NationStates Jolt Archive

Hey all. I'm keen on trivia, and I've come to a conclusion:
U2 is the longest lived rock band with original members.

So... can you name a longer lived rock band?

The rules have been updated for clarity as of 24 April!

Metrics:
* U2 formed in 1978.
* U2's first album (EP called "3") came out in September, 1979.
* No solo artists, please.

Any band you list must:
* Have had an album within the last 5 years. That's a 2000 release, for those of you not sure what year this is. ;)
* Greatest Hits and Live albums DO NOT COUNT!
* Have had the SAME lineup for the life of the band. That's from the 1st release through today. (They can ADD members, but the originals must stay.)

Not in the running:
* It's not AC/DC. (5 members have turned over, most notably Bon Scott.)
* It's not Aerosmith. (Perry and Whitford left and rejoined. Ray Tabano is gone.)
* It's not Bad Religion. (first EP was in 1981. They've also changed guitarists.)
* It's not the Bee Gees. (Robin left in 1969 and came back in 1970.)
* It's not Blue Oyster Cult. (MANY departed members).
* It's not Cheap Trick. (Petersson left)
* It's not Def Leppard. (Down a guitarist and a drummer's arm... also, Rick Allen is their 3RD drummer.)
* It's not Dire Straights. (Last album in 1991.)
* It's not the Eagles. (No album since 1994, broke up, chaned members)
* It's not Genesis. (MANY departed members!, inc. Peter Gabriel)
* It's not George Thorogood and the Destroyers. (Bassist in 1976)
* It's not the Grateful Dead. (Ron "Pigpen" McKernan left in 1973)
* It's not Iron Maiden. (Bruce left in 1993, but came back.)
* It's not Jethro Tull. (MANY changed lineups over the years.)
* It's not Judas Priest. (9 replacements over the years.)
* It's not KISS. (Think Ace...)
* It's not Motley Crue. (formed: 1981, Tommy Lee left in 1999 but rejoined.)
* It's not Motorhead. (They've had 3 guitarists.)
* It's not the Rolling Stones. (Brian Jones left in 1969.)
* It's not RUSH. (Neil Pert is NOT the original drummer.)
* It's not Steve Miller Band. (No new albums since the 80s).
* It's not Squeeze. (Broke up in 1982, reformed in 1985.)
* It's not Van Halen. (Roth replaced by Hagar replaced by some schmuck replaced by Hagar.)
* Don't EVEN mention Yes.

Anyone whom can name an older band that is well known (read: at least as popular as Lone Justice... yes, that's pretty liberal) and still making music with the original members will win a cookie. :)

SPECIAL NOTE:
Some bands such as the Stones, Rush, Simon & Garfunkel, the Bee Gees... have been around for a long, long time with the same lineup. That's great, and they're great musicians. But they have not had their original members for the entire time, which is what makes this TRIVIA, and not common knowledge.

ACCEPTED ANSWERS as of 24 April

ZZ Top (answered by Mangostan)
Hall & Oates (answered by Arragoth)
UB40 (answered by Jester III)
The Neville Brothers (answered by Jester III)



And thanks for your posts!

Hey all. I'm keen on trivia, and I've come to a conclusion:
U2 is the longest lived rock band with original members.

So... can you name a longer lived rock band? (No solo artists, please...)

Metrics:
* U2 formed in 1976.
* U2's first album (EP called "3") came out in September, 1979.
* Any band you list must have had an album within the last 5 years. That's a 2000 release, for those of you not sure what year this is. ;)

Not in the running:
* It's not AC/DC. (5 members have turned over, most notably Bon Scott.)
* It's not Aerosmith. (Perry and Whitford left and rejoined.)
* It's not Def Leppard. (Down a guitarist and a drummer's arm... also, Rick Allen is their 3RD drummer.)
* It's not Iron Maiden. (Bruce left in 1993, but came back.)
* It's not Judas Priest. (9 replacements over the years.)
* It's not KISS. (Think Ace...)
* It's not Motley Crue. (formed: 1981, Tommy Lee left in 1999 but rejoined.)
* It's not Motorhead. (They've had 3 guitarists.)
* It's not the Rolling Stones. (Brian Jones left in 1969.)
* It's not RUSH. (Neil Pert is NOT the original drummer.)
* It's not Squeeze. (Broke up in 1982, reformed in 1985.)
* It's not Van Halen. (Roth replaced by Hagar replaced by some schmuck replaced by Hagar.)
* Don't EVEN mention Yes.

Anyone whom can name an older band that is well known (read: at least as popular as Lone Justice... yes, that's pretty liberal) and still making music with the original members will win a cookie. :)
Didn't the Grateful Dead have a release just before Jerry Garcia died? I can't figure out the dates and couldn't find them online. :(

Pink FLoyd were around ages... Did you check them? I think they have the record for most studio albums released or something..

Edit:Oh wait, do they need all original members?

The Bee Gees?

Didn't the Grateful Dead have a release just before Jerry Garcia died? I can't figure out the dates and couldn't find them online. :(

The Dead? OMG, I forgot about them!!
Hmm...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grateful_Dead#Original_Members

Ron "Pigpen" McKernan left in 1973, so they're not in the running.

Pink FLoyd were around ages... Did you check them? I think they have the record for most studio albums released or something..

Edit:Oh wait, do they need all original members?

Yes, original members from formation to today.

The Dead? OMG, I forgot about them!!
Hmm...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grateful_Dead#Original_Members

Ron "Pigpen" McKernan left in 1973, so they're not in the running.
LOL! Oh yeah. Well, they're about the only ones I could think of who weren't on your list and had a really, really long run. Believe it or not, I use to be a "Deadhead" for a short while. :D

The Bee Gees?

Oooo! Good one!!

The Bee Gees formed in 1962. However, Robin left in 1969 and came back in 1970. They released "Cucumber Castle" without him, so they're not in the running.

How about the Rolling stones they lost a band member but that was in 69.

LOL! Oh yeah. Well, they're about the only ones I could think of who weren't on your list and had a really, really long run. Believe it or not, I use to be a "Deadhead" for a short while. :D

I don't think one could be alive in the 'Nam era w/o getting into the Dead a little. Kind of like my generation with Led Zeppelin/Iron Maiden. :)

Oooo! Good one!!

The Bee Gees formed in 1962. However, Robin left in 1969 and came back in 1970. They released "Cucumber Castle" without him, so they're not in the running.
But seeing as how they've released "This Is Where I Came In" in 2001 and "One Night Only" in 1998, doesn't that make their continuim from 1970 longer?



No, I don't care if that word is spelled or used right...

How about the Rolling stones they lost a band member but that was in 69.

"Anyone whom can name an older band that is well known (read: at least as popular as Lone Justice... yes, that's pretty liberal) and still making music with the original members will win a cookie."

...the Stones (as listed in post #1) had 4-5 YEARS w/ Brian, so they're not in the running. Shoot, lots of bands don't even last 5 years!

But seeing as how they've released "This Is Where I Came In" in 2001 and "One Night Only" in 1998, doesn't that make their continuim from 1970 longer?



No, I don't care if that word is spelled or used right...

That's a good point! I'll have to mull that one over... it's kind of a different metric, but it kind of fits, too...

Heck, here's a cookie for teaching me something new! :)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b6/Oreo_bite.jpg

http://www.amazingballoons.co.uk/acatalog/cookie_monster.jpg

I learned something too, hadn't thought about either band, really.

ZZ Top? It was formed in 1969...

ZZ Top? It was formed in 1969...

WE HAVE A WINNER!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/84/180px-Choco_chip_cookie.jpg

Any others out there?

Queen!

Queen!Slight problem there...

Queen!

Freddy Mercury has been dead since 1992.
Their final album with the original lineup was 1995's "Made in Heaven".

Slight problem there...

Ya think? ;)

Slight problem there...
Since when is a dead singer a problem? Or the fact that they haven't released an album in many years?


(also, have ZZ Top released an album in the last five years?)

Since when is a dead singer a problem? Or the fact that they haven't released an album in many years?


(also, have ZZ Top released an album in the last five years?)

The requirement was that the band must still exist with the original lineup, and have made an album since 2000. Queen doesn't make it.

ZZ TOP has released (since 2000):
Mescalero (2003)
Chrome, Smoke & BBQ (2003)
Rancho Texicano (2004)

NoFX? I don't really know rock so meh..

NoFX? I don't really know rock so meh..


They formed in 1982. Sorry, no dice.

Yeah U2 have all those other bands listed beaten, but Markreich you should note that the Edge's brother Derek (?) Evans was with them until 1978, which was before they got their record deal.

George Thorogood and the Destroyers

Freddy Mercury has been dead since 1992.
Their final album with the original lineup was 1995's "Made in Heaven".
How does that work?
:confused:

How does that work?
:confused:

They had some recordings in the bag.

Bit like how the Beatles were still releasing stuff 15 years after Lenons death.

So Queen doesn't win?

Genesis is close.
First release was February 1968.

Steve Hackett and Peter Gabriel left but occaisionally perform with them. The last 3 were original, depending on definition of original.

Heh, what about Elvis?
Or the Beatles. Both have albums released recently, all original material.
Eurythmics still going?
REM?
How long have ScissorSisters been around?
Bon Jovi?
Blur?

