Finger Eleven is a Canadian rock band formed in 1990 in Burlington, Ontario, originally under the name Rainbow Butt Monkeys.[1] The group, consisting of founding members Scott Anderson on vocals, Sean Anderson on bass, James Black and Rick Jackett on guitars, and initial drummer Rob Gommerman, evolved from high school friends experimenting with alternative rock sounds.[1] Over the decades, they have released eight studio albums, blending post-grunge, alternative metal, and nu-metal influences, and achieved significant commercial success, including multiple gold and platinum certifications in Canada and the United States.[1][2]The band's early releases, such as their 1995 debut Letters from Chutney under the original moniker and the 1997 album Tip after renaming to Finger Eleven, laid the groundwork for their heavier, more aggressive style.[1] Breakthrough came with their 2000 album The Greyest of Blue Skies and especially the 2003 self-titled effort, which went platinum in Canada and gold in the U.S., propelled by the chart-topping single "One Thing."[1] Subsequent albums like Them vs. You vs. Me (2007) and Life Turns Electric (2010) further solidified their status, with the former earning a Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2008 and the hit "Paralyzer" achieving quintuple platinum certification in Canada after 14 weeks at number one on rock radio.[3][2]Finger Eleven has earned two Juno Awards overall, for Single of the Year and Rock Album of the Year in 2008, and received nominations for later works like Life Turns Electric (2011).[3] With drummer Steve Mollela joining in 2014, the band continues to tour actively, including a 2024 stint with Creed, and released their latest album, Last Night on Earth, in November 2025—their first studio effort in nearly a decade—alongside a 2023 greatest hits compilation.[1][4] Their enduring legacy includes over 4.8 million monthly Spotify listeners and recognition as one of Canada's best-selling rock acts.[5]
History
Formation and early releases (1990–1999)
Finger Eleven originated in 1990 when a group of high school friends in Burlington, Ontario, formed a band initially named Rainbow Butt Monkeys.[6] The original lineup included vocalist Scott Anderson, guitarist James Black, guitarist Rick Jackett, bassist Sean Anderson, and drummer Rob Gommerman.[7] Drawing from the local indie rock scene, the band gained early traction as a cover band performing in area clubs and winning a rock band search contest that funded their debut recording.Their first album, Letters from Chutney, was released independently on April 19, 1995, through Mercury Records Canada, capturing a funk-influenced grunge sound reflective of mid-1990s alternative rock.[7] Recorded in a straightforward process with limited resources, the album showcased tracks like "As Far as I Can Spit" and achieved modest local buzz, selling out initial pressings in southern Ontario but remaining out of print for years.[8] This release solidified their presence in Canada's emerging rock circuit, though broader distribution challenges limited national exposure.[9]In 1997, the band rebranded to Finger Eleven, a name derived from lyrics in an early demo of their song "Thin Spirits," symbolizing resistance against overwhelming odds.[10] Retaining their deal with Mercury Records, they prepared their next project amid growing frustration with the original moniker, which they viewed as increasingly juvenile for their evolving style.[11]The band's second album, Tip, arrived on August 26, 1997, in Canada (with a U.S. re-release in 1998 via Wind-up Records after label troubles), produced by Arnold Lanni and featuring heavier alternative metal riffs.[7] Standout tracks included "Quicksand" and "Above," which charted moderately on Canadian rock radio—peaking at No. 28 and No. 34, respectively—earning airplay on MuchMusic and helping the album sell around 50,000 copies domestically. Despite this progress, Mercury's poor promotion and distribution led to the label dropping the band by late 1998, nearly causing a breakup as members questioned their future.[10]Early tours amplified these struggles, with Finger Eleven opening for acts like Our Lady Peace on select Canadian dates and playing festivals such as Edgefest, exposing them to larger audiences but highlighting management inconsistencies and logistical hurdles in the pre-digital era.[7] These experiences, while building a dedicated fanbase, underscored the instability that prompted their shift to Wind-up Records, setting the stage for broader recognition in the early 2000s.[11]
Mainstream success and self-titled album (2000–2006)
Finger Eleven achieved their initial mainstream breakthrough with their third studio album, The Greyest of Blue Skies, released on July 25, 2000, via Wind-up Records.[12] Produced by Arnold Lanni, the album marked a shift toward a heavier post-grunge sound while retaining the band's alternative rock roots, featuring singles like "First Time" and "Drag You Down" that gained traction on Canadian rock radio.[13] The record peaked at No. 17 on the Canadian Albums Chart and was certified Gold by Music Canada in June 2001 for sales exceeding 50,000 units, signaling the band's growing domestic popularity.[9] During this period, internal tensions arose within the group, particularly around the creative direction and recording process, as guitarist Rick Jackett later reflected in interviews about the pressures of evolving their sound.