Ballyhoo! is an American reggae rock and punk band hailing from Aberdeen, Maryland. Formed in July 1995 by brothers Howi Spangler (vocals and guitar) and Donald Spangler (drums), the band initially included their friend Josh Farley on bass. In 1997, Farley departed, and Cassius King stepped in as the bassist. The addition of Scott Vandrey on keyboards in 2000 solidified the band's lineup, bringing a new dimension to their sound.
In 2000, Ballyhoo! released their debut album, "365-Day Weekend," under Hooligan Records. This was followed by their first EP, "The Green," in 2004. Their second album, "Do It For The Money!" (2006), produced by Jerome Maffeo, featured notable singles like "Cali Girl" and "Cerveza." The band's third album, "Cheers!" (2009), produced by Scotch Ralston, a collaborator of 311, further showcased their evolving sound. The release of "Daydreams" in 2011 marked their first under LAW Records, debuting at #1 on the iTunes Reggae Charts.
Subsequent albums include "Pineapple Grenade" (2013), "Girls." (2017), "Detonate" (2018), "Message to the World" (2020), and "Shellshock" (2023), each reflecting the band's growth and versatility. Ballyhoo! has made significant contributions to the reggae rock genre, blending elements of punk, alternative rock, and pop. Their energetic performances and catchy melodies have garnered a dedicated fan base. The band's music has been featured in various surf and skate videos, as well as compilation albums like "Forever Free: A Tribute to Sublime." They've also appeared in feature films such as "Beach Kings" and "Road Trip: Beer Pong." Their relentless touring schedule has seen them share stages with bands like 311, Dirty Heads, Tribal Seeds, and Slightly Stoopid, further cementing their place in the reggae rock scene.
As of 2025, Ballyhoo! continues to be an active force in the music industry. Their ninth studio album, "Shellshock," released in August 2023 under Ineffable Records, features collaborations with artists like The Elovaters, HIRIE, Iya Terra, Kyle Smith, and Tropidelic. The band remains committed to delivering high-energy performances and engaging with their fans through both live shows and social media platforms.
No upcoming shows scheduled.