Danko Jones is a Canadian rock band from Toronto, Canada. The band consists… Read Full Bio ↴Danko Jones is a Canadian rock band from Toronto, Canada. The band consists of Danko Jones (vocals/guitar), John 'JC' Calabrese (bass guitar) and Rich Knox (drums).

Formed in 1996, they played consistently for two years in and around the north-eastern United States and Canada, opening for The New Bomb Turks, Nashville Pussy, Blonde Redhead, The Make-Up, The Dirtbombs, The Chrome Cranks and The Demolition Doll Rods. Originally they did not even want to release an album opting to have the band's live reputation spread via word of mouth.

Eventually, the trio relented and put out a self-titled six song e.p. on Sonic Unyon records in 1998. In 1999 they released the self-produced My Love Is Bold E.P. and achieved national exposure with the single "Bounce". They were nominated for a Juno Award in 2000 for Best Alternative Album.

In 2001 Bad Taste Records released a compilation of the band's early recordings, demos, and b-sides entitled, I'm Alive and On Fire. A 5 week European tour followed to promote the release including shows at the Roskilde festival in Denmark and Hultsfred festival in Sweden. By the end of the year they had returned 2 more times, most notably as main support for the Backyard Babies.

2002: Born A Lion

In 2002 they released their first full-length album, Born A Lion, produced by Bill Bell, on Bad Taste Records in Europe and on Universal in Canada. The band did several European tours and two Canadian tours to promote the record including an unprecedented repeat performance at Roskilde and the now legendary return to Hultsfred as well as notable stops to Pukkelpop in Belgium and The Lowlands festival in the Netherlands. They also managed to grab the opening slot with The Rolling Stones on their "40 Licks" World tour kick-off show at the Palais Royale in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on August 16, 2002.

2003: We Sweat Blood

2003 saw the release of We Sweat Blood, produced by Matt DeMatteo, and the group taking a heavier approach to their hard-rock sound. More touring followed that included Europe and Japan. They were also nominated for two Junos: Best Rock Album (Born a Lion) and Best video (Lovercall).

While success was happening abroad, home relations with Universal Canada had soured and the band was dropped mid-album run. Explanations from the label were vague, but speculations point to Jones' February 2004 appearance on CBC Sunday where Jones appeared as a pro-downloader opposite then CRIA president, Brian Robertson. Getting dropped from Universal Canada did little to stop the group as they continued to tour heavily for the rest of the year well into 2004 with bands like Turbonegro, Sepultura and The Bronx. While touring they managed to pick up another Juno nomination for Best Rock Album (We Sweat Blood) and tour Australia as well as more European dates including Rock Am Ring and Rock Im Park in Germany and Download, Leeds and Reading in England.

2005-2006: Sleep Is The Enemy

Early 2005 was taken up by recording the follow-up to We Sweat Blood, but not without a series of tours amidst recording that brought the band to the Netherlands, Germany and South Africa. In April, American label, Razor & Tie released We Sweat Blood and the band set out to America in support as well.[6] Working two releases simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic proved quite hard and the worldwide release for the upcoming album, Sleep Is The Enemy, produced by Matt DeMatteo, was pushed back to 2006.

During the summer and fall of 2005 the band toured America heavily with two of We Sweat Blood's singles being second most added to active rock radio in America ("Lovercall" and "Forget My Name"). Stateside tours with Flogging Molly, Our Lady Peace, The Supersuckers, and The (International) Noise Conspiracy followed. Prior to the release of Sleep Is The Enemy drummer Damon Richardson left the band, citing fatigue as a reason for leaving. He was replaced by Dan Cornelius.

In January and February 2006, under new Canadian label, Aquarius Records, the band set out to do their first Canadian tour in almost 4 years opening up for Nickelback, With the release of Sleep Is The Enemy came more touring including America and a headlining European club tour with support from Brant Bjork & The Bros.

The summer saw them perform at Rock Am Ring, Rock Im Park, With Full Force and Wacken Open Air in Germany; Hellfest and Furiafest in France, Metaltown in Sweden, Pinkpop and Lowlands in The Netherlands, Tuska Festival, Ruisrock and Ankkarock in Finland, Gampel in Switzerland and Wireless in the UK among at least a dozen more. In October 2006, a 2 week tour of Norway saw the band play with ex-Kyuss front-man, John Garcia who appeared on the song "Invisible" off Sleep Is The Enemy.

2008: Never Too Loud

Their fourth album, Never Too Loud was released on February 27, 2008[9] and produced by Nick Raskulinecz. The album yielded three singles, "Code Of The Road" followed by "Take Me Home" and "King Of Magazines". A major city tour of Europe in April 2008 was followed by a Canadian tour in May and a three month stint in Europe playing almost 30 dates on the festival circuit that included Rock Am Ring, Rock Im Park and With Full Force in Germany; Bospop and Lowlands in The Netherlands; Sziget Festival in Hungary; Rabarock in Estonia; Provinssi Rock in Finland; and Eurockeennes and Hellfest in France, where Jones got to sing on stage with one of his favorite bands, Death Angel for the song, "Bored". In the fall/winter of 2008 Danko Jones toured England, Germany, France and Benelux opening for Motörhead.

