Voodoo Glow Skulls

Voodoo Glow Skulls
Voodoo Glow Skulls in 2006
Voodoo Glow Skulls in 2006
Background information
OriginRiverside, California
GenresSka punk
Years active1988–present
LabelsVictory, Epitaph, Dr. Strange, Asian Man, Smelvis
MembersEddie Casillas
Jorge Casillas
Frank Casillas
Steve Reese
Adam Chavira
Ian Baroni
Past membersEfrem Schulz
Jerry O'Neill
Chris Dalley
Vince Sollecito
Brodie Johnson
Ruben Durazo
Joe McNally
Helios Hernandez III
Mason Ball
Gabriel Dunn
Dan Albert
Mark Bush
Don Giese
Eric Fazzini
Jose Pazsoldan

Voodoo Glow Skulls are an American ska punk band formed in 1988 in Riverside, California, by brothers Frank, Eddie, and Jorge Casillas and their longtime friend Jerry O'Neill. Voodoo Glow Skulls first played at backyard parties and later at Spanky's Café in their hometown of Riverside, where they played shows with the Angry Samoans, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Firehose, Murphy's Law, and The Dickies.

History

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Their first recording was in 1989 – a four-song demo on a four-track machine which they duplicated onto about sixty cassettes on a home stereo then sold at shows.

In 1990, Voodoo Glow Skulls released their first 7-inch EP The Old of Tomorrow, a parody title inspired by the straight edge band named Youth of Today, with the help of local band Public Humiliation, and also booked their own DIY US tour.

In 1991, the band added a horn section to their live shows and recordings, due mostly to the influence of two of their favorite bands at the time, Fishbone and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The band's second independent release came out in 1992 with the Rasta Mis Huevos 7-inch EP for Signal Sound Systems Records. This label also released a glow-in-the-dark 12-inch EP titled We're Coloring Fun and the first release of The Potty Training Years on CD.

Voodoo Glow Skulls recorded their debut album Who Is, This Is? for Dr. Strange Records in 1993, gaining the attention of Brett Gurewitz, owner of Epitaph Records.The band then signed to Epitaph Records and released a further four albums. The band began to tour worldwide with their first European tour in 1996 followed by Japan, Australia, Mexico, and South America.

The band has been featured on several of Epitaph's Punk-O-Rama releases and has had music featured in video games, television and movies.

The song "Shoot the Moon" from the band's Firme album was used in the Pauly Shore movie Bio-Dome and the band's version of "Used to Love Her" (originally written and recorded by Guns N' Roses) is featured in the Mr. & Mrs. Smith soundtrack.

In 2002, Voodoo Glow Skulls signed to Victory Records. The band released three albums on the Victory label and continued to tour.

On January 18, 2012, the band released its self-produced ninth album, Break the Spell, through Smelvis Records.[1]

The band contributed a song to the 2015 Rancid tribute compilation Hooligans United.

The band appeared as musical guests during the second season of Lucha Underground in 2016.[2]

On June 3, 2017, Frank Casillas announced he was quitting Voodoo Glow Skulls, live on stage during a show at Alex's Bar in Long Beach, CA. The band has continued playing with Efrem Schulz from Death by Stereo on vocals. In 2021, the band released "Livin' the Apocalypse", their first release with Efrem Schulz on lead vocals. The band is currently working on more new material and still tours frequently. In September 2024, Efrem Schulz announced he was no longer a member of the band via his personal Instagram page. On September 30, Eddie and Jorge Casillas announced that Frank had rejoined the band and would join them for their October 5 performance at the Regent Theater in Los Angeles.

Members

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Current

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  • Frank Casillas - lead vocals
  • Eddie Casillas – guitar
  • Jorge Casillas – bass guitar
  • Steve Reese – drums
  • Adam Chavira - saxophone
  • Ian Baroni - trombone

Former

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  • Efrem Schulz – vocals
  • Jerry O'Neill – drums
  • Brodie Johnson – trombone
  • Joey Hernandez – saxophone
  • Chris Dalley – drums
  • Vince Sollecito – drums
  • AJ Condosta – drums
  • Ruben Durazo – trombone
  • Dan Albert – trombone
  • Jose Pazsoldan – trombone
  • Jay Armant - trombone
  • Joe McNally – trumpet
  • Mason Ball – trumpet
  • Gabriel Dunn – trumpet
  • Mark Bush – trumpet
  • Don Giese – trumpet
  • Jonathan Cestero- saxophone
  • Eric Fazzini – saxophone

Discography

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Albums

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EPs

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  • The Old of Tomorrow 7-inch EP – 1990 Goon Records & Drapes
  • Rasta Mis Huevos 7-inch EP – 1992 Signal Sound System Records
  • We're Coloring Fun 12-inch EP – 1993 Signal Sound Systems Records
  • Dogpile! 7-inch EP – 1993 Dr. Strange Records
  • Land of Misfit Toys 7-inch EP – 1995 Dr. Strange Records

Voodoo Glow Skulls compilations

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  • The Potty Training Years – 1993 Signal Sound Systems Records
  • Exitos Al Cabron – 1999 Grita Records
  • The Potty Training Years 1988–1992 – 2000 El Pocho Loco Records

Compilations

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References

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  1. ^ "Voodoo Glow Skulls Break the Spell". Boise Weekly. January 25, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2012.
  2. ^ "Voodoo Glow Skulls". IMDb.com. February 7, 2018.
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