My Superhero

My Superhero was an American ska punk band formed in Anaheim, California, who were originally active from 1994 to 2003.

My Superhero
Background information
OriginAnaheim, CA United States
GenresSka punk, third wave ska, pop punk
Years active1994–2003, 2011
LabelsSick Little Monkey, Risk, Vegas
Websitehttp://www.my-superhero.com

Biography

My Superhero formed in 1994 and quickly released their debut album entitled SKAteboard Music in 1995 under their own independent label Sick Little Monkey Music. In 1997, the band released their most successful album, Solid State 14, which received positive reviews from such prestigious publications such as The Los Angeles Times[1] and AllMusic, the latter having been quoted as saying "[i]t's unusual to find a debut effort from a punk-ska band that sounds this good".[2]

In 1998, My Superhero re-recorded SKAteboard Music, releasing it on Vegas Records, before signing to Risk Records to re-release Solid State 14, which helped them find success on the national commercial radio charts.[3][4] The following year, the band worked with producer Thom Wilson to release their third album entitled Station One under Risk Records.[5] They spent the next 2 years touring nationally alongside bands including Reel Big Fish,[6] The Aquabats,[7] The Hippos,[8] Fenix TX and Frenzal Rhomb,[6] as well as touring as part of the 1999 and 2000 Warped Tour. My Superhero received regular exposure on KUCI's pioneering Ska Parade radio show, managing to tie the record held by Long Beach's One Eye Open for the most on-air live performances.

In April 2000, the band attracted minor controversy through an article published by the OC Weekly which revealed numerous homophobic comments frontman Brian Gilmore had posted on My Superhero's own eGroups message board, among them his beliefs that gay men were pedophiles and several uses of the word "fag". When pressed for comment, the band's manager initially stated that "the real haters" were people who took issue with Gilmore's comments, claiming "that's also hatred on their part", though later called the event "unfortunate" and added that Gilmore felt "apologetic".[9]

In 2000, My Superhero attempted to reorganize the band and play as a power pop trio. In 2002, they recruited a fourth member and recorded their final release, the Send Gas EP. The group quietly disbanded after front man Brian Gilmore got married. My Superhero's final performance was at Gilmore's wedding in 2004.

Reunion shows and beyond

On September 17, 2011, the four original members of My Superhero played a reunion show at The Glasshouse in Pomona, California, headlining a concert organized by Tazy Phyllipz and the Ska Parade. A while later on November 5, the band again reunited at The Glasshouse to open for The Aquabats, the first time the two groups have played together since 1998.

Pick It Up- Ska in the 90's

In April 2018 My Superhero member Mike Berault signed on to Executive Produce the documentary Pick It Up!- Ska in the'90s[10] "I felt that our story had to be told, The story of all these great bands that came up in the 90's who had each other, and a DIY ethos that lead ultimately to global success". Mike went on to promote several screenings of the film in San Diego and Long Beach, California.

Discography
  • SKAteboard Music (1995) (1999, re-recorded)
  • Solid State 14 (1997) (1998, remastered)
  • Station One (1999)
  • Send Gas EP (1999)

Band members
  • Brian Gilmore - vocals, guitar, bass (1994–2003, 2011)
  • Chris Clawson - drums (1994–2003)
  • Huey Huynh - guitar (1994–2003, 2011)
  • Mike Berault - keyboards, accordion (1994–1999, 2003, 2011)
  • Dan Park - bass (1994–1998, 2011)
  • James Salomone - bass (1999)
  • Ean Brown - guitar (2001–2003)
  • Chris Bivens - drums (1999-2000)
  • Tim Bivens - drums (2011)

References
  1. "My Superhero's Special Power Is Strong Songs : MY SUPERHERO "Solid State 14" Sick Little Monkey Music ** 1/2 - Los Angeles Times". articles.latimes.com. Retrieved 2015-02-22.
  2. "Solid State 14 - My Superhero | Billboard". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2012-11-11. Retrieved 2015-02-22.
  3. "Fun-damentally Sound : Latest Efforts From 22 Jacks, My Superhero and Liquor Giants Reflect a Refreshing, Uncommercial Display - Los Angeles Times". articles.latimes.com. Retrieved 2015-02-22.
  4. CMJ New Music Report. CMJ Network, Inc. 2000-05-22. p. 84. ISSN 0890-0795. Retrieved 2015-02-22.
  5. "Muffs Get in Touch With Softer Side : Unmemorable and Uninspired". articles.latimes.com. Retrieved 2015-02-22.
  6. "In Music We Trust - SHOW REVIEW: Reel Big Fish/My Superhero/Engine 54". inmusicwetrust.com. Retrieved 2015-02-22.
  7. Chris Schatz. "The Oregon Ska Pages: 1998 Concerts". members.efn.org. Retrieved 2015-02-22.
  8. "2015 - Issue Archives - The Austin Chronicle". austinchronicle.com. Retrieved 2015-02-22.
  9. Kane, Rich (April 27, 2000). "My Superzero". OC Weekly. Archived from the original on September 20, 2012.
  10. "Film Review: Pick It up - Ska in the '90s". Archived from the original on 2020-03-24. Retrieved 2020-03-24.
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