| Background | group_or_band |
|---|---|
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Genre | |
| Years active | 1999–2006; 2017[1] |
| Label | Idol Records |
| Past members | John Liccardello (aka John Speck), Tim Patalan and Jimmy Paluzzi |
The Fags were a pop-punk band from Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1999 by John Speck (John Liccardello), Tim Patalan and Jimmy Paluzzi, the name is an abbreviation of "Smokin' Fags", a reference to smoking a "fag" (cigarette).
Background
After the dissolution of his band Hoarse in 1998, singer-guitarist John Speck decided to start a new band with fellow band-mate, Jimmy Paluzzi.[2] From 1992 to 1994, Paluzzi had been the founding drummer with the band Sponge.[3] Liccardello and Paluzzi recruited bassist Tim Patalan to round out their trio.[2]
In 1999, the trio recorded a five-song EP at Patalan’s studio and released it on Idol Records. At their first show at Jacoby's in Detroit, Paluzzi gave the name, "Smokin' Fags", for the show. The show was successful and generated buzz about the new band - so the name stuck.[2][4]
In 2003, the band toured with X.[5]
In June 2004, the band was signed to Sire Records by Seymour Stein. They the went to The Loft where they recorded their first full-length album which eventually would become, Light 'Em Up . However, due to management problems with Sire and its parent Warner Records, the album was never released. This left the band unable to tour in support of the album. Eventually, the band was released by Sire and they were able to reclaim their tapes. They turned back to Idol Records and released the album on October 31, 2005.[2]
The album Light 'em up received critical acclaim and was #32 on Spin's list of the forty best records of 2006.[6] However, internal tensions between the band members exacerbated by the struggle to get the album released led to the band splitting up. They released the EP Tour after they split.[7]
They reformed in 2017 and released a compilation of unreleased originals and newly recorded cover songs, I’m With Her.[1] In retrospect, members of the band believe that their name may have hindered their success.[1]
Discography
Albums
Source:[8]
- Light 'em up – 2006
- I'm with her – 2023
EPs
- The Fags – 2002
- Tour – 2007
Compliations
Awards
- Detroit Music Awards - Outstanding Alternative/Indie Artist/Group (2004 & 2005)[9]
References
- ^ Graff, Gary (February 22, 2018). "The Fags at the Magic Bag, 5 Things To Know". Oakland Press. Archived August 20, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2018-02-22.
- ^ Loftus, Johnny (2006-11-08). "The Fags get screwed". Metro Times. Vol. Michigan Music.
- ^ McCollum, Brian (2018-05-13). "Sponge gears up for Detroit reunion: 'No combination like this five'". Detroit Free Press
- ^ Neugebauer, Delvin. "Fags". Trouser Press
- ^ "X / The Fags". Concert Archives. 2003-06-14.
- ^ "The 40 Best Albums of 2006". Spin. 2006-12-31. Archived November 19, 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
- ^ Crigler, Pete (December 2013). "Man of Many Shades"
- ^ "The Fags". Apple Music
- ^ "Outstanding Alternative/Indie Artist/Group". Detroit Music Awards. Archived August 28, 2005 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
Further reading
- Crigler, Pete (2013). Majorlabelland and Assorted Oddities. iUniverse. ISBN 978-1491706015.