Current line-up:
Chris Doherty – Vocals, Guitar (July 1980 – present)
Mike Earls – guitar (1996 – 1998; 2007 – present)
Walter Gustafson – drums (Feb 1984 – Sep 1985, Feb – Aug 1991, 1996 – 1998; 2005-present)
Matt Sandonato – Bass (1996 – present)
Past lineups
In 1985 Doherty reemerged with an all new Gang Green lineup consisting of himself (vocals, guitar), Chuck Stilphen (guitar, vocals), Glen Stilphen (bass, vocals) and Walter Gustafson (drums). This second lineup is the most famous nationally as it was both the first to tour and the one that recorded the classic songs "Alcohol" and "Skate to Hell". This edition of Gang Green released the Another Wasted Night LP on Taang! Records in 1986. It is regarded as one of the definitive hardcore records of its time.
By 1987, when they were signed by Roadrunner Records the band’s musical style had become to lean more toward heavy metal and the personnel of the band, save Doherty, had changed completely. This incarnation of Gang Green consisted of Doherty, Fritz Erickson (guitar), Joe Gittleman (bass) and former Jerry's Kids drummer Brian Betzger. In 1989 Gittleman left to devote more time to The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and was replaced by Josh Pappe, formerly of Dirty Rotten Imbeciles.
After touring the United States with Social Distortion in 1990 Gang Green experienced a few more lineup shuffles before being dropped by Roadrunner and going on hiatus for several years in which Doherty founded the bands Klover (Mercury Records) and Hamerd.
In 1996 Gang Green surfaced yet again with 5 reunion dates on the east coast with the Stilphen brothers which included shows at The Rat and CBGB's. With Walter Gustafson remaining on drums, along with newcomers Mike Earls (guitar, vocals) and Matt Sandonato (bass, vocals), the band re-signed with Taang! Records and in 1997 released Back & Gacked (EP) and Another Case Of Brewtality. These records saw the band returning their punk roots and even moving in a pop direction. Gang Green toured Europe and the U.S. extensively in 1997 and 1998. Chris Doherty moved from Boston to Cincinnati shortly afterwards and in the early 2000s Gang Green played only once or twice a year in Boston and NYC.
Current
In 2005 Chris Doherty and a new Gang Green lineup supported the Dropkick Murphys’ tour of the U.S. west coast tour. The band began a European tour in 2007. The same year, they announce that they were working on a new album set to be released summer of that year.
In 2009 Chris Doherty formed a Cincinnati chapter of the band with a lineup featuring Chris Donnelly, Matt Bryant and Troy Bryant and began playing a few local shows. It was announced in 2010 that the band is working on their new album in studio and also preparing for several live dates.
19th Hole
Gang Green Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Watches it all unravel
Beat to death with a frying iron
He just sat right by her smiling
9-0 on the 19th hole
9-0 the deals been closed
9-0 on the 19th hole
I said 9-0
9-0 the deals been closed
9-0 on the 19th hole
I said 9-0
Daytime crying draws a tear
Cruises by like every one
Standing around swinging the bat
Give them one then take it back
9-0 on the 19th hole
9-0 the deals been closed
9-0 on the 19th hole
I said 9-0
The lyrics of Gang Green's song "19th Hole" describe a character who seems to be in a disturbingly twisted and violent relationship. The first verse speaks about someone named "Darling" who needs to survive "her", likely referring to the singer's partner. The line "Watches it all unravel" suggests that things are falling apart, but the singer seems to be unfazed. The following lyrics "Beat to death with a frying iron/He just sat right by her smiling" paint a vivid image of violence and a disturbing lack of empathy from the singer.
The chorus repeats the phrase "9-0 on the 19th hole" three times, which seems to refer to a situation where the singer has come out victorious, potentially in a game or a deal. However, the juxtaposition of the violent imagery in the first verse with this seemingly innocuous phrase creates a sense of discomfort and unease.
The second verse describes a scene where people are crying during the daytime and the singer is swinging a bat, possibly suggesting that he's involved in criminal activity. The line "Give them one then take it back" is ambiguous but could imply that the singer is taking advantage of vulnerable individuals before betraying them.
Overall, the lyrics of "19th Hole" create a disturbing and unsettling picture of a violent individual who seems to be indifferent to the harm he causes others.
Line by Line Meaning
Darling Darling he needs to survive her
He is heavily reliant on his partner and cannot live without them
Watches it all unravel
He sees everything falling apart before him
Beat to death with a frying iron
He is done for and has been abused beyond repair
He just sat right by her smiling
Despite everything that has happened, he tries to maintain a happy facade for her sake
9-0 on the 19th hole
He has achieved the ultimate victory
9-0 the deals been closed
He has won and sealed the deal
I said 9-0
Reiterating that he has reached the pinnacle of his success
Daytime crying draws a tear
Even though he may cry during the day, it's fleeting and meaningless
Cruises by like every one
Everything passes by quickly, including emotions and situations
Standing around swinging the bat
He is taking control of the situation and fighting back
Give them one then take it back
He is playing a game of give-and-take, where he gives a little only to take away even more
Contributed by Nolan N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.