Madball
New York hardcore band formed from Agnostic Front's side project.
Madball is an American New York hardcore band that originated in the late 1980s as a side project of Agnostic Front. The band developed after Agnostic Front's vocalist Roger Miret let his younger half-brother Freddy Cricien perform lead vocals during Agnostic Front shows. After Agnostic Front went on hiatus in the early 1990s, Madball became the members' main project. They are often mentioned as an influential band in the New York hardcore scene and the overall hardcore genre.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- New York City, U.S.
- Genre
- Hardcore punk / tough guy hardcore
- Years Active
- 1988−2001, 2002−present
- Label
- Good Fight / Ferret / Wreck-Age / Roadrunner / Epitaph / I Scream / Thorp / Nuclear Blast
- Spinoff Of
- Agnostic Front
- Current Members
- Freddy Cricien / Mike Justian / Mike Gurnari / Paul Delaney
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Madball's roots trace back to when Freddy Cricien, around seven years old, visited his brother Roger Miret in New York City and began performing on stage with Agnostic Front, singing a few songs that became a staple of their shows. He was given the nickname 'Madball' by Vinnie Stigma. Madball was founded in 1988, featuring most of Agnostic Front's members: Vinnie Stigma on guitar, Will Shepler on drums, and 12-year-old Freddy Cricien on vocals. Their first official show was in New Rochelle, originally intended as an Agnostic Front show but changed when two band members could not make it. Their first release was the Ball of Destruction EP in 1989.
Reader's Guide
Madball gained prominence with their 1994 debut album Set It Off, viewed as a classic in the hardcore genre. They toured relentlessly, appearing at the 1995 Dynamo Open Air festival in front of 120,000 people and touring with large acts such as Slayer and Black Sabbath. The band briefly disbanded in 2001 due to exhaustion and lineup disputes but reformed in 2002. They have released nine studio albums and four EPs. Their significance lies in their role as a foundational band in New York hardcore, influencing the genre through their aggressive sound and live performances. The band's longevity and ability to regroup after a hiatus have contributed to their lasting impact.
Did You Know?
- Freddy Cricien was only 12 years old when Madball was founded in 1988.
- Madball's first official show was originally supposed to be an Agnostic Front show.
- The band briefly disbanded in 2001 but reformed in 2002.
- Madball participated in the N.Y.H.C. documentary in 1995.
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