[14]The album's U.S. release in early 2001 included promotion of the song "Stay and Drown," which helped expand their visibility beyond Canada, appearing in media like MuchMusic performances and the Dragon Ball Z film Cooler's Revenge.[7] Despite these challenges, the band maintained cohesion, touring extensively to support the release, including slots on festivals that built their live reputation. This era solidified their transition from indie roots to a more polished rock act, setting the stage for broader commercial success.Following the momentum from The Greyest of Blue Skies, Finger Eleven remained with Wind-up Records after their earlier departure from Mercury following the 1997 album Tip. Their eponymous fourth studio album, Finger Eleven, arrived on June 17, 2003, produced by Johnny K at Groovemaster Studios in Chicago. The record debuted at No. 4 on the Canadian Albums Chart and No. 1 on the U.S. Heatseekers Albums chart, driven by the lead single "Good Times," which showcased their aggressive hard rock edge and appeared in video games like SSX 3.[15] The follow-up single "One Thing" became their signature hit, topping the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart for two weeks and crossing over to No. 16 on the Hot 100, while earning a MuchMusic Video Award for Best Video in 2004. Its inclusion in games such as Rock Band 3 further amplified its cultural reach.[16]Finger Eleven represented the band's commercial peak, certified Platinum in Canada by Music Canada and Gold by the RIAA in the United States for over 500,000 and 100,000 units shipped, respectively.[7] The success brought heightened exposure through tours, including a spot on the 2003 Vans Warped Tour and opening for Linkin Park on the Projekt Revolution tour alongside acts like Korn and Chevelle.[17] Appearances on MuchMusic and U.S. shows like The Tonight Show underscored their rising profile, though the rapid fame tested band dynamics with increased pressures, yet they credited their long-standing friendships for sustaining unity.[18] This period cemented Finger Eleven's status in the early 2000s alt-rock scene, blending raw energy with accessible hooks.
Thematic shifts and later albums (2007–2012)
Following the commercial breakthrough of their self-titled fourth album, Finger Eleven explored evolving dynamics in interpersonal relationships on their fifth studio album, Them vs. You vs. Me, released on March 6, 2007, by Wind-up Records.[19] The album's title itself evokes themes of conflict between external forces, personal choices, and internal struggles, as reflected in tracks like the title song and "So-So Suicide," which delve into emotional tension and self-doubt.[19] Produced by Johnny K, known for his work with bands like Disturbed and Staind, the record marked a shift toward a more polished alternative rock sound with funk-infused rhythms and introspective lyrics, building on the band's prior hits while experimenting with broader sonic textures.[20]The lead single, "Paralyzer," propelled the album's success, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping both the Alternative Songs and Mainstream Rock charts.[21] Certified quintuple platinum in Canada by Music Canada, it became the band's signature track, featured in the music video directed by Tony Petrossian, which depicted nightclub escapism and earned a 2008 Juno Award for Single of the Year.[2][22]Them vs. You vs. Me debuted at No. 31 on the USBillboard 200 with 19,000 copies sold in its first week and reached No. 2 on the Canadian Albums Chart, marking the band's highest charting release to date and earning a Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year.[23][9]In 2010, Finger Eleven released their sixth album, Life Turns Electric, on October 5 via Wind-up Records, embracing a more streamlined alternative rock approach with subtle electronic elements and driving rhythms that diverged from the funkier edges of their previous work.[24] The album featured singles "Living in a Dream," which highlighted melodic hooks and introspective verses, and "Whatever Doesn't Kill Me," a high-energy track emphasizing resilience.[25][26] Recorded at Wind-up Studios in New York, the project reflected the band's maturation, with frontman Scott Anderson's lyrics often exploring themes of personal evolution and emotional endurance, as seen in songs like "Any Moment Now" and "Pieces Fit."[27] Critics offered mixed responses to the album's experimentation, praising its polished production and anthemic quality while noting a perceived loss of the raw intensity from earlier releases; AllMusic rated it 2.5 out of 5 stars, calling it a solid but unadventurous effort.[27][28]The period was complicated by Wind-up Records' Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2012, which disrupted ongoing promotion for Life Turns Electric and left the band navigating label uncertainty after over a decade with the imprint.[29] Despite these challenges, Finger Eleven maintained momentum through extensive touring, including shared dates on the 2007 Rock Imperium Tour with Three Days Grace, Seether, and others, where they performed hits like "Paralyzer" alongside newer material to enthusiastic crowds.[30] This era solidified the band's reputation for thematic depth, with Anderson's songwriting drawing from lived experiences of growth and relational strife, influencing their transition toward more reflective sounds in subsequent years.
