Danko Jones

Danko Jones are a rock band from Toronto, Canada, formed in 1996. The group consists of Danko Jones on vocals and guitar, John “JC” Calabrese on bass guitar, and Rich Knox on drums. Over time, the band also includes Atom Willard, Damon Richardson and Dan Cornelius among its members.

Early years and live reputation

After forming, the band plays regularly for two years in and around north-eastern Canada and the United States, often opening for acts including The New Bomb Turks, Nashville Pussy, Blonde Redhead, The Make-Up, The Dirtbombs, The Chrome Cranks and The Demolition Doll Rods. At first they do not want to release an album, preferring to build a live reputation by word of mouth.

Recordings and releases

They eventually issue a self-titled six-song EP on Sonic Unyon Records in 1998. The following year they release the self-produced My Love Is Bold EP and gain national exposure with the single “Bounce”. In 2001 Bad Taste Records releases I’m Alive and On Fire, a compilation of early recordings, demos and B-sides.

The band’s first full-length album, Born a Lion, appears in 2002, produced by Bill Bell and released on Bad Taste Records in Europe and Universal in Canada. In 2003 they follow with We Sweat Blood, produced by Matt DeMatteo, and take a heavier approach to their hard rock sound. Sleep Is the Enemy follows in 2006, also produced by Matt DeMatteo. Never Too Loud is released in 2008 and produced by Nick Raskulinecz, and Below the Belt arrives in 2010, again produced by Matt DeMatteo.

Later releases include the Europe-only compilation B-Sides in 2009, the Canada-only greatest-hits set This Is Danko Jones in the same year, the digital-only release Mouth to Mouth in 2011, and the DVD Bring On the Mountain in 2012. The band also releases the split Ritual of the Savage 10-inch with Gluecifer and Peter Pan Speedrock, and the live release Having Fun on Stage with Danko Jones 7.

Touring and collaborations

Danko Jones tour extensively across Europe, North America, Japan, Australia and parts of Africa, and appear at many festivals including Roskilde, Hultsfred, Pukkelpop, Lowlands, Rock am Ring, Rock im Park, Download, Leeds, Reading, Wacken Open Air, Hellfest, Sziget, Tuska, Ruisrock, Ankkarock, Gampel and Wireless. They also support or tour with groups such as The Rolling Stones, Backyard Babies, Turbonegro, Sepultura, The Bronx, Flogging Molly, Our Lady Peace, The Supersuckers, The (International) Noise Conspiracy, Nickelback, Guns N’ Roses, Sebastian Bach and Clutch.

Guest appearances and video cameos also feature in the band’s history. John Garcia appears on “Invisible” from Sleep Is the Enemy, while the video for “Full of Regret” features Elijah Wood, Lemmy Kilmister, Selma Blair and Mike Watt. Ralph Macchio appears in the video for “Had Enough”.

Recognition

The band receives Juno Award nominations in 2000 for Best Alternative Album, in 2003 for Best Rock Album for Born a Lion, and for Best Video for “Lovercall”.

Style and activity

Danko Jones are described as a hard rock and rock band, and their later records are noted for a heavier hard-rock approach. They remain active from 1996 to the present.