*stops random name dropping*

Yeah U2 have all those other bands listed beaten, but Markreich you should note that the Edge's brother Derek (?) Evans was with them until 1978, which was before they got their record deal.

That's before they recorded anything as U2... they changed their name from "The Hype" around February of 1978, at which point Derek was gone.

I've edited the first post to fix that. Thanks.:)

Heh, what about Elvis?
Or the Beatles. Both have albums released recently, all original material.
Eurythmics still going?
REM?
How long have ScissorSisters been around?
Bon Jovi?
Blur?

*stops random name dropping*

Dead.
Dead.
No.
1980.
2001. Get real.
Alec John Such left Bon Jovi in the 90s.
1989. Get real.

George Thorogood and the Destroyers

Good one!!

Doesn't work, tho:
http://georgethorogood.com/www/about/

"George and original Destroyer, drummer Jeff Simon, experimented with different musicians before tapping bassist Bill Blough to join them in 1976. The trio has played with different combinations over the years, but made a permanent addition of guitarist, Jim Suhler in 2000."

EDIT: It's not that Jim doesn't make it work, it's that the original other players aren't there anymore.

Genesis is close.
First release was February 1968.

Steve Hackett and Peter Gabriel left but occaisionally perform with them. The last 3 were original, depending on definition of original.

They've had a LOT of turnover as a band... and haven't had an album since 1997's "Calling All Stations".

Original Members
Peter Gabriel - vocals (1967 - 1975)
Tony Banks - keyboards (1967 - 1998)
Mike Rutherford - guitar, bass (1967 - 1998)
Anthony Phillips guitar (1967 - 1970)
Chris Stewart - drums (1967 - 1969)


Other Members
Phil Collins - drums, vocals (1971 - 1995)
Steve Hackett - guitar (1971 - 1977)
Ray Wilson - vocals (1996 - 1998)
Jonathan Silver - drums (1969)
Jon Mayhew - drums (1970)

This is a tough one. How about solo acts? Bob Dylan? Oops, just read the spec again.

Technically, Elton John is a group. :D

Anyway, the Mothers of Invention are still #1, but U2 is catching up fast now that Zappa's dead.

I dunno if Golden Earring has changed line up since the early beginnings, but they've been around for a very long time.

Erm.... Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band?

Dunno, Jethro Tull?

Erm.... Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band?

The E Street Band broke up in 1989, and didn't reform until 1999. So... not in the running. Good guess, though, as they started in 1973.

Dunno, Jethro Tull?

Tull is certainly old enough, but has swapped many members.
The "Thick as a Brick/Aqualung" lineup of Anderson, Barre, Evan, Hammond-Hammond and Barlow ended in 1975.

I dunno if Golden Earring has changed line up since the early beginnings, but they've been around for a very long time.

True. Dutch outfit Golden Earring were formed as The Golden Earrings in The Hague in 1961 by guitarist/vocalist George Kooymans and bassist/vocalist Rinus Gerritsen, together with drummer Fred van der Hilst and second guitarist Hans Van Herwerden.
In 1963, Peter de Ronde replaced van Herwerden in the rhythm guitar slot...

So they're pretty much like the Stones. :)

What 'bout Chilliwack? good ol' B.C. boys. Bad Religion maybe?

What 'bout Chilliwack? good ol' B.C. boys. Bad Religion maybe?

Chilliwack hasn't had an album since 1984. (I'd never heard of them, so thanks!)

Bad Religion was formed in 1980.

Hey all. I'm keen on trivia, and I've come to a conclusion:
U2 is the longest lived rock band with original members.

So... can you name a longer lived rock band? (No solo artists, please...)

Metrics:
* U2 formed in 1978.
* U2's first album (EP called "3") came out in September, 1979.
* Any band you list must have had an album within the last 5 years. That's a 2000 release, for those of you not sure what year this is. ;)

Not in the running:
* It's not AC/DC. (5 members have turned over, most notably Bon Scott.)
* It's not Aerosmith. (Perry and Whitford left and rejoined.)
* It's not Def Leppard. (Down a guitarist and a drummer's arm... also, Rick Allen is their 3RD drummer.)
* It's not Iron Maiden. (Bruce left in 1993, but came back.)
* It's not Judas Priest. (9 replacements over the years.)
* It's not KISS. (Think Ace...)
* It's not Motley Crue. (formed: 1981, Tommy Lee left in 1999 but rejoined.)
* It's not Motorhead. (They've had 3 guitarists.)
* It's not the Rolling Stones. (Brian Jones left in 1969.)
* It's not RUSH. (Neil Pert is NOT the original drummer.)
* It's not Squeeze. (Broke up in 1982, reformed in 1985.)
* It's not Van Halen. (Roth replaced by Hagar replaced by some schmuck replaced by Hagar.)
* Don't EVEN mention Yes.

Anyone whom can name an older band that is well known (read: at least as popular as Lone Justice... yes, that's pretty liberal) and still making music with the original members will win a cookie. :)
What type of cookie?

What type of cookie?

Depends on what kind of answer you give.

No reply on The Mothers of Invention?

Do I win? :D

No reply on The Mothers of Invention?

Do I win? :D

Um... I didn't want to tell you this first, but Zappa's dead. Been dead since 1993. :(

Sorry, but no.

Um... I didn't want to tell you this first, but Zappa's dead. Been dead since 1993. :(

Sorry, but no.

Yeah I know. I mentioned that. :p

Steve Miller Band?

Yeah I know. I mentioned that. :p

Go read the rules again, then. :D

Steve Miller Band?

Sorry, ol' Steve hasn't had an album out since Reagan was in the White House.

ZZ Top!!! Formed in 1969 Same guys all the way!!

Give me my cookie :p

At the turn of the century, ZZ Top was the only rock group with its original members after three decades

source (http://www.famoustexans.com/zztop.htm)

ZZ Top!!! Formed in 1969 Same guys all the way!!

Give me my cookie :p

At the turn of the century, ZZ Top was the only rock group with its original members after three decades

source (http://www.famoustexans.com/zztop.htm)

You were pre-emted a few days ago. Maybe Mangostan will share with you? :)

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8651771&postcount=16

You were pre-emted a few days ago. Maybe Mangostan will share with you? :)

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8651771&postcount=16


Damn!!! Hmm, Mangostan, I'll share my milk if you share your cookie!! :)

Ok, what counts as a member of the band. Take for example, Kraftwerk. They are technically a two person outfit Florian Schneider-Esleben (flute) and Ralf Hütter (Keyboards) and they use collaborators for some performances or recordings. If you regard Kraftwerk as just being these two then they have been going since 1970 and released an album in 2003. So they beat U2. However the qualification of band membership is a little too vague to claim a cookie.

I can't believe no one mentioned Black Sabbath. While they don't do as much anymore, they do still play (with all the original members) at concerts like Ozzfest (though I don't know if they are playing at the next one, but I believe they've played for the last few). They were founded in 1968 and were named "Earth", but changed their name to "Black Sabbath" in 1969. The members are:

John "Ozzy" Osbourne -- Vocals and Harmonica
Tony Iommi -- Guitar
Terry "Geezer" Butler -- Bass
Bill Ward -- Drums

One limiting factor, however, would be that they've been through a ton of different members in their history and Iommi is the only one who has always been in the band. Can they still count as one of the oldest if they have been through so many members but have all the originals back again?

Aleks

Supreme ruler and esteemed leader of Aleks-vania

What about Rush? They've been around for a while and I think they've got the original band members.

its just a guess but Tom Petty maybe

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rush_%28band%29

Hmm... they had a very early line up change. Does that still count if they have had the same members since 1974, before U2 were formed?

Simon and Garfunkel?

its just a guess but Tom Petty & Heartbreakers maybe

ZZ Top does beat U2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zz_top

I'll poke through my playlist and see if I can find anything else.

LOL! Oh yeah. Well, they're about the only ones I could think of who weren't on your list and had a really, really long run. Believe it or not, I use to be a "Deadhead" for a short while. :D
WOO HOO!

The Cure?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cure

oops. way to read the entire article.

its just a guess but Tom Petty & Heartbreakers maybe

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers have had at least two different bassists since their inception, so unfortunately that would be a wrong guess.

hang on, why were the Rolling Stones ruled out?

hang on, why were the Rolling Stones ruled out?

Because they don't have their original lineup. Brian Jones left in 1969.

C'mon guys. At least READ post #1!

Because they don't have their original lineup. Brian Jones left in 1969.

C'mon guys. At least READ post #1!
but is that not still before U2 started?

oh well...

Simon and Garfunkel?

Go read the rules in post #1. No cookie for you!

* It's not Aerosmith. (Perry and Whitford left and rejoined.)
* It's not Iron Maiden. (Bruce left in 1993, but came back.)

Anyone whom can name an older band that is well known (read: at least as popular as Lone Justice... yes, that's pretty liberal) and still making music with the original members will win a cookie. :)
So Aerosmith and Maiden are still older? They still have the original band members

but is that not still before U2 started?

oh well...

U2 is the longest lived rock band with original members.

Ao Aerosmith and Maiden are still older? They still have the original band members

Iron Maiden has had 3 guitarists and two lead singers.
Aerosmith broke up and reformed.

U2 is the longest lived rock band with original members.
seems a bit like youre making up requirements so that U2 will win no matter what.

whats next? Oldest band with original members and Bono?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rush_%28band%29

Hmm... they had a very early line up change. Does that still count if they have had the same members since 1974, before U2 were formed?

