CKY

Originally based out of West Chester, Pennsylvania, CKY’s roots are grounded in vocalist and guitarist Deron Miller and drummer Jess Margera. The two met during high school, began playing music together and eventually formed the experimental metal group Foreign Objects in 1994. After the release of their debut EP “The Undiscovered Number & Colors”, the pair decided to take their music in a more commercial direction and changed the band name to Oil. With live bassist Andy Smith added to the ranks, who was later replaced by Ryan Bruni, the group released the EP “Lifeline” in 1996. With the subsequent addition of record producer and engineer Chad I Ginsbury, CKY (Camp Kill Yourself) was born, and the pop approach of Oil was dropped.

CKY’s debut album “Volume 1” was issued by Teil Martin and Distant Records in February 1998, accompanied by the unofficial compilation “Volume 2” the same day. In support, the band embarked on a small national tour and the 1999 Warped Tour, however were later kick off for joining a fan protest. CKY subsequently signed with Volcom Entertainment on the condition they change their name simply to CKY and album cover, which were both considered too offensive. Following Volcom’s reissue of the debut album, the band recruited Vernon Zaborowski to replace Ryan Bruni on bass, in anticipation of the year’s Warped Tour. In July 2000 CKY released their first official EP “Disengage the Simulator” and earned a host of exposure though their allegiance with MTV and the stunt show “Jackass”.

Featuring a more focused and polished alternative metal sound CKY’s sophomore album “Infiltrate Destroy Rebuild” arrived in September 2002 on Island Def Jam. Despite attempting to tour alongside Axl Rose’s doomed Guns N’ Roses reformation, the band rose above their Skate-associated peers and developed a huge and devoted following. The DVD “Infiltrate Destroy Rebuild: The Video Album” was released in November 2003, after which Zaborowski left and Ginsburg filled in on bass.

In 2005 CKY released their third full-length album “An Answer Can Be Found” once again on Island/Def Jam Entertainment. Earning a host of positive reviews the album was led by the single “Familiar Realm” and peaked at No. 35 on the Billboard 200. The band spent the rest of 2005 and the majority of 2006 touring internationally and subsequently signed with Roadrunner Records in December ’06. Recorded at Chad I Ginsburg’s Studio CIG, CKY released their fourth studio album “Carver City” in May 2009. Led by the singles “Hellions on Parade” and “A#1 Roller Rager”, the record charted at No. 46 on the Billboard 200 and earned a wave of positive reviews. The “B-Sides & Rarities” album followed in 2011 supported by the single “Afterworld”.