Photo by Keith Claunch
After an 18-year hiatus, Chicago's power-pop-punk stalwarts, Woolworthy, have returned with a brand new record, Electric Heartbreak, on their long-time label Boss Tuneage Records. A cornerstone of the 90s and early 2000s Chicago scene, Woolworthy carved their niche with raw, infectious pop-punk anthems that exude raw energy and spirit. Composed of members deeply entrenched in Chicago's music scene, Woolworthy's lineup boasts individuals who've left their mark in bands such as The Dead On, Caviar, Loud Lucy, Dan Vapid and The Cheats, Muchacha, The Assembly, Textbook, and more. Their collective experience not only fortifies the band's identity but also infuses their music with a diverse range of influences, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with fans across the punk and alternative spectrum.
Photo by Keith Claunch
Woolworthy is a dynamic power-pop-punk band hailing from the vibrant Chicago music scene that
launched bands like Verca Salt, Smoking Popes, The Bollweevils, Local H and many more.
Formed by members Rudy
Gonzalez (vocals/guitar) and Rick Uncapher (bass), the band burst onto the local
scene in 1995, playing their raw and energetic songs influenced by bands like The
Replacements, early Goo Goo Dolls, Soul Asylum, and Green Day.
Drawing inspiration from the DIY ethos of the punk scene, they self-released two
LPs and booked countless local shows before capturing the attention of Boss
Tuneage Records, a London-based indie label best known for working with pop-punk
legends like The Asexuals, The Nils, and The Doughboys.
Under Boss Tuneage Records, Woolworthy released the "Blasted Into Ashes" EP
in 2001 and "Recycler" in 2002. The "Recycler" LP showcased songs like "Leap
Year" and "Wallflower" that highlighted their ability to combine catchy melodies
with high-energy pop-rock.
"One of the punk underground's best-kept secrets." - Kerrang Magazine
Woolworthy toured the Midwest, the UK, and Europe, sharing the stage with
notable acts of the time such as Plain White T’s, Unwritten Law, Sugarcult, Lucky
Boys Confusion, The Pavers, and Local H, but after numerous lineup changes, the band came
to an end in 2005.
Members of the band went on to play in or were involved with
numerous Chicago bands such as The Dead On, Noise By Numbers, Textbook,
Caviar, Loud Lucy, Muchacha, Dan Vapid and the Cheats, and The Cells.
Flash forward to October 2023 and the band is back with a brand new album
called “Electric Heartbreak” due November 17th on their longtime label Boss
Tuneage Records. Recorded by Jeff Dean (Samiam, Braid) and mixed and mastered by
Mike Hagler (Wilco, The Mekons, Waco Brothers), this is the bands first new
music in 21 years. Anchored by the classic line-up of Rudy Gonzalex -
vocals/guitar, Rick Uncapher - bass, Mark Doyle - drums, and Dave Suh - lead
guitar/vocals, the record picks up right where they left off - playing up-tempo,
anthemic rock and roll.