PEGBOY: Chicago’s very own punk rock super-group
PEGBOY is an American hardcore punk band founded in Chicago, Illinois.
The band was founded in 1990 by John Haggerty — the previous guitarist of Naked Raygun, which was the first post-punk band to arise in Chicago.
When Naked Raygun disbanded the first time, Haggerty took the edgy metallic guitar sounds classic to Naked Raygun and formed PEGBOY with his brother Joe Haggerty (drums), Larry Damore (vocals/guitar), and Steve Saylors (bass).
PEGBOY is known to be one of the most iconic punk super-groups in the city of Chicago.
The fact that John was the guitarist for Naked Raygun has worked in tandem with Damore and Saylors’ history of playing in another hardcore band famous to the Chicago punk scene — Bhopal Stiffs. The musicians’ backgrounds has led the band establish ethos in the Chicago punk community as well as a loyal audience throughout the Chicago area.
In 1994, the former bassist of Naked Raygun, Pierre Kezdy, replaced Steve Saylors with the intention of becoming the permanent bassist for PEGBOY. However, when Naked Raygun reformed, Kezdy ended up leaving the band and Mike Thompson took the position.
Like Naked Raygun, PEGBOY has been known to use their music to tackle difficult topics.
The underlying messages in many of PEGBOY’s songs address heartbreak and loneliness — a topic many fans can relate to — but, beyond all the heartache metaphors, the band has gone even further to bring up issues of mental health.
The song “Strong Reaction” may seem like a simple song about heartbreak; however, the song also references symptoms and emotions often associated with depression.
I walk along to slip and fall on strong reactions
Keep my heart broken, never ever amend myself
That’s alright and that’s okay
These lyrics are taken from the chorus of “Strong Reaction” and reflect the feeling of helplessness and the belief that things won’t get better, which is how some people feel when they experience depression.
PEGBOYS sound is rough, yet melodic.
Though the band’s notoriety stemmed from it’s history with Naked Raygun and Bhopal Stiffs, PEGBOY has managed to create a sound unique to the band.
A sound that has since become iconic of Chicago punk music: powerful guitars, energetic drums, catchy choruses, gritty vocals and raw emotion.
Connect with PEGBOY:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PEGBOY-30647061682/
Myspace: https://myspace.com/officialpegboy
Sources:
“PEGBOY-Strong Reaction Lyrics .” Lyrics Freak, www.lyricsfreak.com/p/pegboy/strong+reaction_20737059.html\.
“PEGBOY.” PEGBOY-About, www.facebook.com/pg/PEGBOY-30647061682/about/?ref=page_internal.