2009: B-Sides

On February 3, 2009 B-Sides was released in Europe only - a collection of previously released b-sides from European singles and unreleased tracks that spanned 1996 to 2008. On February 24 they commenced a 7 week tour in support of the release that spanned The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, France and the UK with support coming from The Backyard Babies, Winnebego Deal and The Black Spiders. The CD yielded the singles "Sugar High" and "My Problems (Are Your Problems Now)". A greatest hits compilation titled This Is Danko Jones was released on April 7 the same year in Canada only.

In the summer the band managed a few festival appearances, most notably, the Sziget Festival in Hungary on the main stage with Faith No More and The Offspring, as well as Huntenpop in The Netherlands, Wintherthur and Gampel Open Air in Switzerland, Parken Festival in Norway and Jurassic Rock in Finland. In January and February 2010 the band toured across Canada with Guns N' Roses and Sebastian Bach. In March the same year they toured the United States with Clutch.

2010: Below the Belt

Their fifth album Below the Belt was released on May 11, 2010 and produced by Matt DeMatteo. The album's first single, "Full of Regret", features Elijah Wood, Lemmy Kilmister, Selma Blair and Mike Watt in the accompanying video. It debuted at #36 on Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks in November. It is also featured on EA's NHL 11 soundtrack. The second single, "Had Enough", has Ralph Macchio appearing in the accompanying video.

On June 8, 2011 Danko Jones announced on the band's website that drummer Dan Cornelius was no longer with the band. In the same statement Danko Jones said Atom Willard had joined as a replacement. In a March 2012 question-and-answer session with fans on Twitter Danko Jones said: "Dan's time with the band had run its course but it was completely mutual from both sides. An amicable split."

2012: New Album

In early 2012 Danko Jones revealed the band was working on a new album, posting footage of the writing process on the band's YouTube channel. Jones said the album was likely to be out in the European fall (autumn). He added a book and DVD about the band's history would also be released in 2012.

Albums
Born a Lion (2002) (Bad Taste Records / Universal Canada)
We Sweat Blood (2003) (Bad Taste Records / Razor & Tie)
Sleep Is the Enemy (2006) (Bad Taste Records | Aquarius Records)
Never Too Loud (2008) (Bad Taste Records / Aquarius Records)
Below the Belt (2010) (Bad Taste Records / Aquarius Records)

EPs and Others
Sugar Chocolate 7" (1998) (Sonic Unyon)
Danko Jones EP (1998) (Sonic Unyon)
My Love Is Bold (1999) (Sound King / Outside Music)
I'm Alive and on Fire (2001) (Bad Taste Records)
Ritual of the Savage 10" (split with Gluecifer & Peter Pan Speedrock) (2003) (Drunken Maria / Suburban)
B-Sides (2009) (Bad Taste Records)
This Is Danko Jones (2009) (Canadian-only greatest hits release) (Emd Int'l Records)
Having Fun on Stage with Danko Jones 7 (2009) (Yeah Right! Records)
Mouth to Mouth (2011) (digital-only release)
Bring On the Mountain (2012) (DVD)

Rock'n'Roll Proletariat
Danko Jones Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Are you ready for a revolution?
Time to raise the stakes
Everybody wants it so easy
Too many people [Incomprehensible]

There's a fucked up shake down
It happens every night
But tonight it's gonna change forever

When the top brass tastes a bit of this medicine

You waited long, but it happens fast
'Cause everyone's gonna get a backstage pass

I pledge allegiance
To the rock 'n' roll proletariat
Get up, get even
Show those motherfuckers that you mean it

One in a million, a million strong
Do what it takes, take what you want
There's enough, enough for all
Rise above, standing tall

The time has come to take back what they took
Go get your piece of the pie
I ain't in to just fucking around
Roll up your sleeves and jump in the fire

I'm sick and tired of running round and round
Don't you feel the same?
They turn a blind eye and a deaf ear
Backed up in a corner, living in a cage

Get back in line and pump up your fist
'Cause everybody here's getting on the guest list

I pledge allegiance
To the rock 'n' roll proletariat
Get up, get even
Show those motherfuckers that you mean it

One in a million, a million strong
Do what it takes, take what you want
There's enough, enough for all
Rise above, standing tall

The time has come, this is it
Are you ready? 'Cause I'm ready
Let's roll, let's get it up
'Cause this thing's on the move whether we like it or not

This rock is rolling, this rock is strong
Let's make it hotter before it's gone
We've been pushed for long enough
It's time to push back, it's gonna get rough

