Goldfinger (band)

This article is about the American punk rock/ska punk band. For other uses, seeGoldfinger.

Goldfingeris an Americanpunk rockband fromLos Angeles,California,formed in 1994. In their early years, the band was considered a contributor to the movement ofthird-wave ska,a mid-1990s revitalization in the popularity ofska,evidenced in their first three albums:Goldfinger(1996),Hang-Ups(1997) andStomping Ground(2000). However, the releases ofOpen Your Eyes(2002) andDisconnection Notice(2005) saw the band shed most of the ska influence, and they have been more commonly placed in the punk rock genre in later years. They have since released three more albums:Hello Destiny...(2008),The Knife(2017) andNever Look Back(2020). The band is also noted for their support foranimal rights.

Goldfinger
Goldfinger live in Philadelphia in June 2008. From left to right: Darrin Pfeiffer, Kelly LeMieux, John Feldmann and Charlie Paulson.
Background information
Origin	Los Angeles,California, U.S.
Genres	Punk rock ska punk skate punk pop-punk
Years active	1994–present
Labels	Universal Mojo Jive Maverick SideOneDummy Rise Big Noise
Members	John Feldmann Charlie Paulson Mike Herrera Philip "Moon Valjean" Sneed Nick Gross
Past members	Simon Williams Kelly LeMieux Brian Arthur Darrin Pfeiffer Steve Geiger
Website	goldfingermusic.com

FrontmanJohn Feldmannhas been the sole constant member of the group. Other longtime members have included Charlie Paulson (guitar), Simon Williams (bass),Kelly LeMieux(bass) andDarrin Pfeiffer(drums). As of 2019, the band consists of Feldmann, Paulsen, Philip Sneed (guitar),Mike Herrera(bass), andNick Gross(drums).

History

Formation,Goldfinger,andHang-Ups(1994–1998)

Goldfinger was formed by formerElectric Love HogsmemberJohn Feldmannon vocals and guitar, Simon Williams on bass, former drummer of Zero ToleranceDarrin Pfeifferon drums, and Charlie Paulson on guitar. At the time the band was formed, Feldmann and Williams were working at the sameshoestore where they were discovered by A&R Executive Patrick McDowell.Before they were signed to a major label, they released an EP titledRichteron the independent labelMojo Records,which received favorable reviews and a substantial amount of airplay on college radio, leading to Goldfinger and Mojo signing a major-label contract withUniversal Records.

Many of the songs onRichterare demo versions of songs on the band's full-length debut,Goldfinger,which was produced byJay Rifkinand released by Mojo Records on February 29, 1996. The song "Here in Your Bedroom" from the album was especially popular and helped the band gain a solid fanbase. In 2006,Alternative Presslisted the self-titled Goldfinger album as one of the "10 Albums That Shaped 1996" alongsideNo Doubt,Weezerand others. The band released its second album,Hang-Ups,on September 9, 1997. Founding bassist Simon Williams left the band followingHang-Ups.During this time, Goldfinger released a popular cover of the song "More Today Than Yesterday"bySpiral Starecase,which also helped the band stay out of obscurity.

Darrin's Coconut Ass: Live from Omaha,Stomping Ground,andOpen Your Eyes(1999–2003)

On November 9, 1999, Goldfinger releasedDarrin's Coconut Ass: Live from Omaha,a collection of 8 cover songs from the band. Goldfinger's third studio LP wasStomping Ground,which was released on March 28, 2000. The album sold poorly in the US but was a modest hit in some European countries, thanks to their cover ofNena's "99 Luftballons"sung partly inGerman.In 2000, during their tour of England, Goldfinger recorded one of their sets, issuing the liveFoot in Mouth,available only at shows and through the band's official website. In 2001, Goldfinger announced that Charlie Paulson was leaving the band and was being replaced by formerÜnlocomember, Brian Arthur.Their next album,Open Your Eyes(2002), was the first for their new record label,Jive/Zomba.On this album, the band abandoned much of itsskainfluences in favor of a more heavy sound. Furthermore, some of the lyrics discussed animal rights, a subject which had not been touched upon in earlier albums. The band recorded amusic videofor the title track of the album, which was also focused on animal rights.

Disconnection Noticeand return of Charlie Paulson (2004–2006)

Goldfinger live in 2006

In early 2005, they released its first album for their new label, Maverick Records, titledDisconnection Notice,which was written, produced and recorded all throughout 2004. The song "Wasted" from the album was released as a single. The CD was less well received compared to former Goldfinger albums. In 2005, Brian departed from the band after the release of the album. Shortly after Brian's departure, Goldfinger announced that their original guitarist Charlie Paulson would return. Charlie returned to the stage playing three songs at the Key Club in LA when the band finished a Western USA tour.

Hello Destiny...(2007–2010)

Goldfinger signed to the independent record labelSide One Dummyin 2007. On April 22, 2008, the band released their sixth full-length record calledHello Destiny....To promote the album, the band embarked on a successful North American tour withLess Than Jakein summer of 2008. They also played in theUKat theReading and Leeds Festivalson August 22–23, 2008.

Recently, frontman John Feldmann has produced records forMest,The Used(whose vocalistBert McCrackensang some guest vocals on "Open Your Eyes", "Woodchuck", "Ocean Size", and "Handjobs for Jesus" ),Hilary DuffandStory of the Year.He also producedGood Charlotte's single "The Anthem" (whose guitaristBenji Maddenprovides guest vocals on "January", which was originally named "Oracle of Elcaro" ). He also signed the bandÜnlocowith Maverick Records.

In November 2010, Goldfinger played a handful of shows on a small, west coast tour withReel Big Fish.These are the first shows performed withoutDarrin Pfeifferon drums. Drumming duties were handled byBranden SteineckertofRancid.Also, on theLos Angelesshow at theHouse of Blues,original bassist, Simon Williams came out to perform several songs off their first album. This was the first time Williams had performed with the band in over a decade. He played the Las Vegas show as well.

The Knife(2010–2020)

In the November/December 2010 issue No. 43 ofSMASHmagazine, Feldmann stated that a new EP or a possible full-length album was "in the works" with Feldmann having penned 4/5 new tracks, and Pfeiffer having recorded the drum tracks. Feldmann also states in the article that with the release of any new material would be supported with an extended tour.According to Feldmann, Goldfinger was expecting to have their new album out sometime in 2012.The band released a new song, "Am I Deaf", on Friday May 24, 2013.

In 2015, Feldmann did an interview withFuse,noting that the band's future largely amounts to the occasional tour: "We'll probably release a song or two but I don't know if we're going to release albums anymore. We play the same songs we've always done."

On July 21, 2017, the group releasedThe Knife,the band's first album featuringMike Herrera,Travis Barker,andPhilip Sneed(aka Moon Valjean) ofStory Of The YearandGreek Fire (band)fame. Darrin, Kelly, and Charlie left the band prior to its release. Darrin Pfeiffer left the band due to personality conflicts with Feldmann. Darrin spoke about some of the conflicts with Feldmann on an episode of Mike Herrera's podcast. Kelly Lemieux currently tours with Buckcherry, along with other bands and has cited that for his reasoning behind not being an active participant with Goldfinger. Charlie Paulson did rejoin the band on stage for the 2019 Back to the Beach festival and Vans Warped Tour 25th Anniversary. Paulson has since rejoined the band as he has played with them in all their recent shows as well as joining them on their "Fueling The fire" tour withLess Than Jakein September 2019. The band's live lineup generally consists of Feldmann, Paulson, Herrerra and Sneed, with Barker occasionally playing live shows and other friends of Feldmann playing drums. Other musicians fill-in on guitar and bass when Paulson, Sneed, and Herrerra are not present at shows as well. Their live shows often feature horn players from numerous other ska bands, including Ruben Durazo, Matt Appleton, Billy Kottage, and numerous others.

During the 2020Coronavirus Pandemic,Goldfinger began producing and releasing a series of live performances toYouTube,designated "Quarantine Videos".Individual members recorded their performances in their own homes, to be subsequently mixed and mastered by Feldman.The first performance was a rendition of "Here in Your Bedroom".To date, the band have released eight "Quarantine Videos" for songs including their cover of Nena's "99 Luftballons" and original song, "Superman". Notably, seven of the eight video performances featured musician and entrepreneur,Nick Gross,on drums.

Never Look Back(2020–present)

December 4, 2020, marked the release ofNever Look Backwith membersJohn Feldmann,Charlie Paulson,Mike Herrera,Philip Sneed, andNick Gross.It is the first album since 2008'sHello Destinyto feature Paulson, the group's original guitarist.