Recent releases and reunions (2013–present)
In 2015, Finger Eleven independently released their seventh studio album, Five Crooked Lines, on July 31 through The Bicycle Music Company, marking a shift to self-directed production after departing from major labels.[31] The lead single, "Wolves and Doors," preceded the album in June, featuring lyrics that encourage stepping out of comfort zones and confronting inner challenges, aligning with the record's overarching themes of resilience and personal growth.[32] Fans responded positively to the album's raw energy and return to the band's alternative rock roots, with tracks like the title song gaining traction through consistent streaming and live performances.[33]To celebrate the twentieth anniversary of their debut album Tip, Finger Eleven organized one-off reunion performances under their original name, Rainbow Butt Monkeys, in 2017 and 2018, focusing on southern Ontario venues and Canadian festivals.[34] In March 2017, they played a special show at Toronto's Phoenix Concert Theatre, reviving early tracks like "Costume for a Gutterball" to nostalgic crowds.[35] The following year, they headlined stages at events such as the Sound of Music Festival in Burlington, delivering high-energy sets of pre-Finger Eleven material that highlighted their funky, alt-rock origins.[36]In June 2023, the band issued their first greatest hits compilation through Craft Recordings, spanning over 25 years of career highlights with selections like "Paralyzer" and "One Thing," alongside a new original track, "Together Right," which captured their enduring melodic drive.[37] The release served as a retrospective milestone, underscoring the longevity of their catalog amid renewed interest from streaming platforms.Finger Eleven's eighth studio album, Last Night on Earth, arrived on November 7, 2025, via Better Noise Music, their first full-length effort in a decade and featuring collaborations like "Blue Sky Mystery" with Filter's Richard Patrick.[38] Lead singles included "Adrenaline" in 2024, followed by "Blue Sky Mystery" in August 2025 and the title track in September, with the latter's video emphasizing introspective visuals.[39] The album delves into themes of reflection and existential motion, as articulated by guitarist Rick Jackett in discussions of balancing introspection with forward momentum.[40]As of 2025, Finger Eleven continues active promotion with a Canadian headlining tour alongside The Tea Party and Headstones, announced for late 2025 and extending into 2026 across venues like South Okanagan Events Centre.[41] Their back catalog has surpassed 1 billion global streams by mid-2024, driven by viral rediscoveries of hits like "Paralyzer" on platforms such as Spotify and YouTube, sustaining their relevance in the rock genre.[42]
Band members
Current members
The current lineup of Finger Eleven consists of five full-time members, all actively contributing to the band's eighth studio album, Last Night on Earth, released on November 7, 2025.[43]Scott Anderson serves as the lead vocalist and also plays keyboards, having been a founding member since the band's formation in 1990; he is the primary songwriter for the group.[1][9]Sean Anderson, Scott's brother, plays bass and is likewise a founding member from 1990, contributing to the band's familial dynamic in performances and recordings.[1][9]James Black handles lead guitar and provides backing vocals, as a founding member since 1990; he has been instrumental in the band's arrangements and songwriting process.[1][9]Rick Jackett plays rhythm guitar and occasional keyboards, another founding member from 1990 who has shaped the band's core sound through multiple albums.[1][44]Steve Molella joined as the drummer in 2014 and also serves as a producer, notably on Last Night on Earth, focusing on both studio and live percussion elements.[9][45]
Former members
Finger Eleven's original lineup, formed in 1990 as Rainbow Butt Monkeys in Burlington, Ontario, included founding drummer Rob Gommerman alongside vocalist Scott Anderson, bassist Sean Anderson, and guitarists James Black and Rick Jackett.[1] Gommerman contributed to the band's debut album, Letters from Chutney (1995), which showcased their early alternative rock and funk influences, and remained through the name change to Finger Eleven and the release of their second album, Tip (1997). He departed the group shortly after Tip's release in 1997, with no specific reason publicly detailed, allowing the band to continue with a new rhythm section.[9]Following Gommerman's exit, Rich Beddoe joined as drummer in 1998, introduced through a mutual connection at an Alice in Chains concert, and became a key figure in the band's shift toward post-grunge and nu metal sounds. Beddoe played on all major releases during his tenure, including the self-titled breakthrough album (2003) featuring the hit "One Thing," Them vs. You vs. Me (2007) with "Paralyzer," and Life Turns Electric (2010), contributing to their commercial success and multiple Juno Award wins. In November 2013, Finger Eleven announced an amicable parting with Beddoe after "much debate," citing a long stretch of great times and music but seeking fresh energy for future projects; he was replaced by Steve Molella.[45]