I've already posted why it doesn't count. There are at least a couple score bands that are older than U2. There are probably a dozen that have been around with the same configuration for longer. That's not the point of the exercise. :)

Iron Maiden has had 3 guitarists and two lead singers.
Aerosmith broke up and reformed.
Okay maybe not Maiden. But surely Aerosmith is still playing, still releasing albums and STILL HAS THE ORIGINAL BANDMEMBERS, WHICH WAS YOUR REQUIREMENT

seems a bit like youre making up requirements so that U2 will win no matter what.

whats next? Oldest band with original members and Bono?

The rules are the rules. It's my thread... I'm looking for a SPECIFIC piece of trivia. So far, ZZ TOP has been a correct answer. There may be more out there.

Okay maybe not Maiden. But surely Aerosmith is still playing, still releasing albums and STILL HAS THE ORIGINAL BANDMEMBERS, WHICH WAS YOUR REQUIREMENT

* It's not Aerosmith. (Perry and Whitford left and rejoined.)

"The original lineup included Steven Tyler (lead vocals), Joe Perry (guitar) and Tom Hamilton (bass guitar), soon adding Ray Tabano as a second guitarist, then replacing him with Brad Whitford (formerly of Earth Inc.). Tyler, who was originally a drummer and singer, became a full-time vocalist when drummer Joey Kramer joined."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerosmith

...so it's *not* the original line up, as Ray isn't with them.

Please understand, I'm looking for something specific. It's easy to name bands formed before 1978. :)

From wikipedia

Formation and breakthrough (1976 – 1980)
The band was formed in Dublin in October 1976. 14-year-old Larry Mullen, Jr. posted a note on his secondary school bulletin board seeking musicians for a new band. The response that followed that note resulted in a 5-piece band, known at the time as Feedback, with Mullen on drums, Adam Clayton on bass guitar, Paul Hewson (Bono) on vocals, Dave Evans and his brother Dik on guitar.

Bono was named after Bonavox (meaning 'beautiful voice'), a store that sold hearing aids, and The Edge got his name from Bono who thought it was an accurate description of his head.

After 18 months of rehearsals, Feedback changed their name to The Hype. The band performed with their new name at a talent show in Limerick, Ireland on 17 March 1978. One of the judges for the show happened to be CBS Records' Jackie Hayden; they won the contest, earning a £500 prize. Hayden was impressed enough with the band that he gave them studio time to record their first demo.

The Dublin punk rock guru Steve Averill (better known as Steve Rapid of the Radiators from Space) recommended that "The Hype stinks, at least as a name." Someone offered "What about U2? It's the name of a spyplane and a submarine, and it's got an endearing inclusivity about it."1 (http://www.u2.com)

Some suggest the meaning of the name "U2" is based on their philosophy. They believe that the audience is part of their music and the concert and that "you too" (U2) are participating in the music.

Dik Evans announced his departure in March 1978. The Hype performed a farewell show for him at the Community Centre in Howth. Dik walked offstage halfway through the set and later joined the Virgin Prunes, a fellow Dublin band. In May, Paul McGuinness became U2's manager.

Now a four-piece with a local fan-base in place, U2 released their first single in September of 1979, U2-3. It topped the Irish charts. In December of that year, U2 travelled to London for its first shows outside of Ireland, but failed to get much attention from the foreign audiences and critics.

U2 made its first appearance on US television on the The Tomorrow Show hosted by Tom Snyder. It aired on June 4, 1981. They performed I Will Follow, and Twilight, along with an interview.

Well, I know the Beatles are disqualified because Lennon died, but I thought I'd give them a mention as having recorded the most albums with the same 4 band members (although honestly I can't remember when Ringo started playing with them.)

Well, I know the Beatles are disqualified because Lennon died, but I thought I'd give them a mention as having recorded the most albums with the same 4 band members (although honestly I can't remember when Ringo started playing with them.)

And that's :cool: .

But it isn't what I'm looking for. :)

But it isn't what I'm looking for. :)
Dude. Look up a few posts

From wikipedia

Formation and breakthrough (1976 – 1980)
The band was formed in Dublin in October 1976. 14-year-old Larry Mullen, Jr. posted a note on his secondary school bulletin board seeking musicians for a new band. The response that followed that note resulted in a 5-piece band, known at the time as Feedback, with Mullen on drums, Adam Clayton on bass guitar, Paul Hewson (Bono) on vocals, Dave Evans and his brother Dik on guitar.

Bono was named after Bonavox (meaning 'beautiful voice'), a store that sold hearing aids, and The Edge got his name from Bono who thought it was an accurate description of his head.

After 18 months of rehearsals, Feedback changed their name to The Hype. The band performed with their new name at a talent show in Limerick, Ireland on 17 March 1978. One of the judges for the show happened to be CBS Records' Jackie Hayden; they won the contest, earning a £500 prize. Hayden was impressed enough with the band that he gave them studio time to record their first demo.

The Dublin punk rock guru Steve Averill (better known as Steve Rapid of the Radiators from Space) recommended that "The Hype stinks, at least as a name." Someone offered "What about U2? It's the name of a spyplane and a submarine, and it's got an endearing inclusivity about it."1 (http://www.u2.com)

Some suggest the meaning of the name "U2" is based on their philosophy. They believe that the audience is part of their music and the concert and that "you too" (U2) are participating in the music.

Dik Evans announced his departure in March 1978. The Hype performed a farewell show for him at the Community Centre in Howth. Dik walked offstage halfway through the set and later joined the Virgin Prunes, a fellow Dublin band. In May, Paul McGuinness became U2's manager.

Now a four-piece with a local fan-base in place, U2 released their first single in September of 1979, U2-3. It topped the Irish charts. In December of that year, U2 travelled to London for its first shows outside of Ireland, but failed to get much attention from the foreign audiences and critics.

U2 made its first appearance on US television on the The Tomorrow Show hosted by Tom Snyder. It aired on June 4, 1981. They performed I Will Follow, and Twilight, along with an interview.

That reads like the Unforgettable Fire bio/Rolling Stone version... the "Killing Bono" version (which Bono forwards and is probably more accurate) is a bit different. I'm at work right now, but I'll post it later when I am home.

EDIT: Also: Dik was certainly NOT on any U2 recording. How many guys try out for bands that don't make it? Both Peter Gabriel and Steve Winwood were choices for Led Zeppelin ahead of Robert Plant... but Zep kept their original lineup from Led Zeppelin (I) to Coda.

Bad Religion i believe first started as a garage band in SoCal in '78, released there first EP in '79 and their first cd in '81. and on a side note, one of the few bands who has stayed true to there original idea over all the years as well

That reads like the Unforgettable Fire bio/Rolling Stone version... the "Killing Bono" version (which Bono forwards and is probably more accurate) is a bit different. I'm at work right now, but I'll post it later when I am home.
It doesn't matter how it reads.

It says that U2 is no longer in it's original formation anymore

It doesn't matter how it reads.

It says that U2 is no longer in it's original formation anymore

Pls read the edit I tacked on.

Bad Religion i believe first started as a garage band in SoCal in '78, released there first EP in '79 and their first cd in '81. and on a side note, one of the few bands who has stayed true to there original idea over all the years as well

Bad Religion's first EP was in 1981. They've also changed guitarists.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Religion

Good band, tho.

Also: Dik was certainly NOT on any U2 recording. How many guys try out for bands that don't make it? Both Peter Gabriel and Steve Winwood were choices for Led Zeppelin ahead of Robert Plant... but Zep kept their original lineup from Led Zeppelin (I) to Coda.
He wasn't on any U2 releases, BUT he was a member of the original band which just changed names twice

EDIT: Also: Dik was certainly NOT on any U2 recording. How many guys try out for bands that don't make it? Both Peter Gabriel and Steve Winwood were choices for Led Zeppelin ahead of Robert Plant... but Zep kept their original lineup from Led Zeppelin (I) to Coda.
the article says he played gigs with them, so he was in their original lineup. he then left before they made any records. doesnt change the fact that he was one of the original members

What about "the eagles" Im pretty sure they are all original members. They recently released a dvd and did a world tour. They have consitently toured since the early 70's.

He wasn't on any U2 releases, BUT he was a member of the original band which just changed names twice

According to the Killing Bono version of events, he wasn't in U2, never perfromed with them. (I'll double check this, it's been a while since I read the book).

Aerosmith: http://www.rockthisway.de/bando.htm
Other members that have come and gone, etc.

Look, Aerosmith is close and they're a great band! But they don't fit what I'm looking for, especially given the hiatus when Perry and Tyler left the band.

According to the Killing Bono version of events, he wasn't in U2, never perfromed with them. (I'll double check this, it's been a while since I read the book).

Aerosmith: http://www.rockthisway.de/bando.htm
Other members that have come and gone, etc.

Look, Aerosmith is close and they're a great band! But they don't fit what I'm looking for, especially given the hiatus when Perry and Tyler left the band.
Okay maybe not Aerosmith. Whatever.

Are you even reading what I'm saying? I SAID he never recorded anything with U2 (he did some guest appearances on gigs). I SAID he was never in the band named U2. I also said that he was in the band that chanded it's name to U2.

What about "the eagles" Im pretty sure they are all original members. They recently released a dvd and did a world tour. They have consitently toured since the early 70's.

