Gang Green

ByLets Go Punk
Gang Green is an iconic American punk rock band from Braintree

Gang Green is an American punk rock band from Braintree, Massachusetts, formed in 1980 by Chris Doherty (guitar), Bill Manley (bass), and Mike Dean (drums). The band has been a significant influence on the East Coast hardcore punk scene and later ventured into crossover thrash and speed metal in the late 1980s. Despite lineup changes and multiple hiatuses, Doherty has kept Gang Green active, and the band continues to perform today.

History

Formation and First Hiatus (1980–1984)

Gang Green first formed in 1980 with Chris Doherty, Mike Dean, and Bill Manley. They contributed seven tracks to the influential compilation This Is Boston, Not L.A. in 1982 and one track to the Unsafe at Any Speed EP. In 1983, the group disbanded when Doherty joined Jerry’s Kids. However, in 1985, Gang Green returned with the 7″ “Sold Out,” the first release on the Boston label Taang! Records. These early tracks were later compiled into the Preschool CD by Taang! Records.

First Reunion and Another Wasted Night (1984–1986)

In late 1984, Doherty reformed Gang Green with Chuck Stilphen (lead guitar), Glen Stilphen (bass, vocals), and Walter Gustafson (drums). This lineup gained national attention with the release of Another Wasted Night in 1986, featuring the popular tracks “Alcohol” and “Skate to Hell.” The album became one of the defining hardcore punk records of its era. The lineup disbanded in 1985, and the Stilphen brothers went on to form other bands such as Mallet Head.

Roadrunner Years (1987–1989)

Gang Green’s style evolved toward heavy metal by 1987, resulting in a deal with Roadrunner Records. The lineup during this period included Doherty, Fritz Erickson (guitar), Joe Gittleman (bass), and Brian Betzger (drums). The band released several albums, including Older… Budweiser in 1989. Gittleman later left to join The Mighty Mighty Bosstones.

Second Hiatus and Reunion (1990–2004)

After a brief hiatus in the early 1990s, Gang Green reformed in 1996 with a new lineup. They released the EP Back & Gacked and the full-length album Another Case of Brewtality in 1997. The band toured extensively in the US and Europe but became less active in the early 2000s.

Third Reunion (2005–2011)

In 2005, Doherty assembled a new version of Gang Green, supporting the Dropkick Murphys on tour. They continued to perform sporadically over the next several years, including tours in Europe in 2007.

2013–2018 Lineup and Beyond

In 2013, Doherty recruited Cincinnati musicians Chris Donelly, Dale Kishbaugh, and Sean Boyle for a new lineup of Gang Green. This version of the band continued performing and recording, releasing music as recently as 2023.

Band Members

Current Members

  • Chris Doherty – vocals, guitar (1980–present)
  • Mikke Brennan – rhythm guitar
  • Nick Hebditch – bass
  • Johnnie Luevano – lead guitar
  • Josh Goodreau – drums

Former Members

  • Ray Jeffrey – guitar
  • Chuck Stilphen – guitar (1984–1986, 1996)
  • Fritz Erickson – guitar (1987–1990)
  • Joe Gittleman – bass (1986–1989)
  • Brian Betzger – drums (1986–1991)
  • Walter Gustafson – drums (1984–1985, 1996–1998, 2005–2011)
  • Matt Sandonato – bass (1996–1998, 2005–2011)

Discography

  • Another Wasted Night (1986)
  • You Got It (1987)
  • I81B4U (EP) (1988)
  • Can’t Live Without It (1988)
  • Older… Budweiser (1989)
  • Another Case of Brewtality (1997)
  • Back & Gacked (EP) (1997)
  • We’ll Give It to You (2023)

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