(masslive.com)
A ska punk band that was mostly popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s is planning a reunion several years after they broke up, according to its controversial lead singer.
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones frontman Dicky Barrett said in an Instagram Story that he is trying reunite the band, an Instagram post from 23 Punk states.
“I want you to know I hear you! I am honestly, actively trying to get The Mighty Mighty BossTones back together,” Barrett reportedly said. “Please be patient.”
Barrett did not say if The Mighty Mighty Bosstones would come together for a tour, new music, or both. It’s unclear if any other band members have expressed an interest in joining him.
The Bosstones, sometimes stylized as The Mighty Mighty BossToneS, were formed in Boston in 1983, featuring original members Barrett, Tim Bridewell, Nate Albert, Joe Gittleman, Josh Dalsimer and Tim “Johnny Vegas” Burton as well as dancer Ben Carr, according to AllMusic.
Regarded as one of the first bands to combine ska with punk, The Bosstones developed a cult following before releasing their debut album “Devils Night Out” in 1989.
The band achieved mainstream success with its 1997 effort “Let’s Face It,” which peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard 200. The album contained the hit single “The Impression That I Get,” which topped the Billboard Modern Rock chart and entered the Hot 100 Airplay chart at No. 23. The Bosstones' other biggest hits include “The Rascal King” and “Royal Oil.”
The band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2002 as its members pursued solo projects, AllMusic stated. The Bosstones reunited for live performances in 2007 and released albums in 2011, 2018 and 2021. The Bosstones played their last show in September 2021 and announced their breakup in January 2022.
“After decades of brotherhood, touring the world and making great records together we have decided not to continue on as a band,” the Bosstones said in a statement at the time. “Above all, we want to express our sincere gratitude to every single one of you who have supported us. We could not have done any of it without you.”
According to the Phoenix New Times, Barrett revealed later that a major reason for the breakup was because he supported U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and his anti-vaccination platform. Barrett even produced a video for RFK Jr. to promote an anti-vaxx rally leading up to his 2024 presidential campaign, according to Rolling Stone. In 2022, Barrett also parted ways with “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after 18 years as the late-night show’s announcer because Barrett refused to get the Covid vaccine.
“I stand firmly in the things I believe in,” Barrett told the New Times last year. “So, OK, this is my candidate I support. I found out who he was, I’ve met the man. I didn’t take it lightly, and that’s who I support.”
Since the Bosstones ended, Barrett formed a new punk rock band called The Defiant. The supergroup also features Greg Camp of Smash Mouth, drummer Pete Parada of The Offspring, guitarist Joey LaRocca of The Briggs and bassist Johnny Rioux of The Street Dogs.
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