No dice. They've gone through quite a few members over time. They also haven't released an album since 1994 after a 10 year hiatus.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Eagles

Okay maybe not Aerosmith. Whatever.

Are you even reading what I'm saying? I SAID he never recorded anything with U2 (he did some guest appearances on gigs). I SAID he was never in the band named U2. I also said that he was in the band that chanded it's name to U2.

Yeah, I know I'm looking for something pretty offbeat/obscure... bands that have been the same since their 1st album is another way to look at it.

I understand what you'd said, it just doesn't jive with what I'm looking for (as posted in the rules). :)

Yeah, I know I'm looking for something pretty offbeat/obscure... bands that have been the same since their 1st album is another way to look at it.

I understand what you'd said, it just doesn't jive with what I'm looking for (as posted in the rules). :)
Fuck the rules. U2 doesn't have all original bandmembers. The competition is invalid.

I wasnt able to do the research, but does Meatloaf fit the criteria?

I wasnt able to do the research, but does Meatloaf fit the criteria?

Meatloaf is either a solo artist, or, if you want to count him as a band (he's big enough! :D ), he split with his original co-writer/keyboardist after "Bat out of Hell".

Fuck the rules. U2 doesn't have all original bandmembers. The competition is invalid.

I'll quote it out of "Killing Bono" (assuming I remembered it right) later tonight.
To my knowledge, the elder Evans was in The Hype, and not U2.

You edit the first post saying that ZZ top are the current winners. It'll make for less confusion.

You edit the first post saying that ZZ top are the current winners. It'll make for less confusion.

Good idea. *Poof* it is done.

How about Dire Straights? I know Mark Knopfler is busy with a lot of projects, but they never officially split up. Last album was 1998, though.
The rules are unclear on The Neville Brothers. They were founded 1977, all original members still live and are part of the band, but they took in additional members (two of their sons) in 1999 with whom they made an album 2004.

Go read the rules in post #1. No cookie for you!

how the hell do simon and garfunkel not work?

Fuck the rules. U2 doesn't have all original bandmembers. The competition is invalid.

Killing Bono
Neil McCormick
ISBN 0-7434-8248-4

Page 63:
The five-piece Hype opened the show, performing a set of cover versions. Stones, Neil Young, LIzz: the familiar rockers warming up the audience.
At the end of the set, to the strains of "Glad to See You Go," the bearded figure of Dick Evans bade farewell, leaving the stage and the band.
Bono announced that the Hype were no more. But they would be back, later, as U2.
...
Page 64:
Displaying tact and timing, Evans senior opted to leave before his role really became an issue.
...
Page 65:
And then it was the turn of U2 to perform to an audience who had grown distinctly restless. The stripped-down four-piece attacked an all-original set with rabble-rousing vigor, playing as if they had something to prove.
They performed a juddering slow-burning ballad of spiritual awakening, "Shadows and Tall Trees,"...

Neil was *there*. He went to school with the entire crowd, had his own band, and ended up writing music for the London Times.

U2 has all of it's original members. The defense rests. :)

how the hell do simon and garfunkel not work?


They don't work for several reasons:

First, they broke up in May, 1965.

Second, they broke up again in 1971 -- permanently. They've never officially reunited except to play some concerts (about every 10 years).

Third, their last album was 1970's Bridge Over Troubled Waters. (Anything after that is a live/concert album or greatest hits.)

...so while, yes, they are an older band, that's no big deal. There are LOTS of band from pre-1978. ;)


Hey all. I'm keen on trivia, and I've come to a conclusion:
U2 is the longest lived rock band with original members.

So... can you name a longer lived rock band? (No solo artists, please...)

Metrics:
* U2 formed in 1978.
* U2's first album (EP called "3") came out in September, 1979.
* Any band you list must have had an album within the last 5 years. That's a 2000 release, for those of you not sure what year this is. ;)

Anyone whom can name an older band that is well known (read: at least as popular as Lone Justice... yes, that's pretty liberal) and still making music with the original members will win a cookie. :)

EDIT: ZZ TOP is an accepted answer. Please try other bands.

*checks knowlege, i.e. goes thru playlist*

'Tallica lost Cliff, and formed in like 1982...
Rob Zombie is too new...
White Zombie is also too new and lost Rob...
What happened to Blue Oyster Cult?
Beastie Boys?
Bob Seger?
Has Manowar released an album recently?
Misfits?

That's all I can think of. I'm sure none of those qualify, but just throwing out names.

How about Dire Straights? I know Mark Knopfler is busy with a lot of projects, but they never officially split up. Last album was 1998, though.
The rules are unclear on The Neville Brothers. They were founded 1977, all original members still live and are part of the band, but they took in additional members (two of their sons) in 1999 with whom they made an album 2004.

Dire Straights is out. They formed in 1977 (good!) but haven't had an album since 1991.

The Neville Brothers are very close!! But as you point out, they've not had an album with the original band members since 1999.

*checks knowlege, i.e. goes thru playlist*

'Tallica lost Cliff, and formed in like 1982...
Rob Zombie is too new...
White Zombie is also too new and lost Rob...
What happened to Blue Oyster Cult?
Beastie Boys?
Bob Seger?
Has Manowar released an album recently?
Misfits?

That's all I can think of. I'm sure none of those qualify, but just throwing out names.

Yep.
Yep.
Yep.
BoC is still around, and still making records! However, they've turned over a LOT of members. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Oyster_Cult
Beasties? Formed in 1981.
Bob is a solo artist. EDIT: Bob Segar also hasn't had an album since 1995, and his website doesn't list any band members.
Manowar formed in 1980.
The original Misfits broke up in 1983.

They don't work for several reasons:

First, they broke up in May, 1965.

Second, they broke up again in 1971 -- permanently. They've never officially reunited except to play some concerts (about every 10 years).

Third, their last album was 1970's Bridge Over Troubled Waters. (Anything after that is a live/concert album or greatest hits.)

...so while, yes, they are an older band, that's no big deal. There are LOTS of band from pre-1978. ;)

First, the original rules you posted never said anything about bands that have broken up and gotten back together again; they still have the same members.

Second, the same thing. My mom's boyfriend had tickets to see them in New York.

Third, no one ever said it had to be a studio album.

...so you're full of it.

First, the original rules you posted never said anything about bands that have broken up and gotten back together again; they still have the same members.

Second, the same thing. My mom's boyfriend had tickets to see them in New York.

Third, no one ever said it had to be a studio album.

...so you're full of it.

Um, yes the did...
* It's not Aerosmith. (Perry and Whitford left and rejoined.)

You see, when people leave a band, it's not a band anymore. At best, it's a hiatus.

Greatest hits albums are usually put together with little to no input from the artist. Live albums are done as money generators. Paul and Art haven't made a new album of music since NIXON was in the White House. That's a long time.

That's great for your mom's boyfriend. I hope they have a nice time, they're a great act.

But they don't fit the requirements of this challenge.

If it makes you feel any better, I'll repost the rules so that they're clearer?

Are you obsessed with technicalities that only exist in your head? Simon and Garfunkel didn't 'leave' or anything, they just broke up and rejoined. And i don't give a shit about the quality or input of the artists on concert or greatest hit albums; that was never part of the criteria.

If you post a response to this that denies that they have been around for longer than U2, you're officially on your knees licking Bono's balls. There's no other explanation for your obsession with them and your rampant recreation of rules.

Are you obsessed with technicalities that only exist in your head? Simon and Garfunkel didn't 'leave' or anything, they just broke up and rejoined. And i don't give a shit about the quality or input of the artists on concert or greatest hit albums; that was never part of the criteria.

If you post a response to this that denies that they have been around for longer than U2, you're officially on your knees licking Bono's balls. There's no other explanation for your obsession with them and your rampant recreation of rules.

First, there has been one other band that's been an answer to this puzzle: ZZ TOP. (I'm still on the fence about the Bee Gees).

However, since you've been so militant about being right, I'll give you a prize:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0e/180px-More_grapes.jpg

...they're sour for ya. :p

And with that, I consider the S&G question closed.

you've been so militant about being right


Oh, the irony.

Oh, the irony.

Hey, it's my thread. You're free to make your own, if you like. I'm trying to find something in a specific criteria.

Has anyone said Hall and Oates? If not, they are older then U2.

Has anyone said Hall and Oates? If not, they are older then U2.

You're right!
Okay, that's two!

ZZ TOP
Hall & Oates

Here is your cookie:
http://www.girlscouts-ct.org/images/Cookie%20Lemon.jpg

Dire Straights is out. They formed in 1977 (good!) but haven't had an album since 1991.

The Neville Brothers are very close!! But as you point out, they've not had an album with the original band members since 1999.

The Straits had a new live album in 1995, a BBC recording, and the 1998 Best of "Sultans of Swing". I concede your non-acceptance, just wanted to correct the facts.

With the Nevilles the original members are still in the Band, the Band just got bigger. I dont want to be a rule-lawyering fuckwit, but your rules dont cover such a case.

