Dillinger Four

ByLets Go Punk
Dillinger Four is a Minneapolis punk band formed in 1994

Dillinger Four, often shortened to D4, is a punk rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota that came together in 1994. Known for their mix of sharp wit, chaotic live shows, and Midwest grit, the band has released four studio albums while holding a special place in punk history. Since 1996, the lineup has included Patrick Costello on bass and vocals, Erik Funk and Bill Morrisette on guitars and vocals, and Lane Pederson on drums.

Early Days

The band was started by guitarist Erik Funk and bassist Patrick Costello, who had previously played together in the hardcore band Angerhouse. With guitarist Sloan Lorsung and drummer Lane Pedersen, Dillinger Four released their debut 7-inch, Higher Aspirations: Tempered and Dismantled, in 1995. Bill Morrisette replaced Lorsung before their 1996 EP, The Kids Are All Dead. Singles and compilation contributions from this period were eventually collected on the 1999 release This Shit is Genius. In 1998, they joined As Friends Rust and Discount on a U.S. tour, further building their reputation.

Albums and Tours

Dillinger Four signed with Hopeless Records, who praised the group’s growing international following. On Hopeless, they released their first two full-length albums:

  • Midwestern Songs of the Americas (1998)
  • Versus God (2000)

By 2002, the band had shifted to Fat Wreck Chords, where they put out Situationist Comedy. Their most recent studio album, Civil War, followed in 2008. Along the way, the band gained a loyal following through tours with punk staples and high-energy live sets.

Triple Rock Connection

Erik Funk co-founded the Minneapolis venue Triple Rock Social Club in 1998, which became an essential spot for punk and alternative music until its closure in 2017. Dillinger Four fittingly played the final show at the venue, cementing their connection to Minneapolis music history.

Recognition

Dillinger Four is honored with a star on the mural outside First Avenue, the iconic Minneapolis club that reserves stars for artists who have played sold-out shows or made major contributions to its cultural impact.

Discography

Studio Albums

  • Midwestern Songs of the Americas (Hopeless Records, 1998)
  • Versus God (Hopeless Records, 2000)
  • Situationist Comedy (Fat Wreck Chords, 2002)
  • Civil War (Fat Wreck Chords, 2008)

Live Albums

  • Live at First Avenue (2003)
  • The End. Live At The Death Of The Triple Rock (2020)

Compilation Albums

  • This Shit Is Genius (No Idea Records, 1999)
  • This Shit Is Geniuser (Anxious and Angry, 2025)

EPs

  • Higher Aspirations: Tempered and Dismantled (Cerebellum Records, 1995)
  • The Kids Are All Dead (Cerebellum Records, 1996)
  • More Songs About Girlfriends and Bubblegum (Mutant Pop Records, 1997)
  • D4! The Bootleg (Chadwick Records, 2010)

Split Releases

  • The Rebel’s Choice (with The Strike, THD Records, 1997)
  • Dillinger Four / Pinhead Gunpowder (Adeline Records, 2000)
  • Masters of War (as “Dylanger Four” with Brother Mark Treehouse and Atmosphere, 2004)

Compilation Appearances

  • “Farts are Jazz to Assholes” on Short Music for Short People (1999)
  • “Our Science is Tight” on Hopelessly Devoted to You Vol. 3 (2000)
  • “Maximum Piss and Vinegar” on Hopelessly Devoted to You Vol. 3 (2000)
  • “Like Sprewells on a Wheelchair” on Rock Against Bush, Vol. 2 (2004)

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