{{short description|American punk rock band}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Me First and the Gimme Gimmes | image = Me First and the Gimme Gimmes at Newcastle Academy.jpg | caption = | image_size = 250 | landscape = yes | background = group_or_band | origin = San Francisco, California, United States | genre = {{flatlist| * Punk rock * pop-punk * skate punk<ref name="desperado">{{cite web |author1=SPIN staff |title=Me First and the Gimme Gimmes Cover 'Desperado' |url=https://www.spin.com/2006/10/me-first-and-gimme-gimmes-cover-desperado/ |website=Spin |access-date=October 25, 2011 |date=5 October 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inmusicwetrust.com/articles/37h08.html |date=Spring 2001 |first1=Alex |last1=Steininger |title=INTERVIEW: Me First and the Gimme Gimmes: Punk Rock's Ultimate Cover Band |publisher=In Music We Trust |access-date=October 25, 2011 }}</ref> }} | years_active = 1995–present | label = {{flatlist| * Fat Wreck Chords * Pizza of Death }} | associated_acts = {{flatlist| * Lagwagon * NOFX * Foo Fighters * Swingin' Utters * No Use for a Name * Bad Religion }} | current_members = * Spike Slawson * Joey Cape * C. J. Ramone * Jake Kiley * John Reis * Andrew Pinching | past_members = * Chris Shiflett * Fat Mike * Dave Raun }}
'''Me First and the Gimme Gimmes''' (often shortened to '''MFGG''' or '''the Gimmes''') are a punk rock supergroup and cover band that formed in San Francisco in 1995. The band's lineup consists of Spike Slawson, C. J. Ramone, Joey Cape, Pinch and John Reis. Dave Raun, Chris Shiflett, and Fat Mike are former members.
The Gimmes work exclusively as a cover band. They specialize in rapid-fire punk interpretations of a wide range of songs, often with a humorous edge. The band also incorporates melodies and riffs of classic punk songs into their performances.
The band is named after a children's book of the same name by Gerald G. Jampolsky and Diane V. Cirincione.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Jampolsky |first1=Gerald |last2=Cirincione |first2=Diane |date=1 August 1991 |title='Me First' and the Gimme Gimmes |publisher=HCI |isbn=9781558741911}}</ref>
On April 21, 2025, founders Fat Mike and Spike announced that going forward, the touring band will be called "Spike and the Gimme Gimmes."
==History== The band's first release came with 1995's ''Denver'', a 7" single released on band member Fat Mike's record label Fat Wreck Chords, featuring two John Denver covers. The band released four more singles in 1996 and 1997, each on a different label and named after the artist covered on that particular release, as well as some compilation appearances. Their first full-length album, ''Have a Ball'', was released July 29, 1997, and is still their best-selling record.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/me-first-gimme-gimmes-spike-slawson-interview/ |title=Me First And The Gimme Gimmes' Spike Slawson talks the status of punk music, and covering '70s soft rock |date=4 March 2019 |publisher=Tone Deaf |access-date=2020-05-14 }}</ref>
Each album by the band has a different theme: ''Have a Ball'' focuses on classic 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s songs by singer/songwriters like Elton John, Neil Diamond, and John Denver; ''Are a Drag'' consists entirely of show tunes, ''Blow in the Wind'' of '60s classics, and ''Take a Break'' of contemporary R&B songs (by artists such as Boyz II Men, Lionel Richie, and Vanessa L. Williams). Their fifth album, ''Ruin Jonny's Bar Mitzvah'' (recorded live at a bar mitzvah), consists of pop music from the 1960s through the 1980s by artists such as REO Speedwagon, Styx and The Beatles, as well as traditional songs like "Hava Nagila". The compilation album ''Have Another Ball'' features '60s–'80s classics.
