The Toasters

The Toasters

The Toasters are a ska group from New York, United States, formed in 1981 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. They are associated with 2 Tone, ska and ska punk, and are particularly noted as an influence on ska punk.

The band begins by playing clubs such as CBGB in New York and builds its reputation as a live act, touring extensively and performing more than 4,500 concerts worldwide by the mid-2000s. It is described as one of the early U.S. ska acts to stay close to its original 2 Tone roots, and it is credited with helping establish the history of international ska music.

The Toasters work independently rather than taking major record deals, and they release material through their own route with help from a range of collaborators. One named collaborator is Joe Jackson. Their catalogue includes more than 15 albums and DVDs, along with many videos, singles, EPs and compilation tracks.

The band’s music appears in film and television. It also writes film scores and themes for children’s programming on Nickelodeon, and records jingles for companies including AOL, Miller, Cisco Systems, Michelob and Coca-Cola.

Line-up changes are a regular part of the group’s history, and over time it includes a wide range of substitute and touring players. Named members include Robert Hingley, Dirk-Jan Heinstra, Steve 'Hex' LaForge, Matt Malles, Jack Ruby, Jr. and Coolie Ranx.

The Toasters remain active.