History

Alexisonfire consists of five friends who formed a band in late 2001 as the result of a three-band break up. They played their very first show on tour in Denver, Colorado on March 27, 2001. The band's name is a sort-of homage to Alexis Fire, who claimed to be the world's only lactating contortionist stripper ^[3]. This caused problems when she discovered that they were using her website name as their band name, and threatened to sue. However, since she had never trademarked the title, nothing became of these threats. The band released its first EP, Math Sheet Demos in 2002 so named because the CD was wrapped in former drummer, Jesse Ingelevics' math homework. The first, self-titled studio album Alexisonfire was released that same year. Initially they faced hard times and received virtually no radio airtime, which continues to stand true today regardless of their popularity. This didn't hold the band back though, they broke out, gaining notoriety in the underground, and eventually mainstream with the support of MuchMusic.

Fanbase

While their largest fanbase is in their home country of Canada, they are also becoming more popular in other parts of the world. In early 2005 they toured Europe and Australia with Rise Against. Numerous European venues sold out or had to be upgraded to accommodate the large number of fans. In October 2005, the band embarked on their first ever headlining tour of Europe with British bands, The Blood Roses and Johnny Truant. They were also on the 2006 Vans Warped Tour, where they have stated on their MySpace account that they turned down the mainstage for the Canadian venues.

Trivia

Each member of Alexisonfire has the word "Yeti" tattooed on themselves. They each got these tattoos in Glasgow, Scotland in October 2005 when on tour with Johnny Truant and The Blood Roses. Every member of Johnny Truant and The Blood Roses also have the same tattoo. On an episode of The New Music, which airs on MuchMusic, George and Dallas reveal that the inspiration for their "Yeti" tattoos came from the 1988 Gary Oldman film The Firm.

Awards/Nominations

Band Members

Active Members

• George Pettit- Vocals
• Dallas Green - Guitar, vocals, piano
• Wade MacNeil - Guitar, vocals
• Chris Steele - Bass Guitar
• Jordan "Ratbeard" Hastings - Drums

Departed Members

Jesse Ingelevics

As of June 14th, 2005, Alexisonfire made a statement on their website that Jesse Ingelevics, the band's drummer is no longer part of the band. The news story cited that the band and Ingelevics had slowly grown apart, and that he wanted to spend more time with his family and his fiancee. Former drummer of Jersey, Jordan Hastings (amiably nicknamed Ratbeard), is now the current drummer of Alexisonfire. The song 'Keep It On Wax' off the new Crisis album is about Jesse Ingelevics and his constant trash talking.

Side Projects

City and Colour

City and Colour is Dallas Green's solo side project, under which he has released an EP, The Death of Me, and a studio album, Sometimes; both under the label Dine Alone Records. The Alexisonfire song, "Where No One Knows", was originally (in part) a song by Dallas Green (as City and Colour). That song is called Sam Malone.

The Black Lungs

The Black Lungs is a band formed by Wade MacNeil. Originally its members were George Pettit, Jordan "Ratbeard" Hastings and Sean McNabb of the now dissolved band Jersey. After playing a few shows the band broke up leaving only Wade MacNeil. The Black Lungs is now Wade MacNeil's solo project. Sammi Bogdanski plays the piano over Wade's vocals and guitar. Wade has recorded an album which will be released on Dine Alone Records sometime in the autumn 2006. Two tracks have been released onto MySpace.

Untitled George Side Project

George Pettit played a show on September 1, 2006 in a band with members of Attack in Black, Keep It Up and more. They played four songs and announced an album later this year.

Fucked Up

George Pettit, from time to time, plays bass for a Toronto hardcore band by the name of Fucked Up.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Alexisonfire (2002)
• Watch Out! (2004)
• Crisis (2006)

EPs

• Math Sheet Demos (2002)
• Pink Heart Skull Sampler (2002)
• Brown Heart Skull Sampler (2004)
• The Switcheroo Series: Alexisonfire vs. Moneen (Split EP with the band Moneen) (2005)

Soundtracks

• Trailerpark Boys Soundtrack Sweet Leaf (Black Sabbath Cover)

Videography

Notes

Find out more about Alexisonfire on Wikipedia