Fun Lovin' Criminals: Biography

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Formed:

Jan 1, 1993

Genre:

Alternative Rock Music

Decades Active:

1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

Low

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

Much like G. Love Special Sauce, the New York trio known as Fun Lovin' Criminals hit the alternative airwaves with a blend of hip-hop beats, alternative style, and bluesy rhythms. The group was formed in 1993 by bassist Fast and drummer Steve, who had met in Syracuse while going to school; the pair formed a techno group but later moved back to New York City, where they hooked up with vocalist/guitarist Huey. FLC played around the area, and released their self-titled debut album in 1995 on the Silver Spotlight label. Signed to Capitol the following year, the group gained an alternative radio hit with their single "Scooby Snacks," from Come Find Yourself. In 1997, the band played stateside dates as U2's opening act on their ~Popmart tour. Eighteen months later, FLC returned with 100 Colombian, their first for Virgin. "Love Unlimited" and "Korean Bodega" were red-hot hits across Europe and moderate favorites at college radio in the States, but FLC failed to gain the critical acclaim achieved overseas in their native country. Trouble was brewing, for 1999 was a year of major changes for the Fun Lovin' Criminals. Founding drummer Steve-O left the band in February and was replaced by ex-Bad Brains/Cro-Mags skins man Mackie Jayson. Seven months later, as the band was wrapping up sessions for their b-side collection Mimosa, FLC parted ways with Virgin. Things would be pretty quiet in the FLC music camp for the next few years. Huey turned to hospitality business and between 2000 qnd 2002, he opened a lounge bar called Voodoo and DiFontaine's Pizzeria (named for the band's music publisher DiFontaine's Carting Asbestos Removal Company) in Dublin. Music didn't stay in the background for long; the Fun Lovin' Criminals joined Sanctuary after being dropped by EMI altogether in 2002 after issuing the compilation Bag of Hits. Welcome to Poppy's was lsated for a September release.

- John Bush MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide