88 Fingers Louie

ByLets Go Punk
88 Fingers Louie is an American punk rock band from Chicago

88 Fingers Louie is an American punk rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1993. Known for their energetic and raw sound, the band quickly made a name for themselves in the punk scene. After disbanding in 1999, guitarist Dan Wleklinski and bassist Joe Principe went on to form the widely recognized punk band Rise Against. However, 88 Fingers Louie reunited in 2009 and has since continued performing in various locations including Chicago, Canada, Belgium, Las Vegas, and Asbury Park. The band’s name is a reference to a gangster character from The Flintstones who sells questionable pianos.

History

Early Career

88 Fingers Louie was formed in 1993 in Chicago by vocalist Denis Buckley, guitarist Mr. Precision (Dan Wleklinski), bassist Joe Principe, and drummer Dom Vallone. The band released their first 7″ record on their own label, “Go Deaf Records,” that same year. After signing with Fat Wreck Chords, they released two more 7″ EPs, “Go Away” and “Wanted.”

In 1994, the band appeared on several split and compilation albums before releasing their next 10″ EP, “Totin’ 40’s and Fuckin’ Shit Up” in 1995. Shortly after, drummer Dom Vallone left the band and was replaced by Glenn Porter. The band then released their first full-length album, “Behind Bars,” on Hopeless Records on September 12, 1995, which received positive reviews.

Internal Struggles

As the band began touring more extensively, tensions among the members grew. Following their appearance on the “Chicago vs. Amsterdam” split EP, 88 Fingers Louie disbanded in late 1996 due to conflicts, including an incident where vocalist Denis Buckley allegedly urinated on drummer Glenn Porter. Despite the breakup, the band had recorded a new 7″ single, “The Teacher Gets It,” which was released in early 1997. Later that year, Fat Wreck Chords released a compilation album titled “The Dom Years,” featuring all the band’s 7″ releases on the label.

In 1998, the band reformed with a new drummer, John Carroll. They released their second album, “Back on the Streets,” and resumed touring. However, internal conflicts resurfaced, leading to the band’s second breakup shortly after releasing a split album with Kid Dynamite. Following the split, band members pursued other projects. Denis Buckley joined the melodic hardcore band Explode and Make Up, Glenn Porter played for Alkaline Trio, John Carroll drummed for Paper Mice, and Dan Wleklinski and Joe Principe formed Rise Against.

Reunion and Live CD/DVD

In August 2009, 88 Fingers Louie reunited for two sold-out shows, one hosted by Riot Fest and the other at Chicago’s Bottom Lounge. The lineup featured founding members Mr. Precision (Dan Wleklinski), Denis “The Grandpa” Buckley, and John Carroll. Although Joe Principe was invited to join, he was unable to participate due to his commitments with Rise Against. John Contreras filled in on bass, and previous drummer Glenn Porter played five songs during the reunion show.

The reunion show at the Bottom Lounge was recorded and released as a 78-minute, 26-track live album titled “88 Fingers Louie LIVES,” mixed by Dan Wleklinski at his Bombshelter Recording Studio. A DVD of the show was also released in 2010. The band continued touring and played several shows and festivals, including an Eastern Canadian tour, Groezrock Festival in Belgium, and Amnesia Rockfest in Canada.

In 2013, Nat Wright from Chicago’s Shot Baker joined the band as their newest bassist. That same year, the last pre-reunion lineup, featuring Joe Principe on bass, held a 20th-anniversary show. In 2015, the band played two back-to-back shows at Reggie’s Rock Club in Chicago and was scheduled to perform at Pouzza Fest and Punk Rock Bowling.

In 2016, 88 Fingers Louie embarked on small tours, first in Florida and then on the West Coast. In 2017, they released their first new album in 19 years, titled “Thank You for Being a Friend,” on June 30 via Bird Attack Records, followed by a European tour.

Band Members

Current Lineup

  • Denis Buckley – lead vocals (1993–1996, 1998–1999, 2009–2010, 2013–present)
  • Dan “Mr. Precision” Wleklinski – guitar, vocals (1993–1996, 1998–1999, 2009–2010, 2013–present)
  • John Carroll – drums, backing vocals (1998–1999, 2009–2010, 2013–present)
  • Nat Wright – bass guitar (2013–present)

Former Members

  • Joe Principe – bass guitar, backing vocals (1993–1996, 1998–1999)
  • Dominic “Dom” Vallone – drums (1993–1995)
  • Glenn Porter – drums, backing vocals (1995–1996)
  • John Contreras – bass guitar (2009–2010)

Discography

Studio Albums

  • Behind Bars (1995)
  • Back on the Streets (1998)
  • Thank You for Being a Friend (2017)

EPs, Splits, and Compilations

  • Happy Anniversary 7″ (1993)
  • Go Away 7″ (1993)
  • Wanted 7″ (1993)
  • Totin’ 40’s & Fuckin’ Shit Up 10″ (1995)
  • Chicago vs. Amsterdam 7″ (1996)
  • The Dom Years (1997)
  • 88 Fingers Up Your Ass (1997)
  • The Teacher Gets It 7″ (1997)
  • 88 Fingers Louie/Kid Dynamite (1999)
  • 88 Fingers Louie LIVES (2009)
  • 88 Fingers Louie Lives DVD (2010)
  • Get Off My Lawn 7″ (2017)

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