Johnny Q. Public(sometimes stylized asjohnny Q. public) was aChristian rockband fromSpringfield, Missourithat formed in 1994. Although their sound was wholly modern, it was influenced by bands such asLed ZeppelinandCream.[2]In addition to their music, they were known for theircharismatic theology,which they would dramatically display through audience participation at their live shows.[3]

Johnny Q. Public
OriginSpringfield, Missouri
Genres
Years active1994(1994)–2001, 2015 (one-off reunion)
LabelsGotee,Roadrunner
Past membersDan Fritz
Oran Thornton
Shawn Turner
Ken Bassham
Brian Duvall
Brad Barnerd
Shawn Brock
Nathan McCorkle

History

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When Johnny Q. Public signed toGotee Records,its members were between the ages of fifteen and twenty-three.[3][4]Their signing came after producing a demo with Steve Griffith.[4]The band's debut studio album,Extra*Ordinary,was released in 1995 and garnered the band mainstream distribution throughElektra Records.[5]In 2000, vocalist Dan Fritz referred to the period after releasingExtra*Ordinaryas being a "whirlwind of craziness".[6]Their single "Body Be" gained the band national exposure when its music video, directed by Steven L. Weaver, was picked up byMTV.The music video was later included on the Gotee Records video compilationThe Good, the Bad, & the Ugly: Video Vaultin 2003 while the song was included on theGotee: 10 Years Brand Newcompilation in 2004.[7][8]Extra*Ordinarysold close to 50,000 copies.[9]

Johnny Q. Public toured for three years before being able to pursue a second album, and during that time the band experienced some personnel changes. Around 1998, guitarist Oran Thornton married Christian artistMiss Angie,sister of guitarist Shawn Turner, and moved on to a band called Flick. Drummer Brian DuVall also left and was replaced by Nathan McCorkle, former drummer forMorella's Forest.

Johnny Q. Public's second studio album,Welcome to Earth,was released through both Gotee andRoadrunner Records.[6]The album was released on September 26, 2000 and its sound shifted toward pop with hints of hard rock.HMmagazine likened it to theNewsboys,stating that the band could easily receive radio play in both Christian and mainstream markets.[10]In support, they toured withBleachandSkillet.[11]The song "Move" was released as a single.

Johnny Q. Public disbanded in mid-2001. Lead singer Dan Fritz died suddenly on September 25, 2024.[12]

2015 Reunion Concert

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Johnny Q. Public had a one-time reunion concert at Cartoons Oyster Bar in Springfield, Missouri on May 22, 2015; the show incorporated all the rotating touring members and line-up changes.[13]

Discography

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Johnny Q. Public discography
Studio albums2
Singles2
Music videos1

Studio albums

  • Extra*Ordinary(1995)
  • Welcome to Earth(2000)

Singles

  • "Body Be" (1995)
  • "Move" (2000)

Music videos

Members

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  • Dan Fritz – vocals (1994-2001)
  • Oran Thornton – guitar (1994-1996)
  • Shawn Turner – guitar (1994-2001)
  • Ken Bassham – bass (1994-1996)
  • Brian Duvall – drums (1994-1998)
  • Brad Barnerd – guitar (1996-2000)
  • Shawn Brock – bass (1996-2000)
  • Nathan McCorkle – drums (1998-2001)

References

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  1. ^"Johnny Q Public: The Springfield, Missouri-based grunge rocker group - Johnny Q Public".
  2. ^Brown, Bruce A. (July 1995). "Reviews /Extra*Ordinary".CCM Magazine.18(1): 63, 65.ISSN1524-7848.
  3. ^abPowell, Mark Allan (2002)."Johnny Q. Public".Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music(First printing ed.).Peabody,Massachusetts:Hendrickson Publishers. pp.452.ISBN1-56563-679-1.
  4. ^abCrump, Andrew (May–June 1995). "meet johnny q. public".HM Magazine(53): 18.ISSN1066-6923.
  5. ^Brown, Bruce A. (June 1996). "On The Beat: Rock / Alternative".CCM Magazine.18(12): 14.ISSN1524-7848.
  6. ^abBandoppler, Treble (September–October 2000). "Welcome Back Johnny".HM Magazine(85): 50–51.ISSN1066-6923.
  7. ^https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/TheGoodTheBadandTheUglyGoteeVideoVault.asp[bare URL]
  8. ^https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/Gotee10YearsBrandNew.asp[bare URL]
  9. ^"Johnny Q. Public Artist Profile | Biography and Discography | NewReleaseToday".
  10. ^Van Pelt, Doug (September–October 2000). "Reviews /Welcome to Earth".HM Magazine(85): 65.ISSN1066-6923.
  11. ^"Hard News".HM Magazine(86): 25. November–December 2000.ISSN1066-6923.
  12. ^"Signings & Deals".CBA Marketplace.34(6): 139. June 2001.ISSN1092-7239.OCLC36184061.
  13. ^"https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/concerts/johnnyQpublicReunionShow2015.asp".{{cite web}}:Missing or empty|title=(help)