Scream was formed in Northern Virginia in 1981 by singer Peter Stahl, his brother Franz Stahl on guitar, bassist Skeeter Thompson and drummer Kent Stax. They are considered one of the benchmark bands in the history of the Washington, D.C. hardcore music movement. Along with bands such as Minor Threat and Government Issue, Scream ultimately merged the attributes of the movement, which were blinding speed, heavy political and social connotations in the lyrics, unpretentiousness of attitude, and shunning of commercialism. Their music is faithful to the roots of rock, but spun itself into other genres by employing sounds that predate the raunchiness of grunge, while saluting reggae and speed metal. Scream hated the classification of bands into certain types and considered what they played as simply 'music.' Recording their music in the basement of the now legendary Inner Ear Studios in Arlington, Virginia, Scream became the first band on the Dischord label to release a whole album, Still Screaming, as opposed to singles or 12 inch EPs. Like the hardcore band Bad Brains, they could play clearly at breakneck speed, but also played mid-tempo songs like "American Justice" and "Hygiene," which were metal-tinged reggae.
For their second album Scream added another guitarist to their line-up, Robert Lee "Harley" Davidson, to thicken up the sound in the studio and in their live performances. In turn this eventually led to a powerful dual-lead guitar style, with complex guitar tracking, a more powerful live sound and an over-all crunchier sound for their third album. For a few compilation efforts and some live shows they added a keyboard player, Bobby Madden, who was a colleague of Davidson's from the same metal scene.
After the third album Banging the Drum, Kent Stax left the band for personal reasons and was replaced by local drummer Dave Grohl, who then played on Scream's 4th album No More Censorship. The band then toured Europe; with their May 4, 1990 show in Alzey, Germany being released by Tobby Holzinger as Your Choice Live Series Vol.10. Scream then recorded their fifth and final studio album Fumble, (which was much later released in 1993 on Dischord Records) and then called it quits in late 1990. Pete and Franz moved to North Hollywood and started rock band Wool, while Grohl joined Grunge band Nirvana. In 1997, Franz Stahl joined Dave Grohl's newly formed group, the commercially successful Foo Fighters, for a two year stint. During this time Pete Stahl worked as a road manager for both the Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age, while continuing to record albums with several bands, including the Earthlings? and Goatsnake. Skeeter Thompson remained in the D.C. area and continued to work in bands, as did Kent Stax with the Skinhead/Oi! -tinged bands: the Suspects, United 121, Spitfires United, and Alleged Bricks. Stax has also committed himself to a family life. Davidson continued in the band Angelstorm, (in Huntsville, Alabama), from 1993–1995 and created the new bands Orangahead, Festival of Fools, (with Madden in 1998) and two different bands both named God Is Dead, (one in D.C. and one in Huntsville, Alabama) from 2002-2005.
The original line-up of the band played a reunion show on December 20, 2009 at the Black Cat nightclub in Washington, D.C.
On February 7, 2011, the band supported Foo Fighters on a special show at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles, when the Foo Fighters showcased their new album Wasting Light for the first time from beginning to end.
Current members
Peter Stahl – lead vocals (1981–1990, 2009–present)
Franz Stahl – guitar, backing vocals (1981–1990, 2009–present)
Skeeter Thompson – bass, backing vocals (1981–1990, 2009–present)
Kent Stax – drums, percussion (1981–1986, 2009–present)
Former members
Dave Grohl – drums, percussion (1986–1990)
Robert Lee Davidson – guitar, backing vocals (1984–1989)
Amerarockers
Scream Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just as it’s easy for you to start a fight
One person is limited to what he can say
But if we stand, stand together today
We amerarockers
You amerarockers
I amerarockers
We
I
We must look to the other side
So we can tell what’s wrong from what is right
To solve our problems here’s the one thing we can do
You dance with me and I’ll dance with you
We amerarockers
You amerarockers
I amerarockers
And when I look around
I see all wearing frowns
I know H.R. would say this is a real shame
Why must it always be you cannot see
Why don’t you stand up and rock with me
We must look to the other side
So we can tell
To solve our problems here’s the one thing we can do
You dance with me and I’ll dance with you
With you
We amerarockers
You amerarockers
I
amerarockers
The lyrics to Scream's song Amerarockers speak to the importance of looking beyond our differences and standing together in solidarity. The first verse acknowledges that it's easy to start a fight, and that one person is limited in what they can say. However, if we join forces and stand together, we can overcome any obstacle. The use of "we," "you," and "I" highlights that this message is universal and applies to all of us.
The second verse emphasizes the importance of looking to the other side and being able to differentiate between right and wrong. It advocates for solving problems by coming together and dancing with one another. The chorus repeats the term "amerarockers," which is a word invented by the band, and serves as a unifying term for those who identify with the message of the song.
Overall, the song carries a powerful message of unity and suggests that we can collectively make a difference by embracing our differences and working together. It's an anthem that encourages the audience to participate and join the movement towards social change.
Line by Line Meaning
It’s plain to see the other side
It is easy for us to recognize differences and opposing views.
Just as it’s easy for you to start a fight
It's easy to pick fights and cause conflict.
One person is limited to what he can say
Individuals have limited voices and may not always be able to express themselves freely.
But if we stand, stand together today
We can come together and speak in unison to make a greater impact.
We amerarockers
We are the Amerarockers.
You amerarockers
You are Amerarockers too.
I amerarockers
I am also an Amerarocker.
We must look to the other side
It is important to understand opposing views and perspectives.
So we can tell what’s wrong from what is right
Through this understanding, we can distinguish right from wrong.
To solve our problems here’s the one thing we can do
One solution to our problems is to come together and unite.
You dance with me and I’ll dance with you
Let's come together and celebrate our unity through dance.
And when I look around
When I observe my surroundings
I see all wearing frowns
I witness solemn or unhappy expressions among our society.
I know H.R. would say this is a real shame
H.R. is known for preaching about the need for understanding and unity, he would be disappointed by the division and sadness around us.
Why must it always be you cannot see
Why must there always be a lack of understanding and empathy?
Why don’t you stand up and rock with me
Let's come together and show solidarity through music and dance.
With you
Together with you.
Contributed by Bentley Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.