Gypsy Fly

ByLets Go Punk
gypsy fly

Gypsy Fly, also known as Gypsyfly, emerged as a dynamic American punk rock band in 1998, hailing from Carol Stream, Illinois. Despite being named after Jimi Hendrix and Curtis Mayfield references, the band’s musical style diverges significantly from the iconic figures. Described as “an undeniably catchy mix of metal and pop punk,” Gypsy Fly carved its niche in the punk rock scene.

Band Members

Current Members and Aliases

  • Tom Hultsch (Tommy2K) – lead vocals and guitar
  • Jay Diebert (Jimmy James) – bass
  • Dave Hultsch (Ash) – drums

Former Members

  • Troy Thompson – lead vocals (1998–2003)
  • Zach Pospisil – bass (1998–2003)

Early Years: Self-Titled Album (1998-2000)

Gypsy Fly originated in 1998 at Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, sharing the same alma mater as The Smashing Pumpkins’ frontman Billy Corgan. The original lineup comprised Troy Thompson (lead vocals), Tom Hultsch (guitar), Zach Pospisil (bass), and Dave Hultsch (drums). Following the self-release of their debut album, Gypsy Fly swiftly gained local and national attention, securing interviews with Chicago’s WZRD (88.3 FM) radio, local shows at Afternight Soundstage in Melrose Park, Illinois, televised appearances on local stations, and a performance on The Jenny Jones Show. Their single “Stripper Girlfriend” garnered radio attention and in-store plays.

Bittersweetness: Pink Lavender (2000-2003)

Following the success of their debut, Gypsy Fly delved deeper into indie influences for their second album, drawing inspiration from artists like Ben Lee, Rancid, Black Flag, Idlewild, Pavement, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. This unique sound earned them recognition, winning a slot at the House of Blues and participating in the Vans Warped Tour. In 2003, Zach departed, and Troy followed suit, marking a transition period for the band.

Transformation: Labeled (2005-2007)

With Tom taking over lead vocals, Gypsy Fly released an EP and earned an honorable mention for their original song “Young Again” from the Annual Billboard World Songwriting Contest. Radio DJ James Van Osdol showcased their track “Disappear” regularly on 94.7 “The Zone” (WZZN-FM), with “California” praised as the standout with a strong bass line and creative vocals.

New Beginning: Breathing Air (2007-2009)

Their first full-length album as a restructured band, “Breathing Air,” maintained a guitar-driven essence but embraced a more poppy sound. The band gained visibility through various platforms, including a video for “I Wanna Get Off” shot by Lou Hinkhouse, known for working with The Smashing Pumpkins.

New Attitude: Silver or Lead (2009-Present)

“Silver or Lead,” capturing the band’s live energy, marked a more serious yet irreverent tone. Reviewed by Dean Ramos of Illinois Entertainer as a testament to the band’s coming of age, Gypsy Fly received extensive airplay, radio station interviews, and unconventional exposure on platforms like the Waddle & Silvy show on ESPN 1000 (WMVP-AM). Director Lou Hinkhouse returned to shoot a video for “Play with Fire,” using the same camera as The Book of Eli. Gypsy Fly continued to promote the album across various venues in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

Discography

Gypsy Fly (1998)

  • “Stripper Girlfriend”
  • “Down to a Science”
  • “Sun Called Shady”
  • “Over and Under”
  • “December”
  • “Leif’s Cure”
  • “Tumbleweed”
  • “Mangled Moon”
  • “Over a Lifetime / Neptune 9”

Pink Lavender (2000)

  • “Pop Song”
  • “Caterpillar/Butterfly”
  • “Butch Cassidy”
  • “Just Us”
  • “Sophia”
  • “Pink Lavender”
  • “Asshole”
  • “Fallen Down”
  • “Fans of a Feather”
  • “Tie it Together”

Labeled (2005) EP

  • “4 Deep”
  • “Thought It’d Last”
  • “Disappear”
  • “Young Again”
  • “California”

Breathing Air (2007)

  • “Intro”
  • “It Doesn’t Matter”
  • “Finish Line”
  • “I Wanna Get Off”
  • “Flash Flash Photograph”
  • “All You Needed”
  • “Torture”
  • “I’m Not Changing”
  • “I Go You Go We Go”
  • “Sure Shot”
  • “If You Follow”

Silver or Lead (2009)

  • “Intro”
  • “Play with Fire”
  • “Silver or Lead”
  • “Waiting for Sorry”
  • “Pass Me the Dynamite”
  • “You Don’t Know Me”
  • “You’re Gonna Get It”
  • “Heart Caves In”
  • “Forever”
  • “The Night Day Ended”

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