Biography All Music Guide Wikipedia
All Music Guide:
Pop-punks 22 Jacks were led by former Wax frontman Joe Sib and guitarist Steve Soto, an alumnus of the Adolescents and Agent Orange. Formed in late 1995, the group recorded its 1996 debut, Uncle Bob, with guitarist Jason Cropper, bassist Scott Shiflett, and drummer Sandy Hansen, all three of whom exited in the wake of the record's completion; with new guitarist Bill Fraenza, bassist Kelly Lemieux, and drummer Jose Medeles, 22 Jacks hit the road before returning to the studio to record 1998's Overserved. Going North followed a year later.
Wikipedia:
22 Jacks is an American punk rock supergroup, consisting of members of Wax, The Breeders, The Adolescents and Royal Crown Revue. They were active from 1995 to 2001, and again from 2007 on.
Career
In late 1995, Joe Sib after the breakup of his band Wax, decided to get together with long time friend Steve Soto (former member of The Adolescents and Agent Orange) to write some material. They started writing songs and soon noticed that something special was taking place. They soon gathered Sandy Hansen (The Adolescents), Scott Shiflett (Face to Face), and Jason Cropper (Weezer) to form 22 Jacks. In February 1996, 22 Jacks went to The Sandbox studio in Los Angeles and recorded 12 songs which became the "Uncle Bob" record. With the three final additions to the band already having prior commitments, Sib and Soto went on a search for replacements to solidify the lineup. They found Kelly LeMieux (Fear), Jose Medeles (The Breeders, and Face to Face), and Bill Fraenza.
Before a fourth album could be recorded, 22 Jacks called it quits around 2001 as Sib left the band to concentrate on the future of SideOneDummy Records. Following the breakup, Soto went on to reform The Adolescents and Medeles also joined the reunion of The Breeders as their new drummer.
During its six year lifespan 22 Jacks toured with numerous bands, including Reel Big Fish, Lit, The Bloodhound Gang, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Goldfinger, Social Distortion, Bouncing Souls, Unwritten Law, Face to Face, Voodoo Glow Skulls, and Ten Foot Pole. They also sang back up for Joey Ramone on a song for a Cheap Trick Tribute album. This helped spark a friendship that lead to Joey Ramone showing up at 22 Jacks concerts and even singing a song or two with them.
Reunion
On December 13, 2007, Punkbands.com reported that 22 Jacks had reformed to play three shows in California in January 2008, making it their first performance together since breaking up in 2001. On one of the dates, they were supported by Social Distortion. It was also announced that there may be a follow-up to that tour. As of this moment, the band has not yet expressed plans for a new studio album.
