The groups name came about as a mere fluke from some light hearted criticism. According to vocalist Jason Sears in a 2002 interview with Thrasher magazine: “It happened that some guy said, 'Ha, those kids will never be anything, they're just a bunch of rich kids on LSD, man.' The first party we played we didn't have a name for the band, so we put that one on the flier and it just stuck.”
Their musical evolution can be heard on their webpage, which features "RKL Radio" with nearly all of their songs streamed including a complete discography.
RKL break-up and return
After a couple line-up changes in the late eighties and early nineties, the original vocalist Jason Sears returned to the band in 1994 to help finish their European tour. This sparked the band to record its first album, Riches to Rags, with him in a little under a decade. The band suffered an ill-fated break-up in 1996 which led most of the members of the band to go on to other projects and form new bands. However only a year later did the band return with most of its previous members minus drummer Dave Raun and guitarist Barry "D'Live" Ward who had their spots filled by Boz Rivera and Chris Flippin.
Guitarist Chris Rest and the bands original drummer Richard "Bomer" Manzullo, formed The Other with Mad Caddies drummer Boz Rivera. Boz would later go on to join RKL when they reunited in 1997.
Former guitarist Barry Ward otherwise known as "Barry D'Live" went on to play with such acts as Hotbox as well as playing under the alias "The Wooper" with the group he currently resides in, the Crosstops. He also stood in for some bands on tour such as filling in for Me First and the Gimme Gimmes guitarist Chris Shiflett (who also plays for the Foo Fighters) as well as being hired on as Balsac the Jaws of Death for the theatrical shock rock group GWAR.
Former drummer Dave Raun, Chris Rest and future member Chris Flippin joined the Goleta based punk band Lagwagon. Dave also went on to play drums for the all-star cover band, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.
Bassist Joe Raposo along with Chris Rest and Boz Rivera also compose half of the San Francisco based group King City.
Vocalist Jason Sears did a track for a Snot tribute album to their late lead singer Lynn Strait. He later did an album with the San Diego based band Mercury Legion.
RKL today
On March 30, 2005, Derrick Plourde, former drummer of RKL, who also played in Lagwagon, Bad Astronaut, Jaws, and The Ataris, committed suicide. Lagwagon paid tribute to Derrick with their 2005 release of the album Resolve.
On December 12, 2005, the original drummer Richard Anthony Manzullo (aka "Bomer") died due to heart failure at his home in Summerland, California. The cause of death was the result of a long time battle with drug addictions.
On January 31, 2006, Jason Sears died due to complications while undergoing a detox treatment involving ibogaine in Tijuana, Mexico. The cause of death was the result of a pulmonary embolism caused by thrombosis.
Currently the future for RKL remains uncertain. There are rumors of an "RKLAOKE" show sometime in the Summer of 2006 as a benefit concert to raise money for Jason's kids. The show as well as time and venue have yet to be confirmed. The show would feature the remaining members of the band playing all the past favorites with different members of the audience.
Past and present band members of R.K.L.
Current Lineup (1997-2005)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Chris Flippin -- guitar
Chris Rest -- guitar
Joe Raposo -- bass
Boz Rivera -- drums
Lineup (1994-1996)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Barry Ward -- guitar
Chris Rest -- guitar
Joe Raposo -- Bass
Dave Raun -- drums
Lineup (1992-1993)
Bomer Manzullo -- vocals
Barry Ward -- guitar
Chris Rest -- guitar
Joe Raposo -- Bass
Dave Raun -- drums
Lineup (1987-1989)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Joe Raposo -- bass
Barry Ward -- guitar
Chris Rest -- guitar
"Bomer" Manzullo -- drums
Lineup (1985-1987)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Vince Peppars -- bass
Chris Rest -- guitar
Barry Ward -- guitar
"Bomer" Manzullo -- drums
Original lineup (1983-1985)
Jason Sears -- vocals
Vince Peppars -- bass
Chris Rest -- guitar
"Alpo" -- guitar
"Bomer" Manzullo -- drums
R.K.L. Discography
Nardcore, Compilation LP (Mystic Records, 1984; "US Steel", "Lies", "No Respect")
It's a Beautiful Feeling, 7" EP (Mystic Records, 1984)
Covers, Compilation LP (Mystic Records, 1984; "Chinese Rocks")
Mystic Super Seven Sampler #1, Compilation LP (Mystic Records, 1984)
Return to Slimey Valley LP , Compilation LP (Mystic Records, 1985; "Evil In You")
Keep Laughing LP (Mystic Records, 1985)
RocK 'n Roll Nightmare LP (Alchemy Records, 1987; re-released on CD by Epitaph Records)
Double Live in Berlin LP (Destiny Records, 1989; recorded live in Germany on 1988 tour)
Reactivate LP (Epitaph Records, 1993)
Riches to Rags LP (Epitaph Records, 1994)
Revenge is a Beautiful Feeling, CD (2000?)