Timeline
Period
Vocals
Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Rhythm Guitar
Bass Guitar
Drums
1990–1997
Scott Anderson[7]
James Black[7]
Rick Jackett[7]
Sean Anderson[7]
Rob Gommerman[7]
1998–2013
Scott Anderson[7]
James Black[7]
Rick Jackett[7]
Sean Anderson[7]
Rich Beddoe[7]
2014–present
Scott Anderson[9]
James Black[9]
Rick Jackett[9]
Sean Anderson[9]
Steve Molella[9]
The band's lineup has remained stable since 2014, with the core members contributing to consistent personnel across roles post-2002.[9]
Musical style and influences
Evolution of sound
Finger Eleven's early sound in the 1990s was rooted in post-grunge and hard rock, characterized by raw energy and youthful intensity, as heard on their 1997 debut album Tip, which shifted from the funk-infused grunge of their initial release Letters from Chutney (1995) to heavier, more aggressive riffs.[10] This era featured gritty production from their independent label Meridian Music, emphasizing unpolished guitars and dynamic rhythms that captured the band's high school origins.[10]Entering the 2000s, the band's style evolved toward polished alternative rock under major-label backing from Wind-up Records, with their 2003 self-titled album introducing screamed vocals over repetitive, slashing guitar riffs and pummeling beats, blending post-grunge angst with rap-metal elements for broader mainstream appeal.[46] This sheen continued on Them vs. You vs. Me (2007), where heavier riffs gave way to anthemic choruses, acoustic ballads, and funk rock grooves, showcasing a more varied and radio-friendly production.[47] Vocalist Scott Anderson's delivery transitioned from raw screams to more melodic, versatile phrasing, allowing for emotional depth in tracks that balanced intensity with accessibility.[10]In the 2010s, Finger Eleven's sound became more uplifting and experimental, as on Life Turns Electric (2010), which progressed their cool rock style into head-banging energy with positive lyrics replacing earlier angst, while incorporating diverse elements like hard rock and acoustic textures.[48] By Five Crooked Lines (2015), they reverted to a raw, organic approach in a home studio setting, prioritizing muscular guitar riffs, forceful energy, and strong vocals over heavy production, drawing on early influences with modern twists like psychedelic guitars and euphoric hooks.[49]The 2020s marked a further introspective turn in their rock sound on Last Night on Earth (2025), blending atmospheric prog elements and heavy 1960s influences with stripped-down ballads and adventurous ranges, reflecting a return to independent creativity after major-label polish.[50] Overall, production evolved from indie rawness to glossy major-label refinement and back to organic intimacy, mirroring Anderson's vocal arc from aggressive screams to nuanced melodies that adapt across eras.[49]
Key influences
Finger Eleven's early sound drew heavily from 1990s alternative rock and metal acts, with frontman Scott Anderson citing Iron Maiden and Genesis as formative influences during his pre-teen years, describing them as deeply ingrained in his psyche despite drawing criticism from peers and teachers.[51][52] Guitarists Rick Jackett and James Black echoed this by naming Metallica and Guns N' Roses as "the Gospel" during the band's initial Rainbow Butt Monkeys phase, alongside Black Sabbath and Red Hot Chili Peppers, whose album Blood Sugar Sex Magik Jackett called "one of the most life-altering records that ever happened to us."[53]As the band evolved, their inspirations expanded to include classic rock and progressive elements, particularly evident in albums like Five Crooked Lines (2015), where Anderson highlighted Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Pink Floyd as constant playlist staples that shaped an authentic rock sound.[51] This trend continued into their 2025 release Last Night on Earth, with the band acknowledging Phil Collins and Genesis as major melodic influences, and Anderson noting a "heavy Black Sabbath vibe" in tracks like "Blue Sky Mystery."[54][55] Canadian rock outfit The Tragically Hip also left a mark, as Black referenced their cultural resonance in shaping the band's songwriting approach.[53]These diverse sources—spanning metal aggression, funk-infused rhythms, and atmospheric prog—contributed to Finger Eleven's distinctive post-grunge identity, blending nu-metal heaviness with alt-rock introspection and occasional funk-rock grooves, as seen in their cover of Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine."[1] Band members have emphasized personal experiences in lyrics, with Anderson stating in interviews that happiness and life changes directly inform their thematic depth, allowing influences to be "shaken up and made our own" rather than directly replicated.[51]
Discography
Studio albums
''Letters from Chutney'' (1995) (as Rainbow Butt Monkeys)
''Tip'' (1997)[56]
''The Greyest of Blue Skies'' (2000)[57]
''Finger Eleven'' (2003)[58]
''Them vs. You vs. Me'' (2007)[59]
''Life Turns Electric'' (2010)[60]
''Five Crooked Lines'' (2015)[61]
''Last Night on Earth'' (2025)[62]
Compilations
''Greatest Hits'' (2023)[37]
Awards and nominations
Finger Eleven has received multiple nominations and two wins at the Juno Awards.