Killing Bono
Neil McCormick
ISBN 0-7434-8248-4

Page 63:
The five-piece Hype opened the show, performing a set of cover versions. Stones, Neil Young, LIzz: the familiar rockers warming up the audience.
At the end of the set, to the strains of "Glad to See You Go," the bearded figure of Dick Evans bade farewell, leaving the stage and the band.
Bono announced that the Hype were no more. But they would be back, later, as U2.
...
Page 64:
Displaying tact and timing, Evans senior opted to leave before his role really became an issue.
...
Page 65:
And then it was the turn of U2 to perform to an audience who had grown distinctly restless. The stripped-down four-piece attacked an all-original set with rabble-rousing vigor, playing as if they had something to prove.
They performed a juddering slow-burning ballad of spiritual awakening, "Shadows and Tall Trees,"...

Neil was *there*. He went to school with the entire crowd, had his own band, and ended up writing music for the London Times.

U2 has all of it's original members. The defense rests. :)
Ah. A difference in semantics.

U2 the band has all of it's original members, but the band that became U2 do not have all the original members.

The Straits had a new live album in 1995, a BBC recording, and the 1998 Best of "Sultans of Swing". I concede your non-acceptance, just wanted to correct the facts.

With the Nevilles the original members are still in the Band, the Band just got bigger. I dont want to be a rule-lawyering fuckwit, but your rules dont cover such a case.

Albums have to be since 2000, and greatest hits/live albums don't count. I'm going to re-post the requirements such that they're clearer.

I agree that they're still in the band. As soon as they make another album, they'll be an accepted answer. :)

* It's not Motorhead. (They've had 3 guitarists.)

they've had "at least" 3 guitarists, and a few drummers probably by now

* It's not the Rolling Stones. (Brian Jones left in 1969.)
* It's not RUSH. (Neil Pert is NOT the original drummer.)

Even so, if the stones lineup hasn't changed since 69, the current stones lineup is longer lived than U2. Similarly, Neil Peart was drumming for Rush in 1972 or something, so the current Rush lineup is older than U2.

Ah. A difference in semantics.

U2 the band has all of it's original members, but the band that became U2 do not have all the original members.

It's a different band. :)

Example:
Velvet Revolver is currently an original lineup, even though it's the guys from Guns N Roses with the lead singer from Stone Temple Pilots.
If they swap Slash out for (say) Steve Vai or somebody, then they're not the original lineup.

It's a different band. :)

Example:
Velvet Revolver is currently an original lineup, even though it's the guys from Guns N Roses with the lead singer from Stone Temple Pilots.
If they swap Slash out for (say) Steve Vai or somebody, then they're not the original lineup.
Bad example. Velvet Revolver was formed out of multiple bands. U2 from just one.

In my eyes U2 is the same band, with one member less and a different name.

Albums have to be since 2000, and greatest hits/live albums don't count. I'm going to re-post the requirements such that they're clearer.
Why?

It's not uncommon to see a ten year gap between albums when it comes to artists that have been around like that. You should just check if they are active. If they are touring extensively, or are having contract dispute with the record company, that could put their album-making on hiatus.

I fail to see the validity of this rule. U2 had a 4 year gap between two of their albums, do you base your criterion on that? Because that's a bad way to see it. Many artists had a second wind with 7-8 years between albums without having band members changes.

Why?

It's not uncommon to see a ten year gap between albums when it comes to artists that have been around like that. You should just check if they are active. If they are touring extensively, or are having contract dispute with the record company, that could put their album-making on hiatus.

I fail to see the validity of this rule. U2 had a 4 year gap between two of their albums, do you base your criterion on that? Because that's a bad way to see it. Many artists had a second wind with 7-8 years between albums without having band members changes.

Because that's what I'm looking for. (I just updated post #1 to be clearer, BTW.)

Er? So if some hiterhto-unknown, unpublished Beatles album comes out, they count as a long lived band? Or how about a band where all the members are still alive? ;) Sorry, I'm trying for something specific; and there are two answers so far.

I can see up to a five year gap. If Simon and Garfunkel has a new album out next year (not a Greatest Hits or live album... something new), they'll count. Ditto for the Neville Brothers, et al. The reason? It puts an end date up. Otherwise, you could argue for HUNDREDS of bands that have never broken up, but aren't producing music anymore.
Sure, I could have made it 7 years, or even 10.

Bad example. Velvet Revolver was formed out of multiple bands. U2 from just one.

In my eyes U2 is the same band, with one member less and a different name.

I don't consider it bad, but it's not the same, granted.

Okay... would you accept Blue Oyster Cult morphing from Soft White Underbelly, then?

Do The Eagles fit the criteria?

I know they've had the same members since 1976, did split up in the 80s, reunite a while later, and have had a couple of new albums recently, but are'nt sure whether those are greatest hits or new ones.

they've had "at least" 3 guitarists, and a few drummers probably by now

Thanks. I'm not a huge Motorhead fan.

Even so, if the stones lineup hasn't changed since 69, the current stones lineup is longer lived than U2. Similarly, Neil Peart was drumming for Rush in 1972 or something, so the current Rush lineup is older than U2.

Yep. You're right. But I can name a dozen bands like that. I'm looking for something more specific.

As for the Stones, I did a little more digging: Bill Wyman (bass) left in 1991. So they're down two original members.
Yes, Neil was in Rush for their entire run, barring the first album.

The Corries?

(likely unknown outside of scotland and 1 or 2 may be dead...)

Do The Eagles fit the criteria?

I know they've had the same members since 1976, did split up in the 80s, reunite a while later, and have had a couple of new albums recently, but are'nt sure whether those are greatest hits or new ones.

No dice. They've gone through quite a few members over time. They also haven't released an album since 1994 after a 10 year hiatus.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Eagles

I don't consider it bad, but it's not the same, granted.

Okay... would you accept Blue Oyster Cult morphing from Soft White Underbelly, then?
From what I can gather from wikipedia: Yes they did.

So musicans such as BB King would be out because he is a "Solo" artist, correct?

I have no idea how long they've been together and doubt it's been long enough, so this is a shot in the dark...

Warren, Bodle, and Allen.

Not sure how they would count for your purposes even if they were old enough, as they had been together for at least 15 years before their first release...and now that I think about it I'm not sure if the album they released since 2000 was a live album or not. I'm pretty sure Coming Up a Storm was not the last thing they released though.

So musicans such as BB King would be out because he is a "Solo" artist, correct?

Exactly. A group has to be at least 2 people.

I have no idea how long they've been together and doubt it's been long enough, so this is a shot in the dark...

Warren, Bodle, and Allen.

Not sure how they would count for your purposes even if they were old enough, as they had been together for at least 15 years before their first release...and now that I think about it I'm not sure if the album they released since 2000 was a live album or not. I'm pretty sure Coming Up a Storm was not the last thing they released though.


I'd have to say no, though it's a bit unclear.
They apparently haven't had a CD since 1999...
Also, 2005 - 20 = 1985. I can't find anything more concrete saying when they formed.
...and seemingly fail the "more popular than Lone Justice" test. :)

Almost as long and arguably just as great REM formed in April 1980, although one member has left they have not sought a replacement

and queen

Queen first performed live on June 27, 1970. At this time, Freddie decided to change his last name to Mercury. The Band was now complete. Throughout their recording careers, it would remain the same. Freddie Mercury (lead vocals & piano), Brian May (lead guitar, vocals, keyboard), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals, keyboard), John Deacon (bass guitar). Band members often played additional instruments, on occasion learning new instruments for a particular song

Although they have recently recruited the lead singer of free for a tour. But I think 25 vears with the same line up (yes I now Mercury died in 1993 but even then an active replacement was not sought for studio albums) tops U2

Almost as long and arguably just as great REM formed in April 1980, although one member has left they have not sought a replacement

and queen

Queen first performed live on June 27, 1970. At this time, Freddie decided to change his last name to Mercury. The Band was now complete. Throughout their recording careers, it would remain the same. Freddie Mercury (lead vocals & piano), Brian May (lead guitar, vocals, keyboard), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals, keyboard), John Deacon (bass guitar). Band members often played additional instruments, on occasion learning new instruments for a particular song

Although they have recently recruited the lead singer of free for a tour. But I think 25 vears with the same line up (yes I now Mercury died in 1993 but even then an active replacement was not sought for studio albums) tops U2

REM and Queen are indeed great bands, but not in the running as answers for this piece of trivia. Thank you.

Additionally: John Deacon didn't join Queen until 1972; their original bassist was Barry Mitchell.

Ditto for the Neville Brothers, et al.
Come on, they had one in 2004, Walkin' In The Shadow Of Life. And according to your changed rules, added members are ok. Thus, i want my cookie!

Because that's what I'm looking for. (I just updated post #1 to be clearer, BTW.)

Er? So if some hiterhto-unknown, unpublished Beatles album comes out, they count as a long lived band? Or how about a band where all the members are still alive? ;) Sorry, I'm trying for something specific; and there are two answers so far.

I can see up to a five year gap. If Simon and Garfunkel has a new album out next year (not a Greatest Hits or live album... something new), they'll count. Ditto for the Neville Brothers, et al. The reason? It puts an end date up. Otherwise, you could argue for HUNDREDS of bands that have never broken up, but aren't producing music anymore.
Sure, I could have made it 7 years, or even 10.
That's why I mentionned active bands. While there are hundreds of bands older than U2 that have never had a lineup change, how many are stil active today?

And by active, I don't mean alive or doing interview once in a blue moon. I mean actually touring and doing live gigs.

I don't want to argue about the rules but it seems as much obscure as some baseball statistics. "He hits for .300 on monday after 5 PM during a game with at least one hour of rain delay the next day after a double-header."

