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)
The Kids Don't Want to Rock
Danko Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The kids don't want to rock
I got the shakes and I wanna let it out like a lightning bolt
But the kids don't want to rock
I forget the feeling that it ain't appealing, it's a sign
But the kids don't want to rock
I like to turn it up real loud until you call the cops
But the kids don't want to rock
I know what I believe, it's a conspiracy
I know you fucked this up 'cause the kids don't want to rock
The kids don't want to rock
The kids don't want to rock
They like it slow
And easy
I wanna turn them on to Lizzy and ZZ Top but who cares
The kids don't want to rock
Everybody listens to the second record by Motorhead
But the kids don't want to rock
I got something to prove with Apocalypse Dudes but
The kids don't want to rock
Put me in a casket 'cause we're going to hell in a handbasket
The kids don't want to rock
I know what I believe, it's a conspiracy
I know you fucked this up 'cause the kids don't want to rock
I know you like to slow me, it just puts me to sleep
I know you fucked this up 'cause the kids don't want to rock
'Cause the kids don't want to rock
The kids don't want to rock
'Cause the kids don't want to rock
The kids don't want to rock
'Cause the kids don't want to rock
The kids don't want to rock
'Cause the kids don't want to rock
The kids don't want to rock
They want it and you know it, just don't know where to find it
You stole it, you hid it and knew they want to (?buy?) it
Why do you do what you do and then just deny it
I think of your sleazy fingers you made them like it slow
And easy
I know what I believe, it's a conspiracy
I know you fucked this up 'cause the kids don't want to rock
If you had balls you'd let me right all the wrongs and empty
That part inside their hearts that makes them want to rock
The kids don't want to rock
The kids don't want to rock
The kids don't want to rock
The kids don't want to rock
The kids don't want to rock
The kids don't want to rock
The kids don't want to rock
The kids don't want to rock
The lyrics of this song talk about the disconnection between the artist and the younger generation when it comes to music preferences. Danko Jones feels a deep connection to the rhythm of rock music, which he describes as running through his bones. However, he recognizes that the younger generation doesn't share his passion for the rock genre. The song expresses Kunst's frustration and confusion about why the younger generation doesn't want to rock, despite his best efforts to introduce them to different rock bands like Motorhead, Lizzy, and ZZ Top, among others. He believes that it's a conspiracy, and someone is responsible for making the younger generation like "slow and easy" music instead of rock.
He is also angry at the industry and those behind the scenes who are responsible for this trend towards slower music. According to him, they have taken away the passion for rock music from the younger generation by hiding and stealing it, and then denying it when confronted. Danko Jones believes that if given the chance, he could right all the wrongs and awaken that part inside the younger generation's hearts that makes them want to rock.
In conclusion, The Kids Don't Want to Rock is a song about the struggle artists face when trying to connect with their audience, especially when the audience's preferences shift to new and different genres. Danko Jones expresses the frustration and confusion that comes with this disconnect and the belief that there is a larger conspiracy at play that is responsible for the shift in the genre's popularity.
Line by Line Meaning
I feel the soul in the rhythm running through my bones but
I am deeply moved by the soulfulness in rhythm, but...
The kids don't want to rock
The young generation is uninterested in rock music
I got the shakes and I wanna let it out like a lightning bolt
I am eager to let out my restlessness with the energy of a lightning bolt
But the kids don't want to rock
Nevertheless, the new generation still doesn't want to engage in rock music
I forget the feeling that it ain't appealing, it's a sign
I cannot ignore the fact that the growing disinterest in rock music an indication that it is losing its charm
But the kids don't want to rock
Unfortunately, the young people continue to show a lack of interest in the rock genre
I like to turn it up real loud until you call the cops
I have a tendency to increase the volume of the music to the point of being a nuisance to others
But the kids don't want to rock
However, the new generation still has no inclination towards rock music inspite of the volume level
I know what I believe, it's a conspiracy
I strongly believe that there is a deliberate plan to suppress the love for rock music
I know you fucked this up 'cause the kids don't want to rock
I am sure that someone is responsible for the decline of rock music and hence the lack of interest from the young people
The kids don't want to rock
Once again reiterating that the young people are uninterested in rock music
The kids don't want to rock
Same as above - the young generation still does not want to engage in rock music
They like it slow
The younger generation prefers slower music
And easy
They also prefer music that is easy to listen to
I wanna turn them on to Lizzy and ZZ Top but who cares
I want to expose them to my favorite bands, but it seems like nobody feels the same way
Everybody listens to the second record by Motorhead
It appears that the only album by Motorhead that people listen to is the second one
But the kids don't want to rock
Regardless, the young people still have no interest in rock music despite what they are currently listening to
I got something to prove with Apocalypse Dudes but
I have a point to prove with the album Apocalypse Dudes, but...
The kids don't want to rock
Once again stating that the younger generation is uninterested in rock music
Put me in a casket 'cause we're going to hell in a handbasket
The situation is so dire that I feel like giving up and ready to die
I know what I believe, it's a conspiracy
My conviction remains that the lack of interest in rock music is not happening randomly
I know you fucked this up 'cause the kids don't want to rock
Reiterating the idea that there's a deliberate plan to suppress rock music
I know you like to slow me, it just puts me to sleep
I am aware that someone is intentionally keeping me from being enthusiastic, it only makes me bored
Cause the kids don't want to rock
Once again, emphasizing that the new generation has no inclination towards rock music
They want it and you know it, just don't know where to find it
The younger generation does have an appreciation for rock music, but don't know where to find it
You stole it, you hid it and knew they want to (?buy?) it
I suspect someone took rock music away from the youth, but seeing how much they love it, they knew they had to bring it back
Why do you do what you do and then just deny it
I wonder why someone would take away what the young people love and then act like nothing has happened
I think of your sleazy fingers you made them like it slow
I imagine someone with dubious intentions using deceitful tactics to make the youth prefer slower music
And easy
This is further proof of how the said person wanted the younger generation to pacify their ears with uncomplicated music
If you had balls you'd let me right all the wrongs and empty
I am daring this person to let me correct the mistakes they made and fulfill the young people with the rock music they desire
That part inside their hearts that makes them want to rock
I am confident that I can reignite the passion for rock music that resides within young people's hearts
The kids don't want to rock
Final repetition that the new generation is disinterested in rock music
The kids don't want to rock
Emphasizing once again that the young people do not want to listen to rock music
The kids don't want to rock
Reiterating the fact that the new generation is still uninterested in rock music
The kids don't want to rock
The repetition of the last phrase signifies the frustration due to the lack of interest from the young people
Contributed by James I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.