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In 2004 Ben Weasel rescinded all of the Screeching Weasel and Riverdales masters from Lookout!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.
The Scene
Screeching Weasel Lyrics
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The lyrics to Screeching Weasel's "The Scene" are an anthem for all those who feel like they don't quite fit in with the crowd. The singer acknowledges that he didn't choose to be there, but rather was born into it. He spent years doubting his worth, but has finally come to the realization that he is a permanent part of society and cannot be kicked out. Despite being the "blackest sheep" amongst a crowd of them, he is content with his place in the scene.
The singer speaks to those who have faced rejection and judgment from others, including parents and teachers. He acknowledges that many before him and after him will face similar struggles and encourages them to not give up on themselves. He refuses to follow the truth of others and instead chooses to make his own rules and create his own world.
Overall, the lyrics of "The Scene" speak to the power of individuality and the resilience of those who choose to be true to themselves. The song encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness and not be swayed by the opinions of others.
Line by Line Meaning
i am here not by choice but by my birth
I didn't choose to be in this place, I was born here.
for so many years i doubted my own worth
I spent a long time questioning my own value.
it's no coincidence i ended up where i'm at now
It's not random that I'm in this situation; it was bound to happen.
i'm here to tell you that you can't kick me out
I'm letting you know that you can't get rid of me.
'cause i'm a permanent part of this society
I belong to this community, and I'll always be here.
the blackest sheep amongst a crowd of them
I'm the biggest outcast in a group of outcasts.
i'm not the glue that holds this scene together
I'm not the most important person in this group, but I'm still here.
but i have arrived here by way of dirty looks and rejection
I got here because people rejected me and gave me ugly looks.
and head scratching shrink and frustrated parents and teachers
Even the experts in my life couldn't figure out where I fit in.
just like so many did before me and will after me
I'm not the first or the last person to be in this situation.
go ahead and laugh at me you can afford to laugh i can't
You can make fun of me because you have more security than I do.
'cause this is all i have
This is my whole life; I don't have anything else.
i'm not proud i'm not ashamed
I don't feel good or bad about where I am.
but this is all i have and it's good enough for me
This situation may not be great, but it's all I have, and I accept it.
and i am through following your truth
I'm done doing what you say is the right thing to do.
i'm making my own rules my own world my own rules
I'm creating my own way of living; I'm in charge now.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SETON DAUNT, RICHARD STANNARD, ASH FRANCES HOWES, JENNA DICKENS, Ash Howes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind