Tripping Daisy
Tripping Daisy is an American neo-psychedelic pop rock band formed in Dallas, Texas, in 1990 by vocalist and guitarist Tim DeLaughter, alongside bassist Mark Pirro, guitarist Wes Berggren, and drummer Jeff Bouck.[1][2] The group drew influences from the Beatles' psychedelic era and 1970s heavy rock, blending quirky songwriting with alternative pop elements, and gained early local recognition through their track "Lost and Found" on a KDGE-FM compilation, leading to wins at the 1993 Dallas Observer Music Awards.[1][3] Signed to Island Records, Tripping Daisy released their debut album Bill in 1993, followed by the breakthrough I Am an Elastic Firecracker in 1995, which featured the hit single "I Got a Girl" and peaked at No. 6 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart.[1][3][4] Their third album, Jesus Hits Like the Atom Bomb (1998), showcased a more experimental sound with tracks like "Piranha" and "My Umbrella," while a self-titled posthumous release appeared in 2000.[1][2] The band's original lineup evolved over time, with drummers Mitch Marine (1995–1997) and Ben Curtis (1997–1999) joining, but tragedy struck on October 27, 1999, when founding guitarist Wes Berggren died of a drug overdose in his Dallas apartment, prompting the group's official disbandment in December 1999.[5][3] In the years following, core members DeLaughter, Pirro, and others formed the choral rock ensemble The Polyphonic Spree, but Tripping Daisy reformed in 2024, embarking on a tour in 2025 celebrating the 30th anniversary of I Am an Elastic Firecracker, performing the album in full alongside other material at venues including Turntable in Indianapolis.[6][7]History
Formation and early releases (1990–1994)
Tripping Daisy was formed in Dallas, Texas, in 1990 by Tim DeLaughter on vocals and guitar, Wes Berggren on guitar and vocals, Mark Pirro on bass, and Jeff Bouck on drums.[8][2] The band quickly immersed itself in the vibrant Dallas independent music scene, playing frequent shows at local venues such as Trees and Club Dada in the Deep Ellum district, which helped build a grassroots following through energetic live performances.[9][10] Early self-released demos, including a 1991 cassette tape with tracks like "Blue Train," "Change of Mind," and a cover of "Green Tambourine," captured their initial raw energy and circulated among local fans and industry scouts.[11][12] In November 1992, Tripping Daisy released their debut album Bill on the independent Dragon Street Records label, a lo-fi collection of ten tracks that highlighted their playful alternative pop sensibilities with songs such as "My Umbrella," "On the Ground," and "Blown Away."[13][14] Recorded in Dallas studios, the album's buoyant, early-1990s alt-pop sound, occasionally veering into neo-psychedelic territory, reflected the band's garage-inflected origins while showcasing DeLaughter's whimsical lyrics and the group's tight instrumentation.[15] Drummer Jeff Bouck departed shortly after the recording, replaced by Bryan Wakeland, who joined for subsequent live dates and recordings.[2] The growing local buzz around Bill and their performances attracted major label attention, culminating in a signing with Island Records in 1993; the label reissued the album on its Island Red imprint that July, expanding distribution beyond Texas.[16][17] As a transitional release under the new deal, Tripping Daisy issued the live EP Get It On on June 6, 1994, via Island Red, capturing a performance at Trees from the previous summer with five tracks blending originals like "It's Safe It's Social" and "Get It On" alongside a cover of Bad Religion's "We're Only Gonna Die."[18][19] This EP served as a energetic preview of the band's evolving stage presence ahead of their full major-label debut.Breakthrough with I Am an Elastic Firecracker (1995–1996)
Tripping Daisy's major label debut, I Am an Elastic Firecracker, was released on June 20, 1995, through Island Records, marking a significant shift from their independent roots.[20] Produced by Ted Niceley alongside the band, the album showcased their evolving sound with polished production that amplified their neo-psychedelic pop-rock elements.[21] It peaked at number 95 on the US Billboard 200 chart, reflecting modest but notable commercial entry into the mainstream alternative scene.[22] The lead single, "I Got a Girl," released in 1995, became the album's breakout track, reaching number 6 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and gaining widespread radio play.[23] Its accompanying music video received substantial rotation on MTV, boosting the band's visibility with its quirky visuals and catchy hook.[24] The album itself featured an eclectic array of pop-rock tracks, including the dreamy "I'm Mary Jane" and the energetic "Faze," which highlighted the band's blend of psychedelic experimentation and accessible melodies, ultimately contributing to over 250,000 units sold in the US by 1998.[25] To promote the release, Tripping Daisy embarked on extensive touring in 1995 and 1996, opening for major acts such as Oasis, Radiohead, Sonic Youth, and White Zombie at high-profile events like the KOME Almost Acoustic Christmas and Q101 Twisted Christmas festivals.[26] These performances, including appearances at the CMJ Music Marathon, helped cultivate a dedicated cult following among alternative rock enthusiasts.[27] Initial media coverage in alternative outlets praised the band's quirky, psychedelic aesthetic, with a September 1995 Washington Post review describing their music as "tuneful post-hardcore rock with psychedelic elements" and noting the direct appeal of tracks like "I Got a Girl."[28] SPIN magazine later included "I Got a Girl" among the 95 best alternative rock songs of 1995, underscoring its impact within the year's vibrant scene.[29]Later years and disbandment (1997–2000)
In 1997, Tripping Daisy released the EP Time Capsule through Island Records, compiling six unreleased tracks and rarities recorded between 1991 and 1996 that showcased the band's early psychedelic pop experimentation.[30][31] The band's third studio album, Jesus Hits Like the Atom Bomb, followed on July 7, 1998, also via Island Records. Produced by Eric Drew Feldman, the record marked a stylistic shift toward more experimental and artistic arrangements while retaining pop underpinnings, with tracks like "Field Day Jitters" and "Sonic Bloom" highlighting layered noise and neo-psychedelic elements.[32][33][34] During this period, founding guitarist Wes Berggren grappled with substance abuse issues, which ultimately proved fatal. On October 27, 1999, Berggren was found dead in his Dallas apartment from an accidental overdose involving cocaine, propoxyphene, and benzodiazepine, as confirmed by the Dallas County Medical Examiner's toxicology report.[35][36] The tragedy deeply affected the remaining members, prompting tour cancellations and contributing to the band's instability.[35] Tripping Daisy completed and posthumously released their self-titled fourth studio album on April 18, 2000, through the independent label Sugar Fix Records, featuring tracks recorded prior to Berggren's death at Last Beat Studio.[37][38] This effort, which included contributions like Don Berggren on Fender Rhodes for the unfinished "Soothing Jubilee," served as a final statement and coincided with the group's official disbandment later that year.[39]Sporadic reunions (2017–2022)
After a period of inactivity following the band's original disbandment due to internal challenges and the tragic death of guitarist Wes Berggren in 2000, Tripping Daisy staged their first reunion performance on May 13, 2017, at the Homegrown Music Festival in Dallas, Texas. The lineup featured core members Tim DeLaughter on vocals and Mark Pirro on bass, augmented by guest musicians including several from DeLaughter's choral rock project The Polyphonic Spree, such as multi-instrumentalists and vocalists who contributed to the psychedelic energy of the set. The show focused on classics from the band's 1990s catalog, including hits like "I Got a Girl" and "Jesus Hits Like the Atom Bomb," drawing a nostalgic crowd and marking the group's first live appearance in over 17 years.[40][41][42] The momentum from the 2017 event led to additional low-key performances in 2019, including a return to the Homegrown Music Festival on April 13 for its 10th anniversary, where the band again emphasized their signature 1990s material to evoke the era's alt-rock vibrancy. This appearance, alongside other Texas dates like a warm-up at Club Dada on April 11 and a November show at Three Links, highlighted the enduring local appeal of Tripping Daisy's sound but remained informal without commitments to broader touring or recording. DeLaughter's ongoing work with The Polyphonic Spree continued to shape these outings, infusing them with a communal, orchestral flair that echoed the band's experimental roots while keeping the focus on fan-favorite songs rather than new material. Coverage was confined to regional outlets, reflecting the events' grassroots nature in the Dallas music scene.[43][44][45][46] In 2022, Tripping Daisy delivered a surprise one-off show on August 28 at The Kessler Theater in Dallas, announced just 24 hours prior, which featured a mix of staples like "Prick" and deeper cuts from their catalog, hinting at unresolved creative potential without signaling a full comeback. The performance again drew on collaborators from DeLaughter's extended musical circle, maintaining the ad-hoc spirit of prior reunions. As with earlier efforts, media attention stayed local, with reviews praising the nostalgic revival but noting the absence of fresh songs or national promotion, underscoring these gatherings as celebratory rather than revivalist milestones.[47][48][49]Official reformation and 2025 tour (2024–present)