Keep Laughing (w/ It's a Beautiful Feeling), Mystic Re-release, CD (2002)
Videos
Still Flailing After All These Beers, VHS (1997)
Take Me Home
RKL Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hopped on my skate and skated to the circle k.
I'm on the road, and I know I won't be going home today
I guess I'll have to stay
Well, it's been twelve years of playing and there's not one do I regret
We broke the camels back and paid our dues in blood and sweat.
I've seen the sunrise, seen it rain, and also watched it set.
Still by far this place sucks the most, the worst that I've seen yet.
Stuck on the road!
And once again I won't be going home today.
Well, I don't wanna stay.
Been five days and still the van is broken down.
Well, how much longer are we stuck here in this town?
You got to go!
We need to get our ass back out there on the road.
It's dark and getting cold.
After 20 shows in 20 days and still no problems yet.
Everything was going good, or at least as good as good can get,
My spirits high, my belly's full, can nothing bring me down?
Try ten more days of dwelling in this shit you call a town.
Take me home - It's where I wanna be.
Take me home - It's you I wanna see.
Take me home - Try and find a way.
Take me home!
"Sorry sir, but we still don't have your part."
Said some inbred at the mobile mini mart
He's got to go!
He said it might take up to a half a week or so.
Looks like we'll miss the show.
One more time we're on the road it's as bad as it can get.
But still we keep on coming back, we never will forget.
This is our life, this is our job, it's what we love to do.
But I'm packing up and heading home,
As soon as this tour's through.
Take me home - It's where I wanna be.
Take me home - It's you I wanna see.
Take me home - Try and find a way.
Take me home!
In RKL's song "Take Me Home," the lyrics describe the life of a musician on the road, constantly moving from town to town and never able to go back to their own home. The song speaks to the frustration and weariness that can come with the touring lifestyle, particularly when things don't go according to plan. The opening lines set the tone for the song's theme, with the singer waking up to start another day on tour and feeling stuck on the road. The reference to skating to the Circle K may signify a punk lifestyle, with the convenience store being a common meeting place for punks. The lyrics then reference the twelve years the band has been playing together and the hard work they've put in, as well as the highs and lows of touring (seeing sunrises and sets, experiencing rain). Despite everything they've been through, the singer finds that the current town they're stuck in is the worst they've seen yet, emphasizing the frustration of the situation.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Take Me Home" four times, emphasizing the feeling of being trapped and the desire to be somewhere else. The second verse describes the band's van breaking down and being stuck in a town for five days, wondering how much longer they'll be stuck there. The urgency and frustration continue to build, with the band needing to get back on the road to keep the tour going. The third verse recounts twenty successful shows, but then delves into the tedium and misery of being stuck in a boring town for ten more days. The frustration reaches a boiling point when they're told they have to wait even longer for a crucial part for their van. The song then ends with the defiant stance that even though touring is their "life" and "job," the singer is ready to pack up and head home as soon as the tour is finished.
Overall, "Take Me Home" speaks to the difficulty and sacrifice that comes with the touring musician lifestyle. The lyrics are honest about the ups and downs of being on the road, and the feeling of being trapped and far from home.
Line by Line Meaning
Woke up again just to start another day.
Starting a new day with the routine of getting up and going about daily activities.
Hopped on my skate and skated to the circle k.
Using a skateboard to travel to a convenience store called Circle K.
I'm on the road, and I know I won't be going home today
Realizing that being on tour means not being able to go home regularly.
I guess I'll have to stay
Coming to terms with being away from home and having to stay on tour.
Well, it's been twelve years of playing and there's not one do I regret
Reflecting on 12 years of playing music without regretting any part of it.
We broke the camels back and paid our dues in blood and sweat.
Having endured a significant amount of hardship and struggle to get to where they are now.
I've seen the sunrise, seen it rain, and also watched it set.
Having traveled and experienced different weather patterns and time of day on tour.
Still by far this place sucks the most, the worst that I've seen yet.
Expressing dislike for a particular town or city on tour.
Take Me Home!
Desperately wanting to go home after being on tour for an extended period.
Stuck on the road!
Feeling trapped on tour and unable to go home as desired.
And once again I won't be going home today.
Knowing that going home isn't an option again that day.
