The band name originated from a slang phrase used by students at Eric Sean Nally's high school where Foxy Shazam meant "cool shoes". On February 7, 2010, their single Unstoppable was featured in Super Bowl XLIV.
In 2008, the band were named one of the 100 bands you need to know by Alternative Press. They toured with bands such as The Strokes, Bad Rabbits, and The Young Veins. In 2010, the band were placed on Spin's list of ten bands you need to know. Since then, they've appeared on TV programs such as the Daily Haibt. Also in 2010, vocalist Eric Nally helped write songs for Meat Loaf's album, Hang Cool Teddy Bear.
Foxy Shazam have previously toured with Hole and played this year's Lollapalooza festival. They've been appearing in more magazines supporting their latest release like Alternative Press and Spin. They played a 3 song set for The Daily Habit Show on Fuel.tv. They recently performed a 5 song set for shockhound.com. They also recently performed 3 songs acoustic for Spin Magazine, one of which was a brand new song entitled "I'm in love with a boy." The band performed a full set and interview on Chicago's JBTV in July 2010. The band have also performed a live an exclusive version of "oh Lord" for music discovery app and namesake Shazam.
Foxy Shazam's first album, The Flamingo Trigger is seen as a post-hardcore album, with some slight classical influences. The band more resembled peers such as Chiodos and The Fall of Troy. With their second release, Introducing, the band incorporated more genres into their sound, and even making ballads, though still with some post-hardcore influence. Their latest release, Foxy Shazam, has influences ranging from Gospel, Soul, and Glam Metal. The band continues to surprise fans by keeping themselves original.
A quote from lead singer, Eric Sean Nally: "When I listen to a Foxy Shazam record I think of Evel Knievel, Bruce Springsteen, my childhood, Van Morrison, my old friends from high school I don't talk to anymore, Elton John, the '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond, Iggy Pop and my first kiss. One of my favorite things to do when listening to my music is to close my eyes and picture a crowd of six million people all chanting "Foxy! Foxy! Foxy!" The lights go out and my band walks on stage. It gives me goose bumps. It all makes sense to me. When you listen to our record, think of your favorite things and it'll make sense to you as well. Foxy Shazam is not concerned with what category it falls into. We want to stand for our generation. We want to be the biggest band in the world. We want to be the Michael Jordan of Rock N' Roll."
Many media outlets compare the band to Queen and Meat Loaf because of their use of theatrics and over-the-tops lyrics. The band themselves have noted the similarities but believe that they are just all influenced by the same things. It's not always music that influences the band, it could even be a smell that triggers a memory.
Eric Sean Nally has said an album that influenced him was Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill. The magazine Alternative Press has compared the band to bands like Queen, My Chemical Romance, and The Darkness while also believing that the band has a very unique sound that should best be seen live.
A Dangerous Man
Foxy Shazam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My life depends on this here roll of dice
And when their gaze is straight
We're going to sneak behind
We'll catch the cold hard truth of being a crook
Thief, rat, no good rabble-rouser
I thought you said I never would, well I did
I did it right infront of your face
So next time just remember
Never say never
Never say never again
Hands in the air it's a robbery
You'll be lucky if you make it alive
If any of you heroes wanna speak up
I suggest you do it now or forever hold your peace
I'm a dangerous man
And if they ask you hold your tongue tonight
Don't tell them what I told ya
Don't tell them what I told ya
When their gaze is straight
We're going to sneak behind
They'll catch our cold hard drift of being a crook
Reach for the sky
These lyrics from Foxy Shazam's "A Dangerous Man" portray a reckless and daring criminal who is confident in his abilities to overcome any obstacles to achieve his goals. The first verse speaks of the urgency and importance of the situation at hand, where the singer's life depends on the roll of the dice. The emphasis on the kiss also brings to light the level of risk and danger that the situation entails. The second verse refers to the singer's past reliability doubts and how he has proven those wrong, unapologetically committing his crimes without any shame.
The chorus then takes a more menacing turn, as the singer announces his criminal proposal, daring anyone to stop him or face the consequences. The bridge gives a sense of caution and secrecy, warning anyone who might know of the singer's plan to keep quiet, emphasizing that the singer is indeed, a dangerous man.
Line by Line Meaning
Bring you lips into my kiss tonight
I need you to comply with my desires
My life depends on this here roll of dice
The outcome of this situation will determine my fate
And when their gaze is straight
When their attention is focused elsewhere
We're going to sneak behind
We will take advantage of their distraction
We'll catch the cold hard truth of being a crook
We will experience the harsh reality of criminal behavior
Thief, rat, no good rabble-rouser
I am aware of my lowly reputation
I thought you said I never would, well I did
I defied your expectations
I did it right infront of your face
I committed the act in plain sight of you
So next time just remember
Take this as a lesson
Never say never
Don't dismiss anything outright
Never say never again
Don't make the same mistake twice
Hands in the air it's a robbery
I'm taking something from you against your will
You'll be lucky if you make it alive
You may not survive this ordeal
If any of you heroes wanna speak up
If you have something to say, now is the time
I suggest you do it now or forever hold your peace
Otherwise, keep your opinions to yourself
I'm a dangerous man
I am capable of causing harm
And if they ask you hold your tongue tonight
Don't reveal anything you know
Don't tell them what I told ya
Keep my secrets safe
When their gaze is straight
When they are not paying attention
We're going to sneak behind
We will take advantage of their distraction
They'll catch our cold hard drift of being a crook
They will see that we are criminals
Reach for the sky
Put your hands up
Contributed by Jayden E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.