Named after the small town of Riverdale from the Archie Comics, The Riverdales formed in 1994. The founding members, Foster (guitar), Dan Schafer (bass), and Dan Sullivan (drums), were all former members of Screeching Weasel, who had broken up earlier that year. Unlike Screeching Weasel, the members of The Riverdales would be credited under their real names. They released their self-titled debut album on July 7, 1995, on Lookout! Records. It was produced by Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong and Squirtgun's Mass Giorgini. They toured extensively that year as the opening act for the Mr. T Experience, and then for Green Day. Playing off this synergy, the Riverdales supported Green Day's 1995 tour. Also that year, the bands song "Back To You" appeared in the movie Angus. Despite the reformation of Screeching Weasel in 1996, the Riverdales did not split until after recording a second album, Storm The Streets in 1997, and only reforming briefly in 2003 to record Phase 3.
In 2004, Ben Foster rescinded all of the Riverdales masters from Lookout! Records after being unable to resolve a breach of contract dispute over unpaid royalties with the label. All of these masters had then been licensed to Asian Man Records. Asian Man reissued the first Riverdales album in 2006 with re-mastered sound and a slew of bonus tracks including three unreleased tracks, "No Sense" from the Storm the Streets sessions, and live tracks from their tour with Green Day. The Label also re-issued Phase 3 on October 7th, 2008 with five bonus tracks.
On November 19th, 2008, on his ESPN radio show, Weasel Radio, Ben Weasel announced that he and Danny Vapid had been demoing songs for a new Riverdales album, and recording would begin in February of 2009. He also announced that The Riverdales will be playing live shows again and that Adam Cargin (of the Blueheels) would be the band's new drummer. The album, titled Invasion USA was released on July 14, 2009.
In September 2009, it was announced that Simon Lamb would be joining the band as second guitarist [5]. Prior to that, for live purposes, Dan Schafer was playing second guitar (with a notably louder amp) and singing while Justin Perkins, who had recorded Invasion U.S.A., played bass. A couple months later, in November, 2009, Mike Park of Asian Man Records announced that Ben had decided to sever his relationship with the label and that Recess Records would now be carrying the Screeching Weasel, Riverdales, and Ben Weasel solo back catalogs.
On December 13, 2009, Ben Weasel announced on his Twitter that the fifth Riverdales album would be called Tarantula. They began recording the next day. Ben has stated that if he had it his way, Invasion USA would have been a double LP and to consider Tarantula part 2 of Invasion USA. So the songs on this album will be similar to the songs on Invasion USA, having titles based on old, low budget sci fi and horror films, but with a sound closer to The Ramones album "Subterranean Jungle." Tarantula was released in July 2010.
In December 2010, the band announced they had signed to Fat Wreck Chords, and the label would be re-releasing some of their old material.
In March 2011, Ben Weasel was involved in an altercation with two female audience members at a Screeching Weasel show at the Austin, Texas SXSW Festival. This resulted in the other members of both Screeching Weasel and the Riverdales quitting the band. In the aftermath of this, former members Dan Vapid and Simon Lamb started a solo project called Dan Vapid and The Cheats with whom Vapid will be singing his Riverdales songs.
Discography
Studio Albums
* Riverdales (1995)
* Storm the Streets (1997)
* Phase 3 (2003)
* Invasion U.S.A. (2009)
* Tarantula (2010)
EPs
* Back To You/I Can't Pretend (1995)
* Fun Tonight/ I'm a Vegetable (1995)
* Blood On The Ice/No Sense (1997)
Lead The Way
Riverdales Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You said, to lead the way
Get up and, and lead the way
Move farther, move Faster
Try harder, than anyone
You said, to lead the way
Move farther, move Faster
Try harder, than anyone
Move farther, move Faster
Try harder, than anyone
The song "Lead The Way" by Riverdales is a motivational anthem that inspires the listener to take charge and lead the way in their own life. The lyrics encourage individuals to push themselves beyond their limits and strive for success. The opening line, "You said, to lead the way," implies the presence of a mentor or someone who has given advice on how to achieve success. The repetition of the phrase "Get up and lead the way" throughout the song emphasizes the importance of taking action and being proactive in achieving one's goals. The line "Move farther, move faster, try harder than anyone" speaks to the competitive nature of success and the need for individuals to exceed expectations to rise above the rest.
Overall, "Lead The Way" is a song about empowerment and taking control of one's life. It encourages taking risks, working hard, and leading by example. The upbeat, fast-paced music and catchy lyrics create a sense of energy and excitement, making it the perfect song to listen to for a quick pick-me-up or prior to an important event.
Line by Line Meaning
You said, to lead the way
You provided instructions to take charge and lead the group
Get up and, and lead the way
Get out of your comfort zone and take action in leading the group
Move farther, move Faster
Keep progressing and improving at a rapid pace
Try harder, than anyone
Give your maximum effort and exceed the expectations of everyone around you
Contributed by Miles P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
noias
on The Beginning of the End
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOWipWh-PAE
Most of their songs are inspired by MST3K's riffs
Linda Viencek
on Riverdale Stomp
These lyrics are just wrong!