Gym Class Heroes
| Gym Class Heroes | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Geneva, New York, USA |
| Genres | Alternative hip hop, rap rock, |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Labels | Decaydance/Fueled by Ramen Atlantic Records |
| Associated acts | Fall Out Boy Kill The Frontman Cobra Starship The Academy Is... Panic At The Disco Every Time I Die Lil Wayne Tyga The-Dream Four Year Strong Ra Ra Riot |
| Website | www.GymClassHeroes.com |
| Members | |
| Travie McCoy Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo Eric Roberts Matt McGinley |
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| Past members | |
| Ryan Geise Samm Shuffler Milo Bonacci Sie One |
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Gym Class Heroes is an American band from Geneva, New York. The group formed when Travis McCoy met drummer Matt McGinley and decided to form a band. After the addition of guitarist Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo and bassist Eric Roberts (former members of Earl's Garage), they were signed to Fueled By Ramen and Decaydance Records (Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz's independent record label), on which they released the gold-selling album As Cruel as School Children. Since that release, the band's single "Cupid's Chokehold" reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Clothes Off!!" peaked at #5 on the UK Singles Chart.
Gym Class Heroes use live instrumentation. They have collaborated with Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump on numerous occasions, notably for providing backing vocals on the song "Cupid's Chokehold." Stump also produced the majority of their album The Quilt, which was released on September 9, 2008.
Contents |
History
MC Travie McCoy and drummer Matt McGinley became friends at their local high school's gym class in Geneva, New York. They officially came together in 1997.[1] The original GCH began playing college parties and BBQs, birthday parties, clubs, and festivals which eventually led to larger venues throughout the northeast, including four years on Warped Tour (2003, 2004, 2006, 2008). During 2004, guitarist Milo Bonacci (who went on to form Ra Ra Riot[2]) parted ways with the band and was replaced with current guitarist Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo. In mid-2005, bassist Ryan Geise left the band and was replaced by their friend, bassist Eric Roberts. McCoy won MTV's Direct Effect MC Battle and as a prize, appeared in Styles P's video "Daddy Get That Cash".[3] The group released three more CDs from 1999 to 2004: Hed Candy, Greasy Kid Stuff, and Papercut Chronicles EP.
The video for "Cupid's Chokehold" features appearances by Katy Perry and Patrick Stump.
In 2010, Travie McCoy released a hit single "Billionaire" with Bruno Mars, which has been successful since its UK release in early May 2010.
Band members
Current members
- Travie McCoy (1997— ) – lead vocals
- Disashi Lumumba–Kasongo (2004— ) – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Eric Roberts (2005— ) – bass, backing vocals
- Matt McGinley (1997— ) – drums, percussion
Former members
- Milo Bonacci (1997–2004) – guitar, vocals
- Ryan Geise (1997–2005) – bass
- Steve Decker (1997–2003) – MPC
- George Martin (1997–2003) – DJ
- Jason Amsel (2000–2001) – guitar
Discography
- 2001: ...For the Kids
- 2005: The Papercut Chronicles
- 2006: As Cruel as School Children
- 2008: The Quilt
- 2010: The Papercut Chronicles II[4]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | MTV Video Music Awards | Best Group | Won |
| MTV Video Music Awards | Best New Artist | Won | |
| MTV European Music Awards | Ultimate Urban | Won |
References
- ↑ New Friend Request: Gym Class Heroes, Inked.
- ↑ Cover Story, Rolling Stone.
- ↑ Biography at allmusic.com
- ↑ Travis McCoy Says Gym Class Heroes Are Getting Back To Basics. MTV News.
External links
- Official website
- Complete discography of Gym Class Heroes, Billboard
- GCH's Travis McCoy, Spin, January 2009
Interviews
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