Comprised of band leader, vocalist and guitarist Danko Jones, bassist John Calabrese, and drummer Rich Knox, the group first appeared in 1996. For two years Danko Jones patiently raised their profile through word of mouth live performances including supporting the likes of The New Bomb Turks, Nashville Pussy, The Make-Up, and The Chrome Cranks. By 1998 the group decided to head to the studio and recorded a self-produced collection of songs, released as the EP “Danko Jones”. Issued by Sonic Unyon Records, the EP raised the band’s profile as did its successor “My Love Is Bold” in 1999. Led by the single “Bounce” which generated national radio play, the EP was subsequntly nominated for the 2000 Juno Award for Best Alternative Album.
The compilation “I’m Alive and On Fire” arrived in 2001 on Bad Taste Records, which was promoted by a European tour including shows in Denmark and Sweden. Despite having not released a full-length album, the band’s European popularity far outweighed their success in the U.S., with future tours featuring a host of European dates. In 2002 Danko Jones released their debut studio album “Born A Lion” on Bad Taste Records. Earning popular reviews from the critical press, the album was supported by intense touring including an opening slot on The Rolling Stones’ “40 Licks” World Tour.
Two years later the band’s sophomore album “We Sweat Blood” hit the shelves earning two Juno nominations for Best Rock Album and Best Video (“Lovercall”). Despite being dropped from Universal Canada’s roster, Danko Jones marched soon undeterred and toured alongside Turbonegro, Sepultura, and The Bronx in America before heading once again to Europe. Following shows in the Netherlands, Germany, and South Africa, the band released their third studio album “Sleep Is the Enemy” in February 2006. Marked by their first Canadian tour in four years, the record was followed by months of intense touring. In 2008 Danko Jones issued the full-length “Never Too Loud”, produced by Nick Raskulinecz, followed by the studio album “Below the Belt” in 2010.
The following year Danko Jones released the EP “Mouth to Mouth” and embarked on another tour to test out new material. The full-length “Rock and Roll Is Black and Blue” subsequently arrived in 2012, led by the single “Just a Beautiful Day”, followed by “Fire Music” in 2015.
Toronto band Danko Jones have been active on the circuit for over fifteen years now and have amassed a following many bands would envy. They may not be constantly appearing on charts yet they have an arguably better work process as they are able to record and release new material and head out across the globe almost instantly as they pair travelling with visiting their fans.
Lead vocalist and the band's namesake Danko Jones clearly loves what he does as he takes to the stage to perform. They are not an over the top or charismatic band yet you watch the musicians intermingle and jam out together it is clear they are enjoying playing for the crowds. The audience applauds and cheers in all the right places and Danko thanks them for coming out tonight and allowing them to continue touring around. They have been to the UK a number of times yet with every visit the crowds seem to grow larger and the appreciation for the likes of 'Sugar High' and 'Full of Regret' is bigger still.
sean-ward
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