Bad Astronaut
Bad Astronaut is an American indie/alternative rock band, formed in 2000 by Joey Cape, the singer of punk rock band Lagwagon. The band is known for its departure from punk and exploration of a more alternative rock sound, with deeply personal lyrics often reflecting on complex emotions and life experiences.
History
Formation and Early Albums (2000-2002)
Bad Astronaut was founded as a side project by Joey Cape, along with drummer Derrick Plourde and bassist Marko DeSantis. The band’s sound was a significant shift from Cape’s work with Lagwagon, featuring more experimental and introspective elements. The band released their debut album, Acrophobe, in 2001 through Honest Don’s Records, a subsidiary of Fat Wreck Chords. The album combined alternative rock and punk influences with melancholic lyrics, setting the tone for the band’s future work.
In 2002, Bad Astronaut released their second album, Houston: We Have a Drinking Problem, also on Honest Don’s Records. The album received praise for its layered compositions, balancing melancholy with melodic rock sensibilities. Songs from the album delved into themes of personal struggle, alienation, and loss, distinguishing Bad Astronaut from the punk rock sound Joey Cape was known for in Lagwagon.
The Tragic Loss of Derrick Plourde (2005)
In March 2005, drummer Derrick Plourde tragically took his own life, a loss that deeply affected the band. Joey Cape announced that without Plourde, Bad Astronaut would not continue. Despite the grief, the band had enough recorded material for one more album. In 2006, they released Twelve Small Steps, One Giant Disappointment on Fat Wreck Chords. The album’s title and themes reflected the band’s emotional journey, particularly in dealing with Plourde’s death.
Breakup and Reunion (2006-2016)
Following the release of Twelve Small Steps, One Giant Disappointment, Cape confirmed that it would be Bad Astronaut’s final album, stating on the band’s Myspace page that “without Derrick, there is no Bad Astronaut.” While the band disbanded, Cape hinted at a potential b-sides release in the future.
In July 2010, Bad Astronaut briefly reunited for a series of live shows in California. These performances marked the first time the band had played live, as prior to that, their music had primarily been a studio project.
On December 2, 2016, Fat Wreck Chords announced that Erik Herzog, the band’s drummer after Plourde, had also passed away. This marked another devastating loss for the group, but Cape continued his solo career while keeping Bad Astronaut’s legacy intact.
Musical Style
Bad Astronaut’s music is characterized by its introspective lyrics and atmospheric alternative rock sound, contrasting with the fast-paced punk style of Joey Cape’s other projects. Their work often features themes of personal loss, existential reflection, and emotional vulnerability, with layers of cello, keyboards, and guitar arrangements adding depth to the music.
Discography
Albums
- War of the Worlds (2001, Owned & Operated – split with Armchair Martian)
- Acrophobe (2001, Honest Don’s Records)
- Houston: We Have a Drinking Problem (2002, Honest Don’s Records)
- Twelve Small Steps, One Giant Disappointment (2006, Fat Wreck Chords)
Music Videos
- “The Passenger” (2002)
Band Members
- Joey Cape – Lead Vocals, Guitar
- Marko DeSantis – Bass
- Derrick Plourde – Drums (Deceased)
- Angus Cooke – Cello, Percussion, Vocals
- Thom Flowers – Guitar, Vocals
- Jonathan Cox – Keyboard
- Todd Capps – Keyboard, Vocals
- Erik Herzog – Drums (Deceased)