In June 2024, Tripping Daisy officially reformed after years of sporadic activity, with the band announcing plans to record a new album and embark on extensive touring.[50] The reformation marked a committed revival, building on earlier one-off reunions but focusing on sustained creative output and live performances.[51] The band's debut post-reformation concert took place on June 29, 2024, at The Factory in Deep Ellum, Dallas, drawing a capacity crowd for an emotionally charged set that revisited their catalog.[52] The performance included a full playthrough of their 1995 breakthrough album I Am an Elastic Firecracker, alongside deep cuts from earlier releases, and hints at emerging material developed through rehearsals.[50] This show served as a launchpad for their renewed momentum, emphasizing the core lineup's chemistry after intensive preparation.[53] On April 16, 2025, Tripping Daisy announced details of their first North American tour in 26 years, a 21-date run from June 21 to July 20 celebrating the 30th anniversary of I Am an Elastic Firecracker, which concluded successfully.[54][55] Kicking off at The Bomb Factory in Dallas and concluding at The Underground in Charlotte, North Carolina, the itinerary spanned major U.S. and Canadian cities, including stops at Lee's Palace in Toronto and Marquis Theater in Denver.[56] Tour setlists centered on complete performances of I Am an Elastic Firecracker, interspersed with selections from their discography to highlight their neo-psychedelic roots.[57] Amid these activities, the band shifted affiliation to Good Records/Sugar Fix, a Dallas-based imprint with longstanding ties to frontman Tim DeLaughter, positioning it as the platform for forthcoming releases including the anticipated new album.[58] This partnership aligns with their independent ethos, facilitating both reissues and original material in the post-reformation era.[59]Musical style and influences
Musical style
Tripping Daisy's core sound is rooted in neo-psychedelic rock and pop rock, blending upbeat melodies with whimsical lyrics that often evoke surreal imagery and playful humor.[2][60] The band's music features layered guitars, rich vocal harmonies, and unconventional song structures that shift abruptly between energetic riffs and dreamy interludes, creating a sense of playful chaos.[61][62] Tracks like "I Got a Girl" exemplify their nod to 1960s psychedelia, with swirling guitar effects and infectious hooks that propelled the song to alternative radio success.[28] Early releases, such as the 1992 debut album Bill, showcase a raw, garage-like aesthetic with lo-fi production that emphasizes the band's youthful energy and experimental edge, produced by Patrick Keel and Tripping Daisy.[17] This evolved into a more polished, radio-friendly sound on 1995's I Am an Elastic Firecracker, produced by Ted Niceley, where multi-tracked instrumentation and tighter arrangements highlighted their pop sensibilities while retaining psychedelic flourishes.[63] Later works like 1998's Jesus Hits Like the Atom Bomb, produced by Eric Drew Feldman, introduced darker, more introspective tones amid themes of surrealism and subtle nods to drug culture, shifting from humor to a brooding dreaminess without abandoning their core melodic drive.[64][7]Influences
Tripping Daisy's music drew heavily from the psychedelic experimentation of the 1960s, particularly the Beatles' era of innovative soundscapes and harmonic complexity seen in albums like Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.[8] This influence manifested in the band's layered arrangements and whimsical lyrics, blending pop accessibility with surreal elements. Similarly, the Beach Boys' harmonic sophistication, especially Brian Wilson's production techniques on works like Pet Sounds, shaped Tripping Daisy's vocal stacks and melodic adventures, as evident in the multi-part harmonies on their 1998 album Jesus Hits Like the Atom Bomb.[65] Tim DeLaughter has expressed particular admiration for Wilson, crediting him with inspiring a focus on melodic exploration and intricate vocal layering throughout the band's catalog.[65] In the 1990s Dallas alternative rock scene, Tripping Daisy was influenced by peers like the Flaming Lips, whose quirky visuals and eccentric songwriting impacted the band's playful aesthetics and experimental edge.[62] The Butthole Surfers, fellow Texas icons from the Deep Ellum venue circuit, contributed to this local environment of boundary-pushing rock, fostering Tripping Daisy's irreverent humor and visual flair during the decade's vibrant club scene.[66] The band's sound also reflected Texas's rich psychedelic heritage, rooted in the 1960s legacy of the 13th Floor Elevators, pioneers of acid rock whose raw, feedback-laden explorations laid the groundwork for subsequent Lone Star State psych acts.[67] Broader ties to the 1990s grunge and indie rock movements provided a gritty foundation, but Tripping Daisy opted for a poppier, less aggressive twist, incorporating heavier 1970s riffing into their alternative pop framework.[8]Personnel
Current members
The current lineup of Tripping Daisy, reformed in 2024 for ongoing tours and new material, consists of six members who blend original and later contributors to revive the band's psychedelic rock sound.[68] Tim DeLaughter serves as lead vocals and guitar, acting as the band's founder, primary songwriter, and driving force behind the 2024 reformation and the 2025 North American tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of I Am an Elastic Firecracker.[69][68] Mark Pirro plays bass, an original member from the band's 1990 formation whose rhythmic foundation has been essential to the group's cohesive live performances in the reformation era.[69][68] Bryan Wakeland handles drums and percussion, an original member (c. 1991–1995) who rejoined for later reunions and the 2025 tour, where he provides the driving energy for the dates.[69][68] Philip Karnats contributes on guitar, a later addition who rejoined for the 2024 reformation to support modern touring duties and expand the band's sonic layers.[69][68] Nick Earl performs on guitar, a recent recruit whose inclusion has broadened the arrangement for the expanded, improvisational sets of the 2025 performances.[69][68] Dylan Silvers rounds out the group as keyboards, guitar, backing vocals, and multi-instrumentalist, enhancing the psychedelic elements in live renditions during the 2025 tour.[69][68]Former members
Wes Berggren served as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for Tripping Daisy from the band's formation in 1990 until his death in 1999, contributing significantly as a co-songwriter on key tracks across their albums, including the psychedelic pop elements that defined their sound.[8][16] Berggren, born Wesley Joseph Berggren on April 3, 1971, in Dallas, Texas, was a founding member alongside Tim DeLaughter, helping shape the band's neo-psychedelic style through his guitar work and multi-instrumental contributions on keyboards and cello.[70] His death on October 27, 1999, at age 28, from an accidental overdose involving propoxyphene, benzodiazepine, and cocaine, profoundly impacted the band, leading to their initial disbandment later that year.[5][71][72] Jeff Bouck was the original drummer for Tripping Daisy, playing from 1990 to 1992 during the band's early independent releases and local Dallas scene development.[16][73] He departed shortly after the formation of the core lineup and was replaced by Bryan Wakeland, contributing to the rhythm section on their debut efforts before shifting focus to other projects.[74] Post-Tripping Daisy, Bouck became a percussionist with The Polyphonic Spree, the choral rock collective formed by former bandmates, and later played in groups such as '68 Comeback and South Filthy.[74] Mitch Marine joined Tripping Daisy as drummer in 1995, following Bryan Wakeland's departure after the tour for I Am an Elastic Firecracker, and remained until 1997, providing a session musician's polish to their live performances and recordings leading up to Jesus Hits Like the Atom Bomb.[75] Known for his extensive background as a studio and touring drummer, including later work with Dwight Yoakam, Marine brought technical precision to the band's evolving psychedelic rock sound during a period of major-label transition.[76] He left before the completion of their final album in the original lineup, pursuing further session work and long-term collaborations, including over seven albums with Yoakam since 2003.[76] Ben Curtis contributed as a drummer on sessions for Tripping Daisy in the late 1990s, adding to the band's rhythm during their final active years amid lineup changes.[77] Born on September 23, 1978, in Dallas, Curtis, who also played guitar, emerged from the local scene with bands like UFOFU before joining Tripping Daisy's orbit.[78] After the band's 1999 disbandment, he co-founded the space rock group Secret Machines and later School of Seven Bells, where he served as guitarist and producer until his death on December 29, 2013, at age 35, from T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.[78][77] Other touring musicians included Philip Karnats, who provided guitar support from 1997 to 1999, enhancing the band's live energy during their Island Records era.[79]Discography
Studio albums
Tripping Daisy's debut studio album, Bill, was initially released in November 1992 on the independent label Dragon Street Records before being reissued on July 20, 1993, by Island Records' Red Label imprint.[14] The album originated from the band's early Dallas scene recordings and achieved modest commercial performance.[75] The reissue expanded the tracklist to 13 songs, highlighting the band's raw alternative rock sound. The full track listing for the 1993 reissue is as follows:- "My Umbrella" – 4:32
- "One Through Four" – 2:57
- "Lost and Found" – 3:23
- "Change of Mind" – 4:33
- "On the Ground" – 4:14
- "The Morning" – 2:27
- "Blown Away" – 4:31
- "Brown-Eyed Pickle Boy" – 4:50
- "Miles and Miles of Pain" – 4:10
- "No Mercy for the Bull" – 3:40
- "Triangle" – 5:59
- "Green Tambourine" – 3:35
- "40 Days" – 3:48[80]
- "ROCKetPop" – 4:06
- "baNg" – 4:03
- "I Got a Girl" – 4:05
- "PirANha" – 4:47
