Johnny Q. Public (sometimes stylized as johnny Q. public) was a Christian alternative rock band from Springfield, Missouri. Although their sound was wholly modern, it was influenced by bands such as Led Zeppelin and Cream.[1] In addition to their music they were known for their Charismatic theology, which they would dramatically display through audience participation at their live shows.[2]

Johnny Q. Public
OriginSpringfield, Missouri
GenresAlternative Rock, Alternative Christian music, Pop Rock
Years active1994 (1994)–2001, 2015 (one-off reunion show)
LabelsGotee, Roadrunner Records
Past membersDan Fritz
Shawn Turner
Nathan McCorkle
Brad Barnerd
Ken Bassham
Brian DuVall
Oran Thornton
Shawn Brock

History edit

When Johnny Q. Public signed to Gotee Records, its members were between the ages of fifteen and twenty-three.[2][3] Their signing came after producing a demo with Steve Griffith.[3] Their debut record, Extra*Ordinary, was released in 1995 and garnered the band mainstream distribution through Elektra Records[4] Dan Fritz would later refer to the period after releasing Extra*Ordinary as a "whirlwind of craziness".[5] Their song "Body Be" gained them national exposure when its video got picked up by MTV. They toured for three years before being able to pursue a second album, and during that time the band experienced some personnel changes. Around 1998 guitarist Oran Thornton married Christian artist Miss Angie, sister of guitarist Shawn Turner, and moved on to a band called Flick. Drummer Brian DuVall also left and was replaced by Nate McCorkle, former drummer for Morella's Forest.

Their follow-up record, Welcome To Earth, was released by both Gotee and Roadrunner Records.[5] Its sound shifted toward pop with hints of hard rock. HM magazine likened it to the Newsboys, stating that the band could easily receive radio play in both Christian and mainstream markets.[6] In support they toured with Bleach and Skillet.[7]

Johnny Q. Public broke up in mid-2001.[8]

2015 Reunion Show edit

No longer an active band they miraculously pulled together all line-up changes and rotating touring members for a one-night-only reunion show at a small club called Cartoons in Springfield, MO on Friday, May 22, 2015.[9]

Discography edit

  • 1995: Extra*Ordinary
  • 2000: Welcome To Earth

Members edit

  • Dan Fritz - vocals (1995-2001)
  • Shawn Turner - guitar (1995-2001)
  • Nathan McCorkle - drums (1998-2001)
  • Brad Barnerd - guitar (1996-2000)
  • Ken Bassham - bass (1995-1996)
  • Brian DuVall - drums (1995-1998)
  • Oran Thornton - guitar (1995-1996)
  • Shawn Brock - bass (1996-2000)

References edit

  1. ^ Brown, Bruce A. (July 1995). "Reviews / Extra*Ordinary". CCM Magazine. 18 (1): 63, 65. ISSN 1524-7848.
  2. ^ a b Powell, Mark Allan (2002). "Johnny Q. Public". Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music (First printing ed.). Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers. pp. 452. ISBN 1-56563-679-1.
  3. ^ a b Crump, Andrew (May–June 1995). "meet johnny q. public". HM Magazine (53): 18. ISSN 1066-6923.
  4. ^ Brown, Bruce A. (June 1996). "On The Beat: Rock / Alternative". CCM Magazine. 18 (12): 14. ISSN 1524-7848.
  5. ^ a b Bandoppler, Treble (September–October 2000). "Welcome Back Johnny". HM Magazine (85): 50–51. ISSN 1066-6923.
  6. ^ Van Pelt, Doug (September–October 2000). "Reviews / Welcome to Earth". HM Magazine (85): 65. ISSN 1066-6923.
  7. ^ "Hard News". HM Magazine (86): 25. November–December 2000. ISSN 1066-6923.
  8. ^ "Signings & Deals". CBA Marketplace. 34 (6): 139. June 2001. ISSN 1092-7239. OCLC 36184061.
  9. ^ "/> https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/concerts/johnnyQpublicReunionShow2015.asp"/>. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)