Camper Van Beethoven is an American rock band formed in Redlands, California in 1983, later based in Santa Cruz and San Francisco. Their style mixes elements of pop, ska, punk, folk, alternative, country, and world music, amongst other genres. The band initially polarized audiences within the hardcore punk scene of California's Inland Empire and then found wider acceptance and, eventually, an international audience. Their strong iconoclasm and emphasis on do-it-yourself values proved influential to the burgeoning indie rock movement.
The band's first three independent records were released within an 18-month period. Their debut single was "Take the Skinheads Bowling". The group signed to Virgin Records in 1987, released two albums and enjoyed chart success with their 1989 cover of Status Quo's "Pictures of Matchstick Men", a number one hit on Billboard Magazine's Modern Rock Tracks. They disbanded the following year due to internal tensions.
Lead singer David Lowery formed Cracker, David Immerglück joined Counting Crows, and several other members played in Monks of Doom. Beginning in 1999, the former members reunited and made several new records.
Also Known As: Camper Van Beethoven and the Border Patrol
Members:
David Lowery - lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards, bass, drums (1983-1990, 1999-present)
Victor Krummenacher - bass, baritone guitar, vocals, occasional lead vocals (1983-1990, 1999-present)
Jonathan Segel - violin, guitar, keyboards, sitar, mandolin, vocals, occasional lead vocals (1984-1989, 1999-present)
Greg Lisher - lead guitar, backup vocals (1985-1990, 1999-present)
Chris Pedersen - drums, backup vocals (1986-1990, 2004, 2015-present; 2002-2014 part-time)
Former members:
Chris Molla - guitar, pedal steel, keyboards, drums, vocals (1983-1986; 2002-2004 part-time)
David McDaniel - guitar (1983-1984)
Bill McDonald - drums (1983-1984)
Mike Zorn - harmonica (1983-1984)
Daniel Blume - violin (1983-1984)
Richie West - drums (1984)
Anthony Guess - drums (1985)
Eugene Chadbourne - guitar, banjo (1986, studio sessions only)
Don Lax - violin (1989, studio sessions only)
Morgan Fichter - violin, vocals (1989-1990)
Frank Funaro - drums, backup vocals (2000-2004 as guest, 2004-2013 as member, mostly for live dates)
Kenny Margolis - keyboards, accordion (2000-2006 as guest)
From: Redlands, California, U.S.
Genre(s):
Alternative rock,
college rock,
indie rock,
psychedelic rock,
world fusion
Active From: 1983-1990, 1999-present