You better believe it

I pledge allegiance
To the rock 'n' roll proletariat
Get up, get even
Show those motherfuckers that you mean it

I pledge allegiance
To the rock 'n' roll proletariat
Get up, get even
Show those motherfuckers that you mean it

This rock is rolling, this rock is strong
Let's make it hotter before it's gone
We've been pushed for long enough

It's time to push back, it's gonna get rough
Are you ready?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Danko Jones's song "Rock'n'Roll Proletariat" speak of a revolution, a call to arms for the proletariat of rock and roll. The song speaks of the frustration and anger felt among those who have been pushed around and ignored for too long, and the time has come to fight back. Danko Jones is urging everyone to rise above the situation, stand tall, and show "those motherfuckers" that they mean business.

The lyrics describe a united front of individuals who are ready to take on the system and claim their share of the rock 'n' roll pie. The song urges people not to wait any longer, but to act fast and get what they deserve. Danko Jones's message is clear: it's time to fight for what you believe in and make a stand, and with the power of music, together they will achieve their goals.

Overall, the lyrics to "Rock'n'Roll Proletariat" speak of solidarity, strength, and determination in the face of adversity. It is a call to action for all those who feel they have been oppressed and ignored, and an inspiring message for those wanting to stand up for themselves and their beliefs.

Line by Line Meaning

Are you ready for a revolution?
Are you prepared to bring about a great change in the way things are?

Time to raise the stakes
It is now necessary to increase the level of risk or difficulty involved in achieving our goals.

Everybody wants it so easy
Every person desires something that requires little effort or resistance.

Too many people [Incomprehensible]
A vague reference to the large number of individuals who may be responsible for the current state of affairs.

There's a fucked up shake down
There is a corrupt, unfair and manipulative situation.

It happens every night
This occurrence is frequent and regular.

But tonight it's gonna change forever
The situation is about to undergo a permanent shift or transformation.

When the top brass tastes a bit of this medicine
The individuals in positions of power are about to experience the unpleasant consequences of their actions.

You waited long, but it happens fast
Although you have been waiting for a long time, change comes quickly and suddenly.

'Cause everyone's gonna get a backstage pass
Everyone will have an opportunity to be a part of the inner circle, to share in the privileges and benefits.

I pledge allegiance
I promise my loyalty and devotion.

To the rock 'n' roll proletariat
To the working class people who are passionate about rock music and share a common identity.

Get up, get even
Stand up and take revenge on those who have wronged you or held you back.

Show those motherfuckers that you mean it
Demonstrate to those who have mistreated you that you are serious and will not be defeated.

One in a million, a million strong
Although there may only be a relatively small number of individuals who share your cause, when they unite they are a force to be reckoned with.

Do what it takes, take what you want
Be willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve your aims, even if it means breaking rules or norms.

There's enough, enough for all
There are ample resources to go around, if only they were distributed more fairly and equitably.

Rise above, standing tall
Maintain your dignity and pride, even in the face of adversity.

The time has come to take back what they took
It is now the moment for you to reclaim what others have unjustly taken from you.

Go get your piece of the pie
Go and grab your share of the wealth or power that you are entitled to.

I ain't in to just fucking around
I am not interested in simply messing around or wasting time.

Roll up your sleeves and jump in the fire
Get deeply involved in something that is dangerous or difficult, roll up your sleeves to show you are ready for work.

I'm sick and tired of running round and round
I am fed up with the endless cycle of repetitive and futile activity.

Don't you feel the same?
Do you not share my sense of frustration or urgency?

They turn a blind eye and a deaf ear
Those in power choose to ignore or overlook the problems of the marginalized and oppressed.

Backed up in a corner, living in a cage
Feeling trapped, restricted, and powerless to change one's circumstances.

Get back in line and pump up your fist
Resume your position in the queue, but also show your defiance and strength by raising your fist.

'Cause everybody here's getting on the guest list
Everyone is invited to take part, everyone is joining the party.

The time has come, this is it
The moment of truth, the decisive point in time has arrived.

Let's roll, let's get it up
Let's move forward, let's raise our energy and excitement levels.

'Cause this thing's on the move whether we like it or not
Events are unfolding, momentum is building, and we must either go along with it or be left behind.

This rock is rolling, this rock is strong
The rock music scene is thriving and robust, and it has the power to unite and inspire people.

Let's make it hotter before it's gone
Let's intensify our enthusiasm and passion before this moment of opportunity passes us by.

We've been pushed for long enough
We have been subjected to unfair treatment or discrimination for a lengthy period of time.

It's time to push back, it's gonna get rough
Now is the moment for us to resist, to be assertive, and to prepare for the difficult times ahead.

You better believe it
This is not an empty promise or an idle threat. Be assured that we mean what we say.

Contributed by Alexis V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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