The Expendables Tickets

The Expendables - Redefining the Sounds of Reggae, Ska, and Punk

For over 20 years the Expendables have been a staple in the surf, reggae and punk scene. From their humble beginnings in Santa Cruz 1997 to their rise to prominence, the Expendables have created an incomparable sound and amassed legions of dedicated fans.

History and Origin

Named after the "Expendables" movies and comic book characters, the Expendables went through a series of lineup changes before settling in on the members that formed their classic sound. Hailing from Santa Cruz, the original band was born out of the previously existing reggae, punk and ska fusion of the day. Previous members include Adam Patterson (vocals, guitar), Ryan DeMars (bass), AND Riggs (drums).

The band’s unique collaboration of punk and reggae influences lead to the building of their sound and subsequent fame. Between 1997 and 2001 the Expendables had a increasing level of success laid out in small venues, as well as with their debut album “Gettin’ Filthy.”

The band’s break-through recognizable moment came with their 2002 release, “Open Container.” With an increased sound and bold, aggressive lyrics “Open Container” saw critical success as well as increasing airplay. Their 2003 album release “No Time To Worry” expanded their appeal to an even wider audience.

Inspirations and Influences

Throughout their experience, the band has enjoyed a heavy influence from the genres of both punk and reggae, with some of their earliest inspirations being groups like Sublime, The Dirty Heads, and311.

The Expendables have also been cited for their dance hall style, often collaborating with legendary reggae artists such as Pato Banton and Sly and Robbie to provide that reggae twist to their sound.

Notable Songs

The Expendables have a number of songs that are instantly recognizable to their fan base. These include, “Ganja Smuggling,” “Sacrifice,” and “Down in the Jungle.” These tracks have traveled the globe, appearing on the legendary West Coast dub sets of DJ Vadim, and Reggae fusion broadcasts of KCRW amongst a list of many more.

The Present

The Expendables have seen success in the new millennium, recently releasing two albums: “Prove It” (2011) and “Sand in the Sky” (2014). With their classic sound combined with their new influences, the Expendables are still a powerful force in the surf and reggae scenes today.

From gaining credibility in the small clubs of Santa Cruz, the Expendables have made their mark on the world with their signature blend of punk and reggae. With an ever-expanding audience and legendary status, the Expendables are an iconic and must see band for both surf and reggae fans.