Channel 3, also known as CH3, is a punk rock band from Cerritos, California, and part of the Southern California punk scene that emerges in the early 1980s. The group forms in 1980 and remains active.

Style and early reputation

Channel 3 develops a sound that is more melodic than many of its hardcore contemporaries. Its lyrics range from thoughtful and satirical to bratty and self-indulgent. The band is associated with punk, hardcore punk, punk rock, hardcore and punk-rock classifications.

Original line-up

The band centres on the friendship of Mike Magrann and Kimm Gardner, which begins in second grade. The original foursome includes Magrann on vocals and guitar, Gardner on guitar, Larry Kelley on bass, and Mike Burton on drums. Burton is later replaced by Jack DeBaun. The group also includes members Mike Burton, Kimm Gardener, Larry Kelly, Jay Lansford and Mike Magrann.

Releases and touring

Channel 3 releases its self-titled EP, Channel 3, in 1981 and begins playing shows in the Los Angeles area. Its first album, Fear of Life, follows in 1982, alongside the band’s first US tour. Songs such as “You Make Me Feel Cheap” and “Separate Peace” appear on punk compilations from the period.

Later development

After 1983, the band experiments with other styles, a change that alienates many of its early fans. It later returns to its punk roots, tours Europe in the 1990s, and releases a more punk-oriented CD in 2002. Its albums achieve modest success in both the United States and Europe.