One Hit Wonder

by Eleanor DitzelA wholesome, fun-loving punk band, One Hit Wonder uses Long Beach, CA, as their focal point for playing. Dan Root, who provides lead guitar and vocals, previously played guitar for the Vandals in the movie Dudes. Chris Web, drummer formerly with No Doubt, also plays for Wax Apple. Randy Bradbury, bass player on One Hit Wonder's first two albums, left to play with Pennywise but returns occasionally to play with the band. Bradbury was replaced with Daniel Gadberry. Original guitarist Trey Pangborn was replaced with Ray "Bones" Rodriguez. Originally a pro-skater, Rodriguez switched to guitar, playing for Bloodshot and X-Members before joining One Hit Wonder. Rockworld released the band's first CD, Where's the World, in 1994. Clusterphukastuff came out two years later, released by Lethal. By 1997, NIT took the band under its wing and released Outfall, followed by Who the Hell Is One Hit Wonder in 1998. The band also did one track, "Madam's Apple," on the compilation Short Music for Short People, released in June 1999. With some formidable songwriting, the two full albums reflected the band's growth in the direction of punk rock that is hard-driven, deliberate, and fast -- yet melodic. This resulted in One Hit Wonder being nominated for Best Punk Band for the California Music Awards.