Some categories are just not worth bothering, if you ask me.

Markreich, could you verify UB40 please? Afaik they never changed their line-up, had a album in 2003 (and one in 2001) and were founded in the summer of 1978. I dont know when exactly U2 formed in 1978.

Markreich, could you verify UB40 please? Afaik they never changed their line-up, had a album in 2003 (and one in 2001) and were founded in the summer of 1978. I dont know when exactly U2 formed in 1978.

They're at least AS old as U2, have all the original members, have never split up, and had an album in 2003! Nice!!

Another winner! That's 3!
ZZ Top
Hall & Oates
UB40


Here's your cookie:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/84/180px-Choco_chip_cookie.jpg

That's why I mentionned active bands. While there are hundreds of bands older than U2 that have never had a lineup change, how many are stil active today?

And by active, I don't mean alive or doing interview once in a blue moon. I mean actually touring and doing live gigs.

I don't want to argue about the rules but it seems as much obscure as some baseball statistics. "He hits for .300 on monday after 5 PM during a game with at least one hour of rain delay the next day after a double-header."

Some categories are just not worth bothering, if you ask me.

Active to me means a new album once a half decade. :)

You're pretty much against the new album facet, then. I'll chalk it up to a difference of opinion.

Come on, they had one in 2004, Walkin' In The Shadow Of Life. And according to your changed rules, added members are ok. Thus, i want my cookie!

Did all the originals work on the album? If you can show me a link where (I couldn't find one), I'll be happy to.

No dice. They've gone through quite a few members over time. They also haven't released an album since 1994 after a 10 year hiatus.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Eagles
They did release a single recently (Hole in the World) which shows they are active. I think you should include bands with recent singles too. None of that really matters for the Eagles though, since they had the member changes.

They did release a single recently (Hole in the World) which shows they are active. I think you should include bands with recent singles too. None of that really matters for the Eagles though, since they had the member changes.

I'm not sure how much that'd open things up, really. The original member requirement bars many more acts than the album one. :)

Did all the originals work on the album? If you can show me a link where (I couldn't find one), I'll be happy to.

Official site (http://www.nevilles.com/neville_discog/walkinshadow.html)

How about...............
Status Quo ?

Canada's own April Wine - great rock since 1972

How about...............
Status Quo ?

Nah: they had a keyboard player (Lynes) making them a five piece in the 60s, then had a steady line up for a while until Coghlan and Lancaster left in the late 70s.

How about Suicide - formed 1976, last LP out in 2002, still retaining their original line up of Alan Vega and Martin Rev?

Canada's own April Wine - great rock since 1972

At least until 1994. :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Wine

How about Suicide - formed 1976, last LP out in 2002, still retaining their original line up of Alan Vega and Martin Rev?

Suicide is a 1970s and '80s punk/post punk duo, composed of Alan Vega (vocals) and Martin Rev (synthesizers and drum machines).

Suicide formed in the early 1970s as a conventional rock group with guitars, bass guitar and drums, but over time, many members quit until only Vega and Rev remained.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_%28band%29

...sorry, I can't find a Suicide website to dispute it. Since Vega & Rev weren't the only originals, Suicide is out.

At least until 1994.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Wine

...but they are still touring, so still in the game!

Official site (http://www.nevilles.com/neville_discog/walkinshadow.html)

:cool: Here's your cookie.
The Neville Brothers is an accepted answer!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/84/180px-Choco_chip_cookie.jpg

We've had 4 answers so far... post #1 has been updated to reflect the changes in the thread. Congrats & thanks to those that came up with answers!!

It's not Iron Maiden. (Bruce left in 1993, but came back.)


Thought I'd just mention that it wouldn't be Maiden, even if Bruce hadn't left the band. Bruce is about the 3rd or 4th vocalist to be in Maiden. Dave Murray has also left the band and come back and all the others are not originals, save for Steve Harris. He's the only one that's been there, since about 1975.

Thought I'd just mention that it wouldn't be Maiden, even if Bruce hadn't left the band. Bruce is about the 3rd or 4th vocalist to be in Maiden. Dave Murray has also left the band and come back and all the others are not originals, save for Steve Harris. He's the only one that's been there, since about 1975.

Cool! Thanks for the info!

(I'm a Queensryche fan more than anything else, and they're obviously not in the running due to Chris DeGarmo... plus they formed after U2...)

Thought I had one in Dire Straits
:mad:
This is getting anoying

YAY what about Cheap Trick
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheap_Trick

YAY what about Cheap Trick
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheap_Trick

Sorry, per another post, Cheap Trick did inded change members. I'll have to take back that cookie. :(

Cheap Trick fits the bill!

Here's your cookie!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/84/180px-Choco_chip_cookie.jpg
I will keep it and frame it with pride

For more information, see post #1.

ACCEPTED ANSWERS as of 16 April
_______________________________
ZZ Top (answered by Mangostan)
Hall & Oates (answered by Arragoth)
UB40 (answered by Jester III)
The Neville Brothers (answered by Jester III)
Cheap Trick (answered by Gataway_Driver)

The Everly Brothers

If we are going to be pedantic, U2 lost a member, before they were called U2. But they were still a band, so do name change's count? They lost The Edge's brother, to another band, who didn't do so well.

If we are going to be pedantic, U2 lost a member, before they were called U2. But they were still a band, so do name change's count? They lost The Edge's brother, to another band, who didn't do so well.

It's already been discussed a few pages back.

Right... The senior Evans was in The Hype, not U2. It's not the same band.

I mean, suppose your mother was married and her husband was killed. Then she got married and had you. You wouldn't call her first husband your ex-dad, would you? :)

The Everly Brothers

Sorry, but Don & Phil haven't had an album since 1994. Good guess, though.

How about the Blue Oyster Cult?

How about the Oak Ridge Boys? Or maybe the Statler Bros.? Some of those C/W acts go on forever.

How about the Blue Oyster Cult?

BOC is a great band, and still making albums, however they've had LOTS of turnover.

I think the Bee Gees are all still together & had a new album in either 2000 or 2001.

The Bee Gees formed in 1962. However, Robin left in 1969 and came back in 1970. They released "Cucumber Castle" without him, so they're not in the running. Good guess, tho!

How about the Oak Ridge Boys? Or maybe the Statler Bros.? Some of those C/W acts go on forever.

Oak Ridge Boys:
By the 1970s, the band's lineup had become more or less consistent: lead singer Duane Allen, tenor Joe Bonsall, baritone William Lee Golden, and bass singer Richard Sterban.
In the late 1980's, William Lee Golden temporarily left the group, and was replaced as baritone singer by the band's guitarist, Steve Sanders, who remained with the group until Golden returned in the mid 90's.
...sorry, no dice.

Statlers. Impressive band, but not in the running:

Despite the band's name just two of its four members are brothers, and none of them are named 'Statler'. The band in fact named themselves after a brand of facial tissue.
Don Reid sings lead and is the younger brother of Harold, who sings bass. The other members are baritone Phil Balsley and tenor Jimmy Fortune, who replaced original Statler Lew Dewitt in the early 1980s due to the later's ill health.

Since forming, the Statler Brothers have released over 40 albums. They received grammy awards in 1966 and 1973.

Kansas was formed in 1974 & I believe they still have all their members. They have toured almost that entire time up to now & released an album in 2000.

For more information, see post #1.

ACCEPTED ANSWERS as of 16 April
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Cheap Trick (answered by Gataway_Driver)


"Jon Bryant replaced Petersson and Trick dropped three eclectic pop artifacts: the compressed One on One (82)..."

http://www.keno.org/classic_rock/cheap_trick_bio.htm

How about Wire?

although they kind of fell apart for a while they are back together & making music as the same group. They have never recorder anything to my knowlege without all the origional group members being together.

although they kind of fell apart for a while they are back together & making music as the same group. They have never recorder anything to my knowlege without all the origional group members being together.

Nah: Blondie eponymous LP: Gary Valentine on bass.
Plastic Letters LP: Chris Stein on bass.
Parallel Lines, Eat To The Beat, Autoamerican LP: Nigel Harrison on bass.


I don't know about the line up on the Hunter LP, but certainly the current line up has a couple of different members.

Crosby Stills and Nash. Young came off and on, but he wasn't an orignal member. They broke up at times, and there was a time when it was just Stills and Young, but it was called "Stills and Young" therefore fitting your rules. Wikipedia doesn't show it, but they did release Live From Fillmore Street Vol1 in 2004 (i think its an album, but whatever it is, it shows they are active). BTW they were formed in 1968, a year before ZZtop right?

The Residents? Heh. Heh. Heh.

Bump to bring this one back on the radar, and to dispute the Cheap Trick claim.

"Petersson left the group in the summer of 1980 after recording the George Martin produced All Shook Up, released toward the end of 1980. The album performed respectably, peaking at number 24 and going gold, yet the single "Stop This Game" failed to crack the Top 40. For subsequent tours Pete Comita, and shortly thereafter Jon Brant replaced Petersson."

From their official website. Read it and weep. (http://www.cheaptrick.com/theband.html)

Bump to bring this one back on the radar, and to dispute the Cheap Trick claim.

"Petersson left the group in the summer of 1980 after recording the George Martin produced All Shook Up, released toward the end of 1980. The album performed respectably, peaking at number 24 and going gold, yet the single "Stop This Game" failed to crack the Top 40. For subsequent tours Pete Comita, and shortly thereafter Jon Brant replaced Petersson."