The band entered the studio on April 3, 2006, to work on their sixth album, ''Love Their Country'', which was released on October 17, 2006.<ref name="MCLZ">{{cite web |author1=MCLZ |title=Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Bad Astronaut record titles and release dates |url=https://www.punknews.org/article/18612/me-first-and-the-gimme-gimmes-bad-astronaut-record-titles-and-release-dates |website=Punk News |access-date=October 25, 2011 |language=en}}</ref> The theme of this album is country and western, and includes covers of tracks by Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks, Hank Williams, Sr. and Johnny Cash.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fatwreck.com/news?page=3 |title=News: Fat Wreck Chords |publisher=Fatwreck.com |access-date=2011-10-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060821201830/http://www.fatwreck.com/news?page=3 |archive-date=2006-08-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Prior to the release of the album, Fat Wreck Chords released a digital label sampler, ''iFloyd'' which included "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky" by the band.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.fatwreck.com/ifloyd/ |title=Fat Wreck Chords Sampler 2006 |access-date=2013-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730051128/http://www.fatwreck.com/ifloyd/ |archive-date=2012-07-30 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In late 2006, Fat Wreck Chords released another digital label sampler, ''Christmas Bonus'', containing a previously unreleased cover of Steve Goodman's "City of New Orleans".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.fatwreck.com/xmasbonus/ |title=Fat Wreck Chords :: Christmas Bonus |access-date=2013-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070628134705/http://www.fatwreck.com/xmasbonus/ |archive-date=2007-06-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In August 2006 Me First and the Gimme Gimmes were scheduled to play three dates at PNC Park after Pirates games, but after they got booed on the first night, the next two nights were cancelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/2006/08/26/Band-strikes-out-with-Pirates-fans/stories/200608260163 |title=Band strikes out with Pirates fans |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |access-date=2015-04-21}}</ref> They were to play along with fireworks during the post-game "Skyblast" shows.
On December 5, 2007, Fat Wreck Chords released a flash MP3 holiday bonus sampler called ''Hanuk-Comp'' containing "The Boxer", originally released on the 1997 ''Garf'' single.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://s3.fatwreck.com/dreidel/player.html |title=Fat Wreck Chords :: From The Dreidel To The Grave |publisher=S3.fatwreck.com |access-date=2011-10-25}}</ref> There is also a downloadable podcast that features commentary from Fat Mike and Floyd during breaks between songs in which the next album is revealed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fatwreck.com/community |title=Community: Fat Wreck Chords |publisher=Fatwreck.com |access-date=2011-10-25}}</ref> The compilation ''Have Another Ball'' was released on July 8, 2008; it comprises all the B-sides from the ''Have a Ball'' singles, plus covers of "Sodomy" (from ''Hair'') and Diana Ross's "Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)".
Fat Wreck Chords released ''Go Down Under'' on February 1, 2011, featuring covers of five songs by Australian artists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fatwreck.com/record/detail/765 |title=Me First and the Gimme Gimmes :: Go Down Under – Records: Fat Wreck Chords |publisher=Fatwreck.com |access-date=2011-10-25}}</ref> On September 13, 2011 (in anticipation of a tour of Japan) Fat Wreck Chords released a five-song EP, ''Sing in Japanese''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2011/09/01/music/me-first-and-the-gimme-gimmes-cover-japan-tunes |title=Me First and the Gimme Gimmes cover Japan tunes |publisher=The Japan Times |date=2011-09-01 |access-date=2015-04-21}}</ref>
In a Reddit AMA on January 28, 2014, Fat Mike revealed the next album theme would be "Divas".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1weo7p/this_is_fat_mike_from_nofx_i_got_tricked_into/cf1a3ml |title=Fat Mike AMA |access-date=2013-01-28}}</ref> Featuring covers of Barbra Streisand, Christina Aguilera and Lady Gaga, ''Are We Not Men? We Are Diva!'' was released on May 13, 2014, on Fat Wreck Chords.
