Gym Class Heroes
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Gym Class Heroes |
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Gym Class Heroes is an American band from Geneva, New York. The group formed when Travis McCoy met drummer Matt McGinley and decided to form a band. After the addition of guitarist Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo and bassist Eric Roberts, former members of Earl's Garage, they were signed to Fueled By Ramen and Decaydance Records, Fall Out Boy's bassist, Pete Wentz's, own independent record label, on which they released the gold-selling album As Cruel as School Children. Since that release, the band's single "Cupid's Chokehold" reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Clothes Off!!" peaked at #5 on the UK Singles Chart. Gym Class Heroes use live instrumentation. They have collaborated with Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump on numerous occasions, notably for providing backing vocals on the song "Cupid's Chokehold." Stump also produced the majority of their album The Quilt, which was released on September 9, 2008. Travie Macoy has also recently released a hit single 'Billionare' with Bruno Mars, which has been successful since its UK release in early May 2010.
History
MC Travis McCoy and drummer Matt McGinley became friends at their local high school's gym class in Geneva, New York. They officially came together in 1997.[1] The original GCH began playing college parties and BBQs, birthday parties, clubs, and festivals which eventually led to larger venues throughout the northeast, including four years on Warped Tour (2003, 2004, 2006, 2008). During 2004, guitarist Milo Bonacci (who went on to form Ra Ra Riot[2]) parted ways with the band and was replaced with current guitarist Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo. In mid 2005, bassist Ryan Geise left the band and was replaced by their friend, bassist Eric Roberts. McCoy won MTV's Direct Effect MC Battle and as a prize, appeared in Styles P's video "Daddy Get That Cash".[3] The group released three more CDs from 1999 to 2004, called "Hed Candy," "Greasy Kid Stuff," and "Papercut Chronicles EP". The video for "Cupid's Chokehold" features appearances by Katy Perry and Patrick Stump.
Band members
Current members
- Travie McCoy - lead vocals (1997–present)
- Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo - lead guitar, backing vocals (2004–present)
- Eric Roberts - bass, backing vocals (2005–present)
- Matt McGinley - drums, percussion (1997–present)
Former members
- Milo Bonacci - guitar, vocals (1997–2004)
- Ryan Geise - bass (1997–2005)
- Steve Decker - mpc (1997–2003)
- George Martin - dj (1997–2003)
- Jason Amsel - guitar (2000-2001)
Discography
- 2001: ...For the Kids
- 2005: The Papercut Chronicles
- 2006: As Cruel as School Children
- 2008: The Quilt
- 2010: The Papercut Chronicles II[4]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | MTV Video Music Awards | Best Group | Won |
| MTV Video Music Awards | Best New Artist | Won | |
| MTV European Music Awards | Ultimate Urban | Won |