From their official website. Read it and weep. (http://www.cheaptrick.com/theband.html)


Not sure how I missed that one! Sorry, I'll have to remove Cheap Trick.

Blondie have been around since the 70s. And they're still releasing stuff this decade, including Maria (in 2000?) and more recently "Good Boys".

Blondie have been around since the 70s. And they're still releasing stuff this decade, including Maria (in 2000?) and more recently "Good Boys".

See:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=8686805&postcount=175

The Residents? Heh. Heh. Heh.

That's a first... I have to disqualify a band because I don't know WHO the members are. ;)

Crosby Stills and Nash. Young came off and on, but he wasn't an orignal member. They broke up at times, and there was a time when it was just Stills and Young, but it was called "Stills and Young" therefore fitting your rules. Wikipedia doesn't show it, but they did release Live From Fillmore Street Vol1 in 2004 (i think its an album, but whatever it is, it shows they are active). BTW they were formed in 1968, a year before ZZtop right?

"Although they would appear on each others' solo records, there was no attempt at a reunion until 1974 when CSNY went on a North American stadium tour."

Also: Their last album was Looking Forward (with Young), in 1999.

...so they're like Simon & Garfunkel: they break up and reform. Good guess tho!

How about Wire?

Gotobed (Robert Grey) left and came back.

Gotobed (Robert Grey) left and came back.

Ah, but did he? The band without him was known as 'Wir' not 'Wire', a pedant could argue that they were not the same band on this basis, and that 'Wire' instead just had a hiatus...

Ah, but did he? The band without him was known as 'Wir' not 'Wire', a pedant could argue that they were not the same band on this basis, and that 'Wire' instead just had a hiatus...

Did Wire have an album w/o him? If so, I'd have to rule it like the Bee Gees...

The Shadows?

Cliff Richard was never really a part of the group, and they have had new material recently.

Did Wire have an album w/o him? If so, I'd have to rule it like the Bee Gees...

'Wire' didn't have an LP without him, but the other members of Wire had an LP without him under the band name 'Wir'.

The Shadows?

Cliff Richard was never really a part of the group, and they have had new material recently.

Sorry, but they've had other lineup shifts:

In 1961, Brian Bennett from Marty Wilde's Wilde Cats replaced Tony Meehan on drums, and in 1962 Brian "Liquorice" Locking (also from the Wilde Cats) replaced Jet Harris on bass. Soon after, John Rostill replaced Locking on bass.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shadows

I saw U2 just last week. One thing i noticed was they were old! A lot older than fourteen year old Bono when they first formed. But what about Cream? Yeah, they broke away and Eric did random things for thirty years, but they just recently got back together, so it might count, I dunno.

I saw U2 just last week. One thing i noticed was they were old! A lot older than fourteen year old Bono when they first formed. But what about Cream? Yeah, they broke away and Eric did random things for thirty years, but they just recently got back together, so it might count, I dunno.

27 years passing will do that, yeah. :D

Given they weren't a band from 1968-2005, nope.
(Ok, barring ONE appearance in 1993 at the Rock & Roll Hall of fame).

Also, their last album was Goodbye, released in 1969. (Live albums don't count.)

The band must be CONTINUOUSLY together with the original members under the same name. (Solo projects are okay. Releases under alter egos are okay. Bands breaking up or releasing albums w/o all the members under the same name is not okay).

"Although they would appear on each others' solo records, there was no attempt at a reunion until 1974 when CSNY went on a North American stadium tour."

Also: Their last album was Looking Forward (with Young), in 1999.

...so they're like Simon & Garfunkel: they break up and reform. Good guess tho!
You are looking on Wikipedia. They don't mention the Live From Fillmore Street Vol1 thing. To be honest, I have no idea what it is, but it is something and proves them active. By your rules they do fit it. Even though they "broke up" they never didn't anything under the name "Crosby Stills and Nash" without Crosby, Stills, or Nash. Technically nobody left, they just didn't do anything for a while.

How about Duran Duran? They started in 1978, but I don't know the exact date.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duran_Duran#1978.26ndash.3B1980:_Origins

http://www.petraband.com/

This particular rock band isn't in the same vein as the others already mentioned. (But you never said it had to be secular rock -unless I missed it somewhere.) Their long history of 30 albums in just over 30 years, however, is definitely noteworthy.

I haven't listened to them in ages. Consequently, I don't know if they are completely original or not. :( So if they don't qualify, sorry for the interruption.

You'll probably nix both of these, but I'll make my case anyway because both of these bands are so much better than U2.

XTC: Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding have been the core singing/songwriting team since 1977. Session players and Dave Gregory orbited them for a while, but that band IS Partridge and Moulding, period.

Steely Dan: Since 1971, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen have been making music together. Steely Dan the band was on hiatus in the 80s, but never really broke up -- each appeared on the others' solo works and both came together for events like the New York Rock 'n Soul Revue. Sure, you could call that against your rules, but The Dan are so damned talented that it shouldn't matter. Besides, three Grammies in 2001 for Two Against Nature, I rest my case.

By the way, if I get into jazz, I can shred U2's longevity in a heartbeat with the Modern Jazz Quartet and the Billy Taylor Trio alone. Nevermind all of the big bands like Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and such that began in the 30s and still played until their founder died (and still went on after that) in the early 80s. Then there are the Four Freshmen and the Hi-Los, or, if you don't like the 50s, how about Manhattan Transfer? 1977-2005 and still going, and that's AFTER soprano Laurel Masse dropped out and was replaced by Cheryl Bentyne (before Cheryl, they'd been around since 1969).

You are looking on Wikipedia. They don't mention the Live From Fillmore Street Vol1 thing. To be honest, I have no idea what it is, but it is something and proves them active. By your rules they do fit it. Even though they "broke up" they never didn't anything under the name "Crosby Stills and Nash" without Crosby, Stills, or Nash. Technically nobody left, they just didn't do anything for a while.

How about Duran Duran? They started in 1978, but I don't know the exact date.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duran_Duran#1978.26ndash.3B1980:_Origins

I look at multiple sites, but I use wikipedia to start with as it's a pretty good ruler.

Live albums don't count. They haven't had a studio album of new songs since pre-2000. If they do get one, then that'd remove the new album requirement. :)

Duran Duran released at least three albums without all 5 members: Liberty (1990) Duran Duran (1993) and Thank You (1995). The original band didn't reform until May 2001. They're not in the running.

http://www.petraband.com/

This particular rock band isn't in the same vein as the others already mentioned. (But you never said it had to be secular rock -unless I missed it somewhere.) Their long history of 30 albums in just over 30 years, however, is definitely noteworthy.

I haven't listened to them in ages. Consequently, I don't know if they are completely original or not. :( So if they don't qualify, sorry for the interruption.

The band's original lineup consisted of:
Greg Hough - guitar and vocals
Bob Hartman - guitar and vocals
John DeGroff - bass guitar
Bill Glover - drums

As of 2004, the band's lineup consisted of:
John Schlitt - vocals
Bob Hartman - guitar
Greg Bailey - bass guitar
Paul Simmons - drums

They've certainly been around a long time, but their lineup isn't original so, they're not in the running. But thanks for the post! (I'd not heard of them before.)

You'll probably nix both of these, but I'll make my case anyway because both of these bands are so much better than U2.

XTC: Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding have been the core singing/songwriting team since 1977. Session players and Dave Gregory orbited them for a while, but that band IS Partridge and Moulding, period.

Steely Dan: Since 1971, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen have been making music together. Steely Dan the band was on hiatus in the 80s, but never really broke up -- each appeared on the others' solo works and both came together for events like the New York Rock 'n Soul Revue. Sure, you could call that against your rules, but The Dan are so damned talented that it shouldn't matter. Besides, three Grammies in 2001 for Two Against Nature, I rest my case.

You're personal taste is fine, but I'll disagree. :D

Grammies, platinum albums, etc. don't matter for what I'm looking for. This isn't a "who's better" or "who's more successful", it's a simple "longest lived with the same members" game. ;)

XTC: Their first album had Barry Andrews (keyboards) and Terry Chambers (drums). They went through MANY drummers... and at least some of them are listed as band members, not session musicians. Sorry, but XTC is out.

Steely Dan: 1980-2000 without an album. That's not a hiatus. That's a breakup.

The Buzzcocks formed in 1977, and released a studio album in 2003, with the original members (at least, I'm pretty sure). They're working on a new one to be released later this year.

The pre-date U2 in every category, from first release to total longevity.

By the way, if I get into jazz, I can shred U2's longevity in a heartbeat with the Modern Jazz Quartet and the Billy Taylor Trio alone. Nevermind all of the big bands like Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and such that began in the 30s and still played until their founder died (and still went on after that) in the early 80s. Then there are the Four Freshmen and the Hi-Los, or, if you don't like the 50s, how about Manhattan Transfer? 1977-2005 and still going, and that's AFTER soprano Laurel Masse dropped out and was replaced by Cheryl Bentyne (before Cheryl, they'd been around since 1969).

Feel free, I've no problem with Jazz or Country acts. However, I suggest you go back and re-read post #1. None of the acts you mention makes the cut.