On November 30, 2018, they released a cover of "Santa Baby". thumb|Me First and the Gimme Gimmes in 2025 (Budapest, Hungary) On June 7, 2019, Chris Shiflett took part in a Reddit AMA. When asked about The Gimmes he revealed he is "No longer involved", although he did not specify exactly when he left the band. He noted that "When the Gimmes decided to start releasing songs that I didn't play on it was time for me to leave", adding in another comment that it was "on bad terms".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Foofighters/comments/bxw504/im_chris_shiflett_foo_fighters_lead_guitarist_ama/eqaabhy/?context=3 |title=Chris Shiflett AMA |date=7 June 2019 |access-date=2019-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128153232/https://www.reddit.com/user/chris_shiflett/?rdt=44002|archive-date=2023-11-28}}</ref>
In May 2021, the band announced a livestream event called ''Saturday Night Special''. The lineup for the show was Spike Slawson, Joey Cape, Scott Shiflett, CJ Ramone, and Pinch, with Fat Mike making a guest appearance.<ref>{{cite web|last=Moore|first=Em|title=Me First And The Gimme Gimmes announce 'Saturday Night Special' livestream|url=https://www.punknews.org/article/74726/me-first-and-the-gimme-gimmes-announce-saturday-night-special-livestream|work=PunkNews.org|date=May 21, 2021|access-date=May 21, 2021}}</ref>
In July 2023, the Gimmes "gave away" and performed at a quinceañera in Las Vegas. Few details have been shared but this is rumored to be for a new album, following up from their previous live album where they play a bar mitzvah. As of September 2023 it has been confirmed by Spike that this event was recorded by Fat Wreck Chords for an upcoming release, via an interview with him on 91X San Diego radio station. On April 9, 2024, the band confirmed the album will be released on June 14, 2024, and be called "Me First and The Gimme Gimmes Blow it ... at Madison's Quinceañera." It also released the first single from the album, a cover of ABBA's "Dancing Queen."<ref>{{cite web |title=Me First And The Gimme Gimmes announce new album, cover ABBA |url=https://www.punknews.org/article/82539/me-first-and-the-gimme-gimmes-announce-new-album-cover-abba |website=PunkNews.org |access-date=16 April 2024}}</ref>
==Members== thumb|The core lineup, left to right: Cape, Slawson, Raun, Fat Mike, and "Jake Jackson" (Chris Shiflett) * Spike Slawson (of Swingin' Utters and Re-Volts) – lead vocals (1995–present) * CJ Ramone (of The Ramones) – bass, backing vocals (2018–present) * Joey Cape (of Lagwagon) – guitar, backing vocals (1995–present)
'''Past members''' * Chris Shiflett (of Foo Fighters and No Use for a Name) – guitar, backing vocals (1995–2019) * Fat Mike (of NOFX) – bass, backing vocals (1995–2019) * Dave Raun (of Lagwagon and RKL) – drums (1995–2019)
'''"Fill-in" members for tours''' * Brian Baker (of Minor Threat and Bad Religion) filled in for Shiflett in 2006. * Chris Shiflett's brother, Scott Shiflett (of Face to Face and Viva Death), has been filling in for him on the band's most recent tours. * NOFX guitarist Eric Melvin filled in for Fat Mike on bass during the 2007 European tour and 2008 and 2013 Australian tours. * Adam Stern from Youth Brigade and Royal Crown Revue filled in for Fat Mike on bass; Mark Mortenson from Screw 32 filled in for Dave Raun on drums; Grant McIntire also from Screw 32 filled in for Joey Cape on guitar; and Barry d'live Ward from Rich Kids on LSD and Crosstops filled in for Chris Shiflett on guitar during the 1996 tour. * Warren Fitzgerald of The Vandals and Lindsay McDougall of Frenzal Rhomb filled in on guitars during the band's participation in the 2003 Livid Festival in Australia. * Since 2014, Jay Bentley of Bad Religion has been the usual "fill-in" member on bass for Fat Mike until CJ Ramone (see below) took over that role in the late 2010s. * On the Spring 2017 tour, Chris Cheney of The Living End and Lindsay McDougall