Through the years, the band went through many line-up changes, with Ben and John being the only constant members since the band's inception. Screeching Weasel officially broke up for (roughly) the third - and allegedly final - time on July 6, 2001.
The band did a few surprise shows between 2001-2009.
Ben Weasel reformed the group in March 2009 with a new line-up, and without John Jughead. Ben had released solo albums that were the same just in his name. John finally settled for T-Shirt money for being an original member of the band and a royalties for a handful songs he co-wrote, and let Ben play as Screeching Weasel with the hundreds of song lyrics and music has written.
Former Members include renowned punk rock record producer Mass Giorgini on bass guitar, Dan Panic (born Dan Sullivan) on drums, and Danny Vapid (born Dan Schafer,on guitar or bass, depending on the band's necessity. Dan is currently fronting The Methadones and formerly of Sludgeworth)
Members of Screeching Weasel have gone on to form bands such as: The Methadones, The Mopes, Even in Blackouts, and Sweet Black And Blue.
Screeching Weasel has also included members of Green Day, Sludgeworth, Common Rider, Squirtgun, and Teen Idols.
During one of the band's many break-ups, Weasel and Vapid also formed the Riverdales. Additionally, Ben Weasel released a solo record in 2002 entitled Fidatevi.
In 2004 Ben Weasel rescinded all of the Screeching Weasel and Riverdales masters from Lookout! Records in the wake of long-running financial and personal conflicts. The masters were subsequently licensed to and reissued by Asian Man Records.
On December 7, 2010, it was announced that Screeching Weasel will release a new album on March 15, 2011, the band's first album in eleven years. The album will be titled First World Manifesto and will be released on Fat Wreck Chords. It will contain 14 new songs and is produced by Mike Kennerty of The All-American Rejects. It was announced that the label will also be releasing the back catalogs of Screeching Weasel, the Riverdales, and Ben Weasel.
On March 18, 2011, during Screeching Weasel's South by Southwest Festival performance at the Scoot Inn in Austin, Texas, Foster reached from the stage and slapped a female audience member who had spit on him several times. This sent off a fire storm web frenzy from all of the self -righteous non Screeching Weasel fans. Ben apologized for his actions, but all of the perfect people who never loose there cool were not satisfied.
Ben and his hired band had a falling out. He found out who his true friends and fans were. After over a year of spending time with his family and raising a new baby, he released Carnival of Schadenfreude EP in 2011 with huge interest and has resumed his music career again full swing.
I Hate Led Zeppelin
Screeching Weasel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
John Bonham man, he really sucked
Those greedy fuckers, those phoney shits
They made their money off idiots
I hate Led Zeppelin (x2)
12 dollar concerts were all the rage
They bought cocaine for Jimmy Page
"Stairway to Heaven" makes me see red
I hate Led Zeppelin (x2)
The lyrics to Screeching Weasel's "I Hate Led Zeppelin" contain a clear disdain for one of the most influential rock bands of all time. The song's protagonist sings of his complete hatred for Robert Plant, the band's lead singer, calling him a "slimy fuck," and criticizes John Bonham's drumming skills, claiming that "he really sucked." The songwriter also accuses the group of being "greedy fuckers" who made their fortune off of "idiots." The contempt for the band's music is further demonstrated when the singer sings about the band's concert tickets costing only twelve dollars, with the band members themselves allegedly using the proceeds to buy cocaine.
The most scathing critique of the band comes in the form of a specific song, "Stairway to Heaven," which the songwriter claims makes him "see red." It's worth noting that Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" is often regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time, so this negative assessment is particularly significant.
The song's final line, "Bonzo's buried, only three more left," is a reference to John Bonham's death in 1980. This line reflects the songwriter's belief that Bonham was the best of the band's four members, and that with his passing, Led Zeppelin was essentially finished. The overall message of the song is that the band was overrated, and that their fans were fools for idolizing them.
Line by Line Meaning
Robert Plant is a slimy fuck
I perceive Robert Plant as a deceitful and untrustworthy person.
John Bonham man, he really sucked
John Bonham's musical abilities were subpar in my opinion.
Those greedy fuckers, those phoney shits
I view Led Zeppelin as dishonest individuals who prioritize wealth above all else.
They made their money off idiots
I strongly believe that Led Zeppelin's success was achieved by exploiting gullible fans.
I hate Led Zeppelin (x2)
I despise Led Zeppelin vehemently.
12 dollar concerts were all the rage
During the era when Led Zeppelin was popular, affordable concerts were highly sought after.
They bought cocaine for Jimmy Page
I am convinced Led Zeppelin provided drugs for Jimmy Page.
"Stairway to Heaven" makes me see red
The song 'Stairway to Heaven' infuriates and angers me.
Bonzo's buried, only three more left
John Bonham has passed away, leaving only three remaining members of Led Zeppelin.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: BENJAMIN M. FOSTER, BENJAMIN M FOSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind