Camper Van Beethoven

Camper Van Beethoven
Camper Van Beethoven performing in 2006
Camper Van Beethoven performing in 2006
Background information
Also known asCamper Van Beethoven and the Border Patrol
OriginRedlands, California, U.S.
GenresAlternative rock, college rock, indie rock, psychedelic rock, world fusion
Years active1983–1990, 1999–present
LabelsI.R.S, Vanguard, Virgin, Pitch-A-Tent, Rough Trade
MembersDavid Lowery
Victor Krummenacher
Jonathan Segel
Greg Lisher
Chris Pedersen
WebsiteOfficial website

Camper Van Beethoven is an American rock band formed in Redlands, California, in 1983, later based in Santa Cruz and San Francisco. Their style mixes elements of pop, ska, punk, folk, alternative, country, and world music, among other genres.[1] The band initially polarized audiences within the hardcore punk scene of California's Inland Empire[2] and then found wider acceptance and, eventually, an international audience. Their strong iconoclasm and emphasis on do-it-yourself values proved influential to the burgeoning indie rock movement.[3]

The band's first three independent records were released within an 18-month period. Their debut single was "Take the Skinheads Bowling",[4] a song later featured in Michael Moore's 2002 film Bowling for Columbine. The group signed to Virgin Records in 1987, released two albums and enjoyed chart success with their 1989 cover of Status Quo's "Pictures of Matchstick Men", a number one hit on Billboard Magazine's Modern Rock Tracks.[5] They disbanded the following year due to internal tensions.

Lead singer David Lowery formed Cracker, David Immerglück joined Counting Crows, and several other members played in Monks of Doom. Beginning in 1999, the former members reunited and made several new records.[6]

  1. ^ Strong, Martin C. (2000). The Great Rock Discography (5th ed.). Edinburgh: Mojo Books. p. 147. ISBN 1-84195-017-3.
  2. ^ "300 Songs". Retrieved July 28, 2012.
  3. ^ "Interview: Camper Van Beethoven's David Lowery : Make Major Moves". Philadelphia Weekly. January 6, 2009. Archived from the original on November 13, 2012. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
  4. ^ "Metroactive Music : Camper Van Beethoven". Metroactive Music. June 30, 2004. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
  5. ^ "Alternative Songs : Billboard.com". Billboard. October 21, 1989. Retrieved July 28, 2012.[permanent dead link]
  6. ^ "Cracker / Camper Van Beethoven – The Bluebird Theater". The Denver Post. August 28, 2010. Retrieved July 28, 2012.