of Frenzal Rhomb filled in on guitar for Chris Shiflett. * On their first South America tour in April 2018, Lindsay McDougall of Frenzal Rhomb filled in on guitar for Chris Shiflett. * Christopher Ward, {{aka}} CJ Ramone, joined for the 2018 Summer Tour, invited by Jay Bentley. CJ was back again on 9/8/21 in Columbus, Ohio to launch a tour opening for Violent Femmes and Flogging Molly. CJ was back for the 2023 Australian tour, and a crowd favourite. * Stacey Dee of Bad Cop/Bad Cop filled in for Joey Cape on (at least some) dates on the European Tour 2019, while Lindsay McDougall of Frenzal Rhomb returned to cover for Scott Shiflett. Dee also joined on rhythm guitar for the Winter 2024 tour of the UK and Ireland. * John "The Swami" Reis of Rocket from the Crypt. On 9/8/21 he made his debut opening for Violent Femmes and Flogging Molly. Swami was also a member of their Australian tour in 2023. Spike and Joey Cape were the only original Gimmes. * Andrew "Pinch" Pinching, drummer for The Damned. On 9/8/21 he was a Gimme in Columbus, Ohio. On 10/22/22 he was a Gimme in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. * Jonny "2 Bags" Wickersham of Social Distortion. On 9/8/21 he was a Gimme in Columbus, Ohio. * Jake Kiley of Strung Out is playing lead guitar for the Gimmies as of May 2023 * Andrew McKeag of PUSA on guitar and David Hidalgo Jr. of Social Distortion on drums during the 2024 Australian tour. * Dan Goatham, current bass player in Snuff, filled in on rhythm guitar during the 2025 Christmas UK tour.
==Costumes== The Gimmes have a gimmick of wearing quirky matching costumes during their live shows. Some of the themes match the albums, such as when they dress in cowboy outfits to accompany the album ''Love Their Country'' or in drag as various characters from musicals in ''Are a Drag''. They have also worn pajamas, red suits, cheerleader outfits, shiny suits and fezzes, and, during one show in Camden, NJ on the Warped Tour, dressed as the band AFI (who in turn dressed as The Gimmes). Their most common costume is a set of matching Hawaiian shirts of varying styles and colors.
==Discography== {{main|Me First and the Gimme Gimmes discography}}
===Albums=== * ''Have a Ball'' (1997) * ''Are a Drag'' (1999) * ''Blow in the Wind'' (2001) * ''Take a Break'' (2003) * ''Ruin Jonny's Bar Mitzvah'' (2004) * ''Love Their Country'' (2006) * ''Have Another Ball'' (2008) * ''Sing in Japanese'' (2011) * ''Go Down Under'' (2011) * ''Are We Not Men? We Are Diva!'' (2014) * ''Rake it In: The Greatestest Hits'' (2017) * ''Blow it...at Madison's Quinceañera!'' (2024)
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Me First and the Gimme Gimmes}} *[http://www.fatwreck.com Fat Wreck Chords label official web site] * {{cite web | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=B404tk6axqkrf | title = Allmusic entry for Me First and the Gimme Gimmes | year = 2007 | work = Allmusic | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071012150732/http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=B404tk6axqkrf | archive-date = October 12, 2007 | url-status = dead | access-date = April 8, 2011 }} * {{imdb name|3170048}} * {{discogs artist|Me First And The Gimme Gimmes}} *[http://www.soundscenerevolution.com/index.php?id=49/ Audio interview with Fat Mike and Joey Cape] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20090709160505/http://www.style43.com/news/2009/07/04/me-first-the-gimme-gimmes-live-review/ Me First and the Gimme Gimmes Live Review]
{{Me First and the Gimme Gimmes}}
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Category:Me First and the Gimme Gimmes Category:Cover bands Category:Fat Wreck Chords artists Category:Musical groups established in 1995 Category:Pop punk groups from California Category:Punk rock groups from California Category:American rock music supergroups Category:Pizza of Death Records artists Category:1995 establishments in California