On December 10, 2020, the band held an online-only release party in support of the album where they live streamed an entire set. Due to theCoronavirus pandemic,an in-person event was not feasible.The band started playing shows again in late 2022 and early 2023, withThe Planet Smashers,Mustard Plug,andCatch 22.

On July 29, 2022, the band announced the deluxe version ofNever Look Back,which features three rerecorded tracks (that of Here in Your Bedroom withAvril Lavigne,Superman withBiffy Clyro,and 99 Red Balloons) and four new bonus tracks. It was released on August 5.

Animal rights

Since the band began, Feldmann became aveganandanimal rightssupporter, as can be seen briefly in the music video for "Open Your Eyes". They also donated the song "What Gives You The Right" to the Southern Animal Rights Coalition benefit CD,Until Every Cage Is Empty,as well as writing the song "Free Kevin Kjonaas", an animal rights activist in prison, known as the most involved individual in theSHAC 7.One of the songs, "FTN", harshly criticizesTed NugentandJennifer Lopezfor their hunting tactics and fur fashion, respectively. He also advocates and supports theAnimal Liberation Front.For the song "Behind the Mask" from the albumDisconnection Notice,Feldmann convincedPETApresident and co-founderIngrid Newkirkto allow him to sample one of her speeches on animal cruelty.

In film and video games

Goldfinger songs have made several appearances in motion pictures. Their cover of "99 Red Balloons"is featured in the moviesNot Another Teen Movie,Eurotrip,Our Lips Are Sealed,andRocket Power: Race Across New Zealand.Their cover of "More Today Than Yesterday" bySpiral Starecaseis featured during the ending credits ofThe Waterboy."Superman" is featured in the Disney filmMeet the Deedlesand the comedyKingpin."Walking in the Dark" is featured in the movieDead Man on Campus."Hopeless" appears on the soundtrack ofBASEketball.

The band's video game debut was inTony Hawk's Pro Skaterwith the song "Superman" and was reused as part of the soundtracks inTony Hawk's Pro Skater HDandTony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2.Another song, "Spokesman", was used inTony Hawk's Pro Skater 4."I'm Down" was featured in the gameMTV Sports: Skateboarding Ft Andy Macdonald."99 Red Balloons" is also featured inGran Turismo 3: A-Spec.Goldfinger's song "I Want" fromDisconnection Noticeis featured inBurnout Revengeon thePlayStation 2,Xbox,andXbox 360,and is also featured inBurnout Legendson thePlayStation Portable."My Everything" is featured onSSX On Touralso by Electronic Arts. Goldfinger also appeared in theReel Big Fishvideo "Sell Out"for a couple of seconds. The song" Counting the Days "is featured onShaun White Snowboarding.The song "Superman" was released as downloadable content in the music videogameRock Band 4.

Band members

Current members

• John Feldmann– lead vocals, rhythm guitar(1994–present),lead guitar(2013–2016)
• Charlie Paulson – lead guitar, backing vocals(1994–2001, 2005–2013, 2019–present)
• Philip Sneed– rhythm guitar(2019–present),lead guitar, backing vocals(2013–present)
• Mike Herrera– bass, backing vocals(2016–present)
• Nick Gross– drums(2020–present;touring 2018–2020)

Former members

• Darrin Pfeiffer– drums, backing vocals(1994–2016)
• Simon Williams – bass, backing vocals(1994–1999)
• Kelly LeMieux– bass, backing vocals(1999–2014, has played several shows in 2023-2024 with the band)
• Brian Arthur – lead guitar, backing vocals(2001–2005)
• Steve Geiger - lead guitar(1994)

Past Touring members

• Cyrus Bolooki - drums
• Reade Wolcott - guitar
• Aaron Barrett - guitar
• Travis Barker- drums

Timeline

Discography

Main article:Goldfinger discography

• Goldfinger(1996)
• Hang-Ups(1997)
• Stomping Ground(2000)
• Open Your Eyes(2002)
• Disconnection Notice(2005)
• Hello Destiny...(2008)
• The Knife(2017)
• Never Look Back(2020)

See also

• Animal rights and punk subculture

External links

• Goldfinger official website
• About "Disconnection Notice" album
• Interview with Bombshellzine.com