Down By Law

Down by Law are an American punk rock band formed in 1989 by former All frontman Dave Smalley, who remains the only original member. Known for their melodic punk style and long career, the band has released eleven studio albums and continues to tour and record. Though never achieving mainstream success, they’ve built a strong underground following and influenced many other acts in the punk community.

Formation and Early Years

After leaving All in 1989, Dave Smalley formed Down by Law with guitarist Chris Bagarozzi, bassist Ed Urlik, and drummer Dave Naz. Their first official show took place on March 10, 1990, at the Anti-Club in Hollywood. Signing to Epitaph Records, the band released their self-titled debut in 1991, produced by Bad Religion’s Brett Gurewitz. Their second album, Blue, followed in 1992, also produced by Gurewitz.

Punkrockacademyfightsong Era

By 1993, lineup changes left Smalley as the only original member. Sam Williams III (guitar), John DiMambro (bass), and Hunter Oswald (drums) joined, and together they recorded the band’s most recognized release, Punkrockacademyfightsong (1994). The album included a popular cover of The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” and received some MTV airplay. Down by Law toured extensively during this period, sharing stages with bands like NOFX, Bad Religion, Pennywise, and The Offspring.

Mid-1990s to Late 1990s

Following the success of Punkrockacademyfightsong, the band released All Scratched Up! in 1996 and Last of the Sharpshooters in 1997 before parting ways with Epitaph in 1998. They moved briefly to Go-Kart Records and released Fly the Flag in 1999. That same year, drummer Chris Lagerborg and bassist John DiMambro departed; Lagerborg tragically passed away in 2002.

2000s and Hiatus

In 2003, Down by Law signed with Union 2112 Records, releasing Windwardtidesandwaywardsails. Despite critical support, the album did not match their earlier success, and the band entered hiatus later that year. Smalley turned to other projects, while fans speculated about a return.

Return and New Material

The band resurfaced in 2008 with new songs like “Bullets” and returned to touring in 2009 after six years away. A signing with DC Jam Records led to the release of Champions at Heart in 2012, followed by the mini-album Revolution Time in 2013. Subsequent tours brought them back to Europe, including a run of UK shows in 2014. Smalley also performed solo tours showcasing material from his entire career.

Reunion Lineup and Recent Years

In 2017, Down by Law’s lineup stabilized with the return of John DiMambro and Hunter Oswald, alongside Smalley and Sam Williams. Together they released All In (2018) and Lonely Town (2021). Their latest album, Crazy Days, arrived in July 2024, reaffirming their commitment to melodic punk rock.

Members

Current members

• Dave Smalley – vocals, guitar (1989-present)
• Sam Williams – guitar (1994-present)
• Hunter Oswald – drums (1993-1996, 2017-present)
• John DiMambro – bass (1994-1999, 2017-present)

Former members

• Chris Bagarozzi – guitar (1989-1993)
• Ed Urlik – bass (1989-1993)
• Dave Naz – drums (1989-1993)
• Mark Phillips – guitar (1993-1994)
• Pat Hoed – bass (1993-1994)
• Danny Westman – drums (1996-1997)
• Chris Lagerborg – drums (1997-1999; died 2002)
• Milo Todesco – drums (1999-2003)
• Keith Davies – bass (1999-2003)
• Kevin Coss – bass (2008-2016)
• Jack Criswell – drums (2008-2016)

Discography

Studio albums

• Down by Law (1991)
• Blue (1992)
• Punkrockacademyfightsong (1994)
• All Scratched Up! (1996)
• Last of the Sharpshooters (1997)
• Fly the Flag (1999)
• Windwardtidesandwaywardsails (2003)
• Champions at Heart (2012)
• All In (2018)
• Lonely Town (2021)
• Crazy Days (2024)

Compilations

• Punkrockdays: The Best of Down by Law (2002)

Live albums

• Quick Hits: Live in the Studio (2019)

EPs and Splits

• D.C. Guns double EP (1993)
• Down by Law / Pseudo Heroes split (2000)
• Revolution Time EP (2013)
• Equators (s