News
Following a decades long hiatus, Cleveland’s Whatever... are back with their first new music in 27 years. The band’s new 2-song Our Decline 7" won’t be out on Siren Records until November (pre-save), but today we are psyched to premiere the song ‘Among The Dead,’ which finds the band still effortlessly pulling off their signature mix of song craft and intensity.
Original members Ben Wrecked (vocals, guitar) and Matt Fish (drums) are joined by second guitarist Brett Moore (Sidecar, Night Sweats, Dead In London), and new bassist Peter Woodward (Sidecar, the Unknown, Restless Habs). They have a new album slated for 2025 and as well as plans to grace stages locally, regionally, and internationally.
From the edge of Cleveland in 1991, childhood comrades Matt Fish and Ben Wrecked began a musical journey. Propelled by their shared passion for punk, rock, metal, and a touch of mischief, their journey was marked by bassist lineup changes, fervent local and regional gigs, and a series of independent releases that garnered a dedicated following. Their alliance with Dead Beat Records and Runt Records in their early years helped set the stage for what was to come.
By 1996, the ensemble found its rhythm with Mike Slapface joining on bass. Their signature blend of aggressive yet melodic tunes found a home at Dr. Strange Records. Releases like the full-length “Youngsters” / DSR #69 and collaborations with label mates, notably Zoinks!, solidified their place in the punk rock scene. The addition of Brett Moore on second guitar further enriched their sound, leading to extensive tours across the US and Europe alongside bands like The Bollweevils, Zoinks!, The Gain, and The Feds. However, as the 90s drew to a close, the band took a step back, marking the end of an era in 1998.
Yet, 2023 brings a renaissance. The original comrades, joined again by guitar wizard Brett Moore and seasoned Cleveland musician Peter Woodward on bass, are rekindling their fiery spirit.
Upcoming Shows
- October 12, 2024 - T1 Fest - Reggie's Rock Club, Chicago IL - T1Fest.com
- October 19, 2024 - Five O'Clock Lounge, Cleveland OH w/ Blue Antidote and Public Squares
- November 23, 2024 - Yorktown Lanes, Parma OH - Our Decline 7" release show w/ The Heart Alarms