The Black Lips

Black Lips, the American garage rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, has been making waves in the music industry since their formation in 1999. Known for their energetic performances and rebellious antics, the band has built a dedicated fanbase and gained national attention.

The band was formed in Dunwoody, Georgia, by guitarist Cole Alexander and bassist Jared Swilley, who had left their previous bands. They were joined by guitarist Ben Eberbaugh and drummer Joe Bradley. However, their journey was not without obstacles. Following the tragic Columbine Massacre in 1999, Alexander and Swilley were kicked out of school due to their reputation as a "subculture danger."

Despite the challenges, Black Lips persevered and released their first 7-inch in 2002, featuring tracks from their debut studio album. Tragically, just days before a tour was scheduled to begin in December 2002, guitarist Ben Eberbaugh was killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Determined to honor their fallen bandmate, Black Lips continued on.

Their debut full-length album, "Black Lips!", was released in 2003, showcasing their unique blend of blues, rock, doo-wop, country, and punk. The album served as a tribute to Eberbaugh's musical talent. The band continued to evolve, with Jack Hines replacing Eberbaugh on guitar and recording their second studio album, "We Did Not Know the Forest Spirit Made the Flowers Grow."

In 2005, Black Lips gained national attention with features in Spin and Rolling Stone magazines. They released two 7-inch vinyls through Slovenly Recordings, further solidifying their fanbase. The band's major breakthrough came with their debut album on Vice Records, "Los Valientes del Mundo Nuevo," released in 2007. Although there were speculations about the album's recording location, Black Lips asserted that it was recorded live in a bar in Tijuana, Mexico.

Their second studio album for Vice, "Good Bad Not Evil," was released in September 2007. The band made their American national television debut on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, performing their hit song "O Katrina." They also made their UK TV debut on BBC3's The Wall, performing "Bad Kids."

In addition to their musical endeavors, Black Lips had plans to star in the film "Let It Be," where they would portray musicians in a fictional 1980s DIY band. However, they ultimately became disenchanted with the project and decided not to proceed.

Over the years, Black Lips continued to release albums and embark on world tours, gaining critical acclaim and expanding their fanbase. Their sixth studio album, "Arabia Mountain," was produced by Mark Ronson and featured the hit single "Modern Art." In 2020, the band released their ninth studio album, "Sing In A World That's Falling Apart," which received favorable reviews.

Black Lips' unique blend of genres and their rebellious persona have solidified them as a prominent force in the garage rock scene. With their energetic performances and dedication to their craft, the band continues to captivate audiences worldwide.