The Frogs (band)

The Frogs
The Frogs at the Aragon Ballroom (Chicago), December, 2008
Background information
Origin	Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Genres	Alternative rock, lo-fi, folk rock, acoustic rock, comedy rock
Years active	1980–2012
Labels	Homestead Records, Matador Records, Scratchie Records, Four Alarm Records
Website	http://www.thefrogsarchive.com
Members	Jimmy Flemion
Past members	Dennis Flemion Jay Tiller Brian Hill Damien Strigens Josh Silverman John W. Busher David Geschke

The Frogs were an American rock music band founded in 1980, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by brothers Jimmy and Dennis Flemion. The brothers mainly wrote and performed short, catchy pop songs, but they are also known for their improvised home recordings which are delivered in a comedic style, and often include controversial issues such as race, religion, and sexuality (notably homoeroticism). A history of strife has hindered the band, although a devoted fan base that includes many well-known musicians has supported the group.

Brothers Jimmy Flemion and Dennis Flemion began playing as the "Gila Monsters" and "Stupid Frogs" in 1980, frequenting Milwaukee clubs and coffeehouses. In 1983, bassist Jay Tiller joined the group. That same year, Jimmy began wearing what was to become his trademark stage gimmick, a pair of six-foot bat wings, inspired by the band's set list, which at that time featured many glam rock songs about death and gloom. Soon the brothers also began wearing wigs at their performances, and using pyrotechnics. Hence, "wings and wigs" became synonymous with the band.

Although in their early days the Frogs played mostly in coffeehouses, they developed a larger following due mostly to their fan-friendly shows.

In 1988, Brian Hill joined The Frogs as bassist; he continues to make appearances with the group.

That same year saw two significant events related to the Frogs' recording career. The first event was the release of the Frogs' first, self-titled album, which they began recording in 1986. Sources disagree on whether the album was self-released or released by Drag City Records; it is undisputed, however, that only about 1,000 copies were pressed.