Well, I don't wanna stay.
Disliking the thought of having to stay on tour without being able to go home.
Been five days and still the van is broken down.
Experiencing van trouble and been stuck in a particular location for several days.
Well, how much longer are we stuck here in this town?
Wondering how long the band will be stuck in a particular town due to van trouble.
You got to go!
Feeling a sense of urgency to get back on the road after being stuck for several days.
We need to get our ass back out there on the road.
Expressing the need to get back on tour and continue playing shows.
It's dark and getting cold.
Noting the changing weather and that it's getting colder.
After 20 shows in 20 days and still no problems yet.
Having played several shows without complications or problems on tour.
Everything was going good, or at least as good as good can get,
Noting that everything is going relatively well on tour, but that it's still a difficult lifestyle.
My spirits high, my belly's full, can nothing bring me down?
Feeling content in the moment, but worried about the continued touring schedule.
Try ten more days of dwelling in this shit you call a town.
Dreading the thought of staying in a particular town for another ten days on tour.
Sorry sir, but we still don't have your part.
Being told at the mobile mini mart that the needed part for the van isn't in.
Said some inbred at the mobile mini mart
Disrespectful way of describing the person who gave them the bad news at the mini mart.
He's got to go!
Feeling frustrated with the person at the mini mart and wanting them to leave them alone.
He said it might take up to a half a week or so.
Being told that the van part may not be available for several days.
Looks like we'll miss the show.
Anticipating missing a scheduled show due to the van trouble.
One more time we're on the road it's as bad as it can get.
Feeling like things couldn't get much worse while continuing on tour with van trouble.
But still we keep on coming back, we never will forget.
Determined to continue coming back to tour despite the challenges.
This is our life, this is our job, it's what we love to do.
Feeling passionate about playing music and touring despite the hardships.
But I'm packing up and heading home, as soon as this tour's through.
Looking forward to returning home after the current tour finishes.
Take me home - It's where I wanna be.
Expressing a strong desire to go home.
Take me home - It's you I wanna see.
Wanting to see loved ones back home.
Take me home - Try and find a way.
Seeking a way to get back home as soon as possible.
Take me home!
Reiterating the strong desire to go home and be done with the challenges of touring.
Contributed by Maya C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@silasnofx
Woke up again just to start another day.
Hopped on my skate and skated to the circle k.
I'm on the road, and I know I won't be going home today
I guess I'll have to stay
Well, it's been twelve years of playing and there's not one do I regret
We broke the camels back and paid our dues in blood and sweat.
I've seen the sunrise, seen it rain, and also watched it set.
Still by far this place sucks the most, the worst that I've seen yet.
Take Me Home!
Stuck on the road!
And once again I won't be going home today.
Well, I don't wanna stay.
Been five days and still the van is broken down.
Well, how much longer are we stuck here in this town?
You got to go!
We need to get our ass back out there on the road.
It's dark and getting cold.
After 20 shows in 20 days and still no problems yet.
Everything was going good, or at least as good as good can get,
My spirits high, my belly's full, can nothing bring me down?
Try ten more days of dwelling in this shit you call a town.
Take me home - It's where I wanna be.
Take me home - It's you I wanna see.
Take me home - Try and find a way.
Take me home!
"Sorry sir, but we still don't have your part."
Said some inbred at the mobile mini mart
He's got to go!
He said it might take up to a half a week or so.
Looks like we'll miss the show.
One more time we're on the road it's as bad as it can get.
But still we keep on coming back, we never will forget.
This is our life, this is our job, it's what we love to do.
But I'm packing up and heading home,
As soon as this tour's through.
Take me home - It's where I wanna be.
Take me home - It's you I wanna see.
Take me home - Try and find a way.
Take me home!
@davidferrand878
I'm pretty sure that's Eric Melvin at 1:54...this is some awesome stuff!
@jacqthesnacq1412
thought the same
@alfretiburon3758
4 shure,he is
@BloodClanResurrection
That's him without a doubt
@SpongeBath_ShitPants
That guitar riff in the pre-chorus (1:18) is so hooky. Barry and Chris did some phenomenal writing on this album.
@tcg3022
I thought joe raposo wrote a good portion of this album?
@SpongeBath_ShitPants
@@tcg3022 Pretty much just the bass parts. Barry and Chris were writing all their guitar riffs.
@tcg3022
@@SpongeBath_ShitPants oh yeah. that makes sense that he wrote all those insane crazy bass riffs. haha
@TomBeule
best Album!°°
@CZECHMATE650
I miss the 90's like hippies miss the 60's