Avoid One Thing
Avoid One Thing was a punk band originating from Boston, emerging as a side project led by Joe Gittleman, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones’ bassist. The band’s self-titled debut album, Avoid One Thing, was introduced in 2002 under Side One Dummy Records. Initially conceived and recorded by Gittleman himself, the project evolved as he assembled a band for live performances.
Band History
The band underwent significant changes in its lineup before the release of the second album in 2004. Following the sudden brain aneurysm-related death of Dave Karcich, John Lynch joined the group. Subsequently, Delano departed, and the band continued as a three-piece unit. The collaborative efforts of all three members shaped their second album, Chopstick Bridge, released on May 4, 2004. This album marked a departure from their debut, showcasing diverse sounds. Amy Griffin and Gittleman shared lead vocals on several tracks.
After extensive touring until February 2005, the band entered a hiatus. Griffin engaged with Darkbuster as a guitarist, Gittleman relocated to Los Angeles and rejoined the reformed Bosstones, while Delano faced emergency surgery in 2006, prompting a series of benefit shows. John Lynch aligned with David Minehan and assumed drumming duties for The Neighborhoods.
The Bouncing Souls paid homage to Avoid One Thing by covering their song “Lean on Sheena” on the 2006 album The Gold Record.
The band regrouped, breaking their hiatus with the release of a new record in September 2019 titled Right Here Where You Left Me on Big Rig Records.
Members
- Joe Gittleman: Bassist, Founder (2002–2005, 2019)
- John Lynch: Drummer (2004–2005, 2019)
- Amy Griffin: Vocalist, Guitarist (2004–2005, 2019)
- Paul Delano: Departed during lineup changes
Discography
Albums
- Avoid One Thing (2002): Side One Dummy Records
- Chopstick Bridge (2004): Side One Dummy Records
- Right Here Where You Left Me (2019): Big Rig Records
The band’s discography reflects their evolution, with each album presenting a distinctive musical journey.