Billy Taylor Trio:
Over the years, the Billy Taylor Trio has included:

Bassists
Charles Mingus, Earl May, Oscar Pettiford, Paul West, Chris White, Larry Ridley, Joe Benjamin, George Duvivier, Bob Cranshaw, Dave Williams, Buster Williams, Lisle Atkinson, Aaron Bell, Martin Rivera, Wilbur Bascomb, Victor Gaskin, Doug Watkins, Henry Grimes, Clyde Lombardi, John Levy and Chip Jackson.

Drummers
Jo Jones, Kenny Dennis, Grady Tate, Dave Bailey, Billy Cobham, Bobby Thomas, Candido, Grassella Oliphant, Harold White, Joe Harris, Leonard Gaskin, Charlie Smith, Denzil Best, Ed Thigpen, Percy Bryce, Freddie Waits, Harold White, Walter Perkins, Ray Mosca, Kenny Dennis, Frank Gant, Louis Hayes, Richie Pratt, Keith Copeland, Curtis Boyd, Steve Johns and Winard Harper.

...so they're not even CLOSE to being original.

Modern Jazz Quartet: Established in 1952 by Milt Jackson (vibraphone), John Lewis (piano, musical director), Percy Heath (bass), and Kenny Clarke (drums). Connie Kay replaced Clarke in 1955. Sorry, they're out.

However, they must still be ORIGINAL lineups. That eliminates all of the big bands you've mentioned. Once the founder dies, or they even change out the drummer, it's not the original band.

Four Freshman: The present group (Group #22) started playing together in September, 2001. http://www.fourfreshmen.com/ (click on The Freshman). Not in the running.

Hi-Los: Group Members: Gene Puerling, Bob Strassen (replaced by Don Shelton in 1959), Clark Burroughs, Bob Morse. Also not in the running.

Manhattan Transfer: The group was founded in 1972 by singers Alan Paul, Janis Siegel, Laurel Massé and Tim Hauser. In 1978, Laurel Massé left the group and was replaced by Cheryl Bentyne. The lineup has remained the same since then.
...So they're not in the running, as they're not original, ala The Rolling Stones or any one of a dozen bands out there.

The Buzzcocks formed in 1977, and released a studio album in 2003, with the original members (at least, I'm pretty sure). They're working on a new one to be released later this year.

The pre-date U2 in every category, from first release to total longevity.

The band was formed by Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto soon after they had met and travelled to London together to see the Sex Pistols. Buzzcocks debuted in Manchester, opening for The Sex Pistols, in 1976.

That same year, original members Howard Devoto, Pete Shelley, Steve Diggle, and John Maher self-released a four-track EP, Spiral Scratch on their own New Hormones label, thus heralding the independent label movement.

Vocalist Devoto immediately left the band, already aware of the rapid co-opting of punk's attitude by the mainstream. He formed Magazine, a less easily apprehendable mix of energy, ennui, and atmosphere. Pete Shelley continued as vocalist, his high pitched melodious whine an antidote to the gruff pub-rock flavour of many contemporaries.

...while they're a great act, they haven't been together with the same members as long as U2. It was a good guess, tho! :)

I look at multiple sites, but I use wikipedia to start with as it's a pretty good ruler.

Live albums don't count. They haven't had a studio album of new songs since pre-2000. If they do get one, then that'd remove the new album requirement. :)

Duran Duran released at least three albums without all 5 members: Liberty (1990) Duran Duran (1993) and Thank You (1995). The original band didn't reform until May 2001. They're not in the running.
Duran Duran started with 2 original members. Others have come and gone. John Taylor and Nick Rhodes are the only founding members.

And please, for the love of god, leave christian rock groups out of this.

Duran Duran started with 2 original members. Others have come and gone. John Taylor and Nick Rhodes are the only founding members.

And please, for the love of god, leave christian rock groups out of this.

They *started* Duran Duran in '78, but even then had Stephen Duffy as a lead singer. In any event, their first album wasn't until 1981, after U2-3 & Boy.

Hey, I'm welcoming any comers. :)
( No fear: Stryper formed in 1982. :D )

The band was formed by Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto soon after they had met and travelled to London together to see the Sex Pistols. Buzzcocks debuted in Manchester, opening for The Sex Pistols, in 1976.

That same year, original members Howard Devoto, Pete Shelley, Steve Diggle, and John Maher self-released a four-track EP, Spiral Scratch on their own New Hormones label, thus heralding the independent label movement.

Vocalist Devoto immediately left the band, already aware of the rapid co-opting of punk's attitude by the mainstream. He formed Magazine, a less easily apprehendable mix of energy, ennui, and atmosphere. Pete Shelley continued as vocalist, his high pitched melodious whine an antidote to the gruff pub-rock flavour of many contemporaries.

...while they're a great act, they haven't been together with the same members as long as U2. It was a good guess, tho! :)

Yeah, '76, not '77! Okay, didn't know too much about the band. I thought it was still made up of the same people.

Yeah, '76, not '77! Okay, didn't know too much about the band. I thought it was still made up of the same people.

Hey, it was one of the better guesses. :)

Thanks for playing, all.

Still no word on Kansas?
You have not debunked me on this one yet?

Kansas was formed in 1974 & I believe they still have all their members. They have toured almost that entire time up to now & released an album in 2000.

Sorry, I'd missed this post somehow!

Kansas isn't in the running.

After a few more albums, Kansas began to fall apart in the early 1980s. Hope and Livgren became born-again Christians and Walsh formed a new band, replaced by John Elefante.
In spite of a successful 1982 album called Vinyl Confessions, the group split in 1983, only to reform in 1986 with the album Power. The 1990s saw a string of barely noticed releases, and Kansas has continued to tour year after year, but the band has never been able to regain any mass popularity or critical notice.

Uhh... the Wright Brothers??? Wait, no, I think they changed drummers...

Uhh... the Wright Brothers??? Wait, no, I think they changed drummers...

Fails the "more well known than Lone Justice" test. :)

Allman Brothers?

Allman Brothers?

The band was formed in 1969, consisting of Duane Allman (slide guitar), Gregg Allman (vocals, organ), Dickey Betts (guitar), Berry Oakley (bass guitar), Butch Trucks (drums) and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson (drums).

Duane Allman died not long after the album was certified gold, killed in a motorcycle accident in Macon, Georgia (at the corner of Hillcrest and Bartlett) when he collided with a truck in 1971.

Dickey Betts filled Duane's former role in completing the last album he participated in, Eat a Peach, which was wistful in tone. Chuck Leavell, a pianist, was added to replace Duane. Not long after the release of Eat a Peach, Berry Oakley died in another motorcycle accident, only three blocks away (near Napier Avenue and Inverness Street) from the site of Duane Allman's fatal accident. (The common retelling, that it was at the exact same site as Duane Allman's death, is incorrect, as is the legend that the album is named after the kind of truck.)

...so, no. Not in the running. :(

Fails the "more well known than Lone Justice" test. :)

In case you're wondering (I'm sure you're not ignorant enough to miss it, but others may have), by "The Wright Brothers", I mean the plane dudes. There may or may have been a band of the same name, but I mean the plane dudes. This is an example of a joke. A very weak, unfunny joke.

ZZ Top? It was formed in 1969...

this is probably closest to the truth...

The band was formed in 1969, consisting of Duane Allman (slide guitar), Gregg Allman (vocals, organ), Dickey Betts (guitar), Berry Oakley (bass guitar), Butch Trucks (drums) and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson (drums).

Duane Allman died not long after the album was certified gold, killed in a motorcycle accident in Macon, Georgia (at the corner of Hillcrest and Bartlett) when he collided with a truck in 1971.

Dickey Betts filled Duane's former role in completing the last album he participated in, Eat a Peach, which was wistful in tone. Chuck Leavell, a pianist, was added to replace Duane. Not long after the release of Eat a Peach, Berry Oakley died in another motorcycle accident, only three blocks away (near Napier Avenue and Inverness Street) from the site of Duane Allman's fatal accident. (The common retelling, that it was at the exact same site as Duane Allman's death, is incorrect, as is the legend that the album is named after the kind of truck.)

...so, no. Not in the running. :(

Fleetwood Mac lost one of their founding members when he dropped out and vowed to pursue a live of poverty (their guitarist Peter Green).

Fleetwood Mac lost one of their founding members when he dropped out and vowed to pursue a live of poverty (their guitarist Peter Green).

One imagines that it worked out less well for his retirement than staying in did for Lindsay Buckingham. ;)

In case you're wondering (I'm sure you're not ignorant enough to miss it, but others may have), by "The Wright Brothers", I mean the plane dudes. There may or may have been a band of the same name, but I mean the plane dudes. This is an example of a joke. A very weak, unfunny joke.

Ok, but there has been such a band, so I took you seriously.... they've been around for 25 years, though they're not very famous outside of Indiana and have changed some members over the years.

They did the soundtrack for and appeared in the movie "Overboard", starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Nine of their singles have hit Billboard's charts.

http://www.wrightbrothersband.com/

Ok, but there has been such a band, so I took you seriously.... they've been around for 25 years, though they're not very famous outside of Indiana and have changed some members over the years.

They did the soundtrack for and appeared in the movie "Overboard", starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Nine of their singles have hit Billboard's charts.

http://www.wrightbrothersband.com/

Really? Wow? I still meant the plane dudes.. but 25 years... that's a pretty good unintentional guess...