosaur Jr., Gobblehoof), Josh Lattanzi, Bill Gibson (The Eastern Dark), Mark 'Budola' Newman, Kenny Lyon, Vess Ruhtenberg, Devon Ashley, Karl Alvarez, Bill Stevenson (Descendents), P. David Hazel, Farley Glavin, and many more.

Early Years (1986-1991)

The Lemonheads' story began in the hallways of the Commonwealth School in Boston, where Evan Dando, Ben Deily, and Jesse Peretz formed the band as teenagers. Initially called "The Whelps," the name was inspired by a brand of candy that Dando described as "sweet on the inside and sour on the outside," a fitting metaphor for their music. The band's early output included the self-released 7-inch EP "Laughing All the Way to the Cleaners."

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