Straight Ahead - CD Music

Pennywise is a punk rock band formed in 1988 in Hermosa Beach, California. The band consists of Jim Lindberg (vocals), Fletcher Dragge (guitar), Randy Bradbury (bass) and Byron McMackin (drums). Pennywise is one of the most influential bands in the Californian punk scene of the 90s, known for their lyrics of social protest, messages of hope and spirit of resistance, which have inspired a legion of fans over the decades.

The band's name was inspired by the character Pennywise, the clown in Stephen King's work, It. The band released their debut album, Pennywise, in 1991, on Epitaph Records, one of the most important labels in punk rock. This album helped establish the band as a significant force in the underground punk scene, with tracks like "Bro Hymn," which became a skate punk anthem and one of the band's most iconic songs.

In 1995, the band released About Time, one of the most acclaimed albums of their career, which included songs such as "Same Old Story" and "Peaceful Day". This album cemented Pennywise's place in the punk rock scene of the '90s, alongside other influential bands such as Bad Religion, NOFX, and The Offspring.

The band has maintained consistent production over the years, releasing albums such as Full Circle (1997), which was written in honor of original bassist Jason Thirsk, who passed away in 1996, and Straight Ahead (1999), which continued to explore themes of resistance and overcoming. Despite several lineup changes over the years, including the temporary departure of Jim Lindberg in 2009, Pennywise has maintained its message of power, unity, and resistance, something that continues to resonate with fans.

Pennywise is known not only for their music, but also for their energetic live performances, which capture the essence of punk rock. With a career spanning over three decades, the band continues to be a vital force in punk rock, inspiring new generations of fans and bands with their music and message.