Whitfield Crane (Lead Vocals)
Klaus Eichstadt (Gutiar & Vokals)
Roger Lahr (Guitar & Vokals)
Cordell Crockett (Bass & Vokals)
Mark Davis (Drums & Percussion)

In the early 1990’s, Ugly Kid Joe broke out of their hometown of Isla Vista, CA
and into the radio and video mainstream.
The band’s named was conceived as a humorous twist when they were opening
up for glam rockers Pretty Boy Floyd.
In1991, a mini-album on Stardog Records called As Ugly as They Wanna Be shot Ugly Kid Joe’s rock star status into high gear. The album spawned a major hit with the single “Everything About You,” where the witty lyrics and catchy hook made for a favorite that year. The album contains only 5 actual songs, with a quick musical number to end the entertaining white-trash metal. Songs like “Whiplash Liquor” and “Sweet Leaf/Funky Fresh Country Club,” a touched up version of a Black Sabbath classic, delivers the typical L.A. metal style that flooded radios in the late 1980’s.

The album is somewhat of a quick party pick up and may be viewed as nothing more than just a novelty album to some.  Although it’s nothing different from what was happening at that time, it is one that usually finds its way into your collection.

Guitarist Roger Lahr split the group and was replaced by Dave Fortman. America’s Least Wanted was released in 1992 and then Menace to Sobriety in 1995. Menace to Sobriety spawned another chart-topping single with their cover of “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin. To little reception, 1996 saw the release of their next album Motel California. At this point the band frontman Whitfield Crane joins Life of Agony and Ugly Kid Joe splits. Crane later leaves Life of Agony as well. A greatest hits compilation titled Very Best of Ugly Kid Joe: As Ugly as it Gets was released in 1998.

This is the line up right before UKJ spilt up:

Whitfield Crane (Lead Vocals)
Klaus Eichstadt (Gutiar)
Dave Fortman (Guitar)
Shannon Larkin (drums & Percussion)
Cordell Crockett (Bass)

Cordell joined Dark 32 in June 2001  after a break. Dave is a very busy man in the year 2001 because he is producer for many new bands. Whitfield is also busy with his new project "Medication" They have just finished a promo tour in November 2001 in England. Medication will release their first EP soon. 

This page is a biography where you can read the UKJ story.

Please contact me if you  have any questions or if you have any ideas for this website.

Rene_cobain@hotmail.com

© 2001 René van Woerkom - [\/] email