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In 2004 Ben Weasel rescinded all of the Screeching Weasel and Riverdales masters from Lookout!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.
Police Insanity
Screeching Weasel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Another way to end my fun
Another fucking power game
Hate in Law enforcement name
Black and white or gold and blue
My good time is a job for you
Do you enjoy the fear you cause
By pulling out your book of laws
You're full of shit you macho cop
Installing paranoia in so called protected citizens
Another badge a not stick
Another chance to get your kicks
Sworn to serve and to protect
Don't ever ask for my respect
Got picked on when you were a kid
Don't take it out on me you dick!
Police insanity don't take it out on me [x2]
In the song Police Insanity, Screeching Weasel takes on the issue of police brutality and power abuse. The opening lyrics "Another cop another gun, another way to end my fun" set the tone for the song where the singer is facing the authority of the police and their use of force. The lyrics highlight the power dynamic between citizens and law enforcement, with the singer expressing frustration that his "good time" has become a job for the police. The singer also questions the motives of the police - "Do you enjoy the fear you cause by pulling out your book of laws?", and challenges them by stating that without the public, they would have no job.
The song goes on to criticize the behavior of certain police officers, pointing out that some may have become cops because they were bullied as children and now use their authority to take out their frustrations on others. The central theme of the song is the abuse of power by police and the impact this can have on citizens who are meant to be protected.
Overall, Screeching Weasel's Police Insanity is a seething critique of police brutality and the abuse of power that takes place within law enforcement agencies. The band takes a strong stance against the conduct of certain police officers and highlights the negative impact that their actions can have on society.
Line by Line Meaning
Another cop another gun
More armed law enforcement officers enter the picture
Another way to end my fun
Police officers present another obstacle preventing me from having a good time
Another fucking power game
The police engage in yet another struggle for dominance and control
Hate in Law enforcement name
Hatred and bigotry are wrapped up in the facade of upholding the law
Black and white or gold and blue
Regardless of race or uniform color, all police behavior is the same
My good time is a job for you
The police view my joyful behavior as something to regulate and control for their job
Do you enjoy the fear you cause
The police gain satisfaction from instilling fear in the public
By pulling out your book of laws
The police weaponize their knowledge of the law to intimidate and oppress people
Without me you would have no job
The police require societal issues to justify their existence and employment
You're full of shit you macho cop
The police officers behaving overly aggressive are untruthful and egotistic in their behavior
Installing paranoia in so called protected citizens
The police promote an atmosphere of fear among the public under the guise of safety and security
Another badge a not stick
The police accumulate more symbols of authority, which could potentially be used as weapons
Another chance to get your kicks
The police view their actions as an opportunity for excitement and enjoyment
Sworn to serve and to protect
The police take an oath to aid and defend the community, yet their actions often contradict their promise
Don't ever ask for my respect
The police have not earned nor deserved respect from the public
Got picked on when you were a kid
The police officers' aggressive and controlling behavior may stem from past personal experiences of bullying
Don't take it out on me you dick!
The police shouldn't take out their personal frustrations on innocent citizens
Police insanity don't take it out on me [x2]
The singer pleads with the police not to target them for their unjust and oppressive behavior
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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