Biography Having just spent a crazy couple of days at the reefer smokin' capital of the world, Amsterdam (a trip taken 'cause it's gotta be the best place to see
the Fun Lovi The Fun Lovin' Criminals (name lifted from a New York graffiti artist) found their way to the
record collectors shelves after just six or so gigs at the New York nightclub, The Limelight. Huey, the band's frontman (guitar and vocals) started work there as a busboy back in 1993,
having got out of the US Marines – a 2 year stint he 'choose' in preference to the state penitentiary following a brush with the boys in blue for minor dealing of some shit he probably
should've known better about. Also, working on the phones, was Fast – so named for his lack of acting fast when answering calls. Fast (bass player and general all round musical genius) was
already messing with some techno type tunes, along with friend, Steve-o (ex-drums). The guys got on and it wasn't long before they were jamming along together – Huey adding his own
influences (and lyrics) to the sounds Fast was working on. The gigs they played at the Limelight were a result of being at the right place at the right time (or more accurately, already being
paid to be at the right place). After a briskly put-together set, played for a birthday party, got them recognised by the club, they were asked to 'fill-in' when booked in bands failed to show.
It was during one of these fill-ins that the band caught the attention of a music rep for EMI and a record deal was offered double sharp. That was back in 1995… Their debut album 'Come Find Yourself', released in 1996, sported a number of top tunes that ensured air-play (at least in the UK) and the release of the
(dare I mention him…) Tarantino movie sampled (Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs), Scooby Snacks. A self confessed 'true tale' relating some crazy weeks spent whacked on Valium pills and running amok in New York City.
For the next months they would find themselves just about on permanent tour in the States (with Porno for Pyros) and in the UK, playing at venues like London's Electric Ballroom. And
whilst, their musical sense of humour seemed to be falling on deaf ears in the States – they were gathering a rather frenzied appreciation society in the UK.
1997 and no sooner than they belched their last turkey sandwiches, they were back on the road. The re-release of Scooby Snacks in perfect timing with the 'cult fiction' phenomenon
hitting the UK saw the hit single was firmly listed as a classic cult tune. That, and touring the US with the likes of U2 (still trying to win over the American audience) and hitting the festivals in the UK. But this is where things get a little more strained... drummer, Steve-o (who got himself in a bit
of bother with the UK boys in blue – for allegedly making obscene phone calls and being abusive to someone at a ladies gym ("he went and asked for a rub down [a massage] and the
woman took it the wrong way")) decides to take a break from the band, and Mackie (former drummer for the 'Cro-mags', to name just one) stepped in as a temporary replacement for the
second stint of the tour early 1999. Still playing at sold-out venues in the UK (such as the Camdem Forum), but still not really making much of an impact in the States. Their US record
company has already shifted them over to Virgin, and now Virgin are looking nervous. And following disappointing sales in the US for 100%, they decide not to renew the band's US record contract. Duh! The band now seem to have got into the
habit of touring in the UK around spring time, doing some festivals in the summer, and doing another tour in the winter. And if they ain't touring, promoting or hanging out back in New York, then they were,
quite deservedly, putting their feet up at their now second base – Maui, Hawaii. Allowing Huey to master the Hawaiian
guitar, Hawaiian smokes, and whilst at it, make a short spoof detective movie, 'Maui Homicide 2000', premiered on their winter tour as a bonus extra. Christmas 1999 and the band's doesn't-quite-count-3
rd album is released. A collection of b-sides and covers, Mimosa (with a cover shot reminiscent of the 'Paradise Club' poster in
Carlito's Way) was an album for the fans. A chance to cash in on the Christmas spending? Maybe, but if your brother, sister or even your grandmother, has the good sense to buy you a
copy for Christmas, I sure as hell wouldn't be complaining!
Year 2000, and things go a little quiet in the FLC camp. This is the year for some time out and some time to concentrate on writing some new material. They still do some gigs though… it wouldn't be natural
for the Fun Lovin' Criminals to not be on the road! They do the odd gig in the UK (one in Ireland, one in Scotland, and headline the Hells Angel run, Bulldog bash, in England). Gig starved fans were
also treated to a couple of free 'promotional' gigs courtesy of One2One – so long as you managed to win tickets, of course. But no matter… you could always catch them on TV doing the Miller Genuine
Draft beer commercial! And the extra publicity worked well – their first single, 'Loco' (from the forthcoming same titled and certainly-does-count-3rd
album) goes straight into the UK charts at number 5. They may still not have a US record deal, but the promoters seem to have been working overtime in
Europe, with a whole bunch of official FLC web sites appearing throughout Europe. The first album produced with Mackie on the drums (now a permanent resident of the FLC camp?) peaks
at number 5 in the UK album charts. And, to get back into the old routine, the Fun Lovin' Criminals begin their UK and European tour. They'll also be doing festivals throughout Europe
in the summer and no doubt be back touring the usual venues in winter. We can also look forward to a DVD release and a live album. And this is where I came in… with the UK and European tour completed and my fond memories of the whole Amsterdam affair. Its hard to believe that things could fall so
smoothly for the guys right from the start (no take that back, having met them, I can see exactly how it would happen, they breathe smoothness for chrissake!) and over
what seems like a short yet action packed six years all I can say is they deserve every piece of luck that has gone their way. So with luck on their side, and the promise of
more great things to follow… what can I say other than 'watch this space'.
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n' Criminals do a gig or two given the bands smoke induced tunes) I now feel capable to
get down to the nitty-gritty introduction of the band for those of you not yet enlightened… Either that or my fingers are still tingling not through the need to write, but the after effects of way too much
indulgence of the herb. Either way, I'll light one up now, reminisce a little in my head, and do my best to get this shit together for you!
With all the touring, you might be surprised that in January 1998 the
band's second album, '100% Columbian' was released. Apparently recorded in just 4 days, and with a title dangling dangerously close to a Columbian Government lawsuit (yes, the Columbian Government did
object (why!?) and the album nearly became known as 'Roughin' Up Thugs'! (geddit?)). The album was more hard-hitting than 'Come Find Yourself' - the story's more dark, but with enough lightness thrown in
to ensure another couple of top hits (Big Night Out and Korean Bodega) and an accolade to Barry White (Love Unlimited) thrown in for a candy sprinkled topping. And still they continued to tour… this
time moving up to the likes of London's Brixton Academy and Manchester's Apollo theatre, and appearing at V98.
But things are far from over for the New York band. They still have a big following
in the UK – a trait that was rapidly spreading over Europe too. Not just that, but the smooth talkin', good looking Huey has become somewhat of a 'personality' in the UK, with 'trash' journalism speculating
on his every move (especially the moves involving beautiful female celebs!). Make no mistake; things are definitely looking good for the guys.
