One of the mainstays of the contemporary Punk scene, Pennywise formed in 1988 and have been going strong for 18 years. Having released eight full-length albums, an EP and one of the most highly-acclaimed live albums of the last few years, the band has built its reputation on uncompromising, assertive Punk Rock. Lead singer and prinicpal lyricist is Jim Lindberg who trys to bring an overriding positive outlook to the Pennywise sound, while still addressing serious political, social and individual issues. The band's most successful album was 1997's Full Circle, released the year after founding member and bassist Jason M. Thirsk committed suicide. The greatest criticism of the band comes from their lack of diversity, yet they have maintained a strong and loyal fanbase for nearly 20 years, becoming one of the legendary names of Punk Rock in the process.