- "mOtivATion" – 5:35
- "Pristine Christine" – 3:52
- "8 Track" – 3:22
- "My Generation..." – 4:13
- "Strawberry Sunset" – 3:21
- "The Meaning of Life" – 4:18
- "Growing" – 4:28
- "With the People" – 4:24[84]
- "Field Day Jitters" – 4:09
- "Waited a Light Year" – 6:00
- "Sonic Bloom" – 3:39
- "Bandaids for Hire" – 2:38
- "My Drug Friends" – 4:04
- "5-4-3-2-1..." – 3:37
- "The Plastic" – 4:23
- "For the Love of Glory" – 4:37
- "13 Months" – 4:55
- "Received Wisdom" – 4:20
- "Turn It Off" – 3:34
- "To Fly or Not to Fly" – 3:45
- "Bottom of the Big Top" – 4:46[33]
- "Community Mantra" – 4:56
- "Kids Are Calling" – 3:27
- "Stella Is a Planet" – 3:00
- "Soothing Jubilee" – 3:36
- "Drama Day Weekend" – 3:34
- "Tragiverse" – 4:00
- "Jim's Longtime Voice" – 4:09
- "John Doe's Life" – 3:50
- "You First" – 3:25
- "I Am Good" – 4:24
- "Halo Comb" – 3:59
- "This Cradle Song" – 4:04
- "Foot Dance" – 3:53[38]
Extended plays
Tripping Daisy's extended plays provided supplementary releases that highlighted non-album material, including live performances, covers, B-sides, and demos, often bridging transitions in their career phases. These EPs were typically shorter than full-length albums, featuring five to eight tracks, and were issued primarily through Island Records during their major-label period, with one later independent release. The band's debut EP, Get It On, was released on June 6, 1994, by Island Red Label, marking their first official major-label output following the indie success of their debut album Bill.[18] Recorded live at Trees nightclub in Dallas, Texas, during the summer of 1993, the five-track EP captured the band's energetic early sound and served as a bridge from their independent roots to broader commercial exposure.[87] It includes performances of tracks from Bill such as "Blown Away" and "On the Ground," alongside a cover of T. Rex's "Get It On (Bang a Gong)" and Bad Religion's "We're Only Gonna Die From Our Own Arrogance," with "It's Safe It's Social" rounding out the set; these selections emphasized the band's neo-psychedelic rock style infused with punk influences.[88] As their only live recording, Get It On showcased Tim DeLaughter's charismatic vocals and the rhythm section's drive, mixed by Kirby Orrick and mastered by Greg Calbi, and was available on CD and cassette formats.[87] In 1997, Island Records issued Time Capsule, a compilation EP compiling otherwise unreleased tracks spanning the band's career from 1991 to 1996, including B-sides and outtakes that offered fans deeper insight into their creative process during the I Am an Elastic Firecracker era.[89] The seven-track release, produced in various sessions and featuring contributions from core members like DeLaughter and Wes Berggren, includes an introductory spoken-word piece, followed by songs such as "Rise," "Cause Tomb Shop," "Creature," "Boobie The Clown," "I'm A Fish," and "Blue Train," many of which experimented with the band's signature whimsical psychedelia and pop hooks.[90] Issued on CD and promo cassette, Time Capsule functioned as a retrospective odds-and-ends collection, highlighting unreleased material from tours and studio experiments without overlapping significantly with prior albums.[91] The Tops Off Our Head, a limited promotional release from the late 1990s, emerged on Good Records in 1999 as a CD EP of rare demos and unfinished tracks, providing an intimate glimpse into the band's songwriting foundations amid their post-Island transitions.[92] Comprising eight tracks that reflect raw, unpolished versions of material from their mid-1990s period, it was not widely commercially distributed and later reissued on vinyl in 2011 and digitally via Bandcamp in 2020, underscoring its status as a collector's item for enthusiasts.[93] The EP's content, drawn from demo sessions, emphasized experimental neo-psychedelic elements and was valued for its behind-the-scenes perspective on the band's evolution, though specific track details remained scarce due to its limited availability.[94]Singles
Tripping Daisy's singles were released primarily through Island Records, with several achieving notable airplay and chart success on alternative rock formats during the mid-1990s. The band's early releases focused on double A-sides and promotional formats, while later singles were mostly radio promos tied to album cycles. The debut single, "Blown Away / My Umbrella," was issued in 1993 as a CD single (catalog 422 854 042-2). "My Umbrella" peaked at #3 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart in 1993.[95] "I Got a Girl," released in 1995 as a 12" vinyl single in the UK (catalog 12IS 636), became the band's biggest hit, peaking at #6 on the US Alternative Airplay chart and garnering extended MTV video airplay.[96][97] The follow-up "Piranha," released in 1995 as a 7" vinyl single in the UK and a 3-track CD single (catalog CID638), peaked at #2 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and #72 on the UK Singles Chart. The CD version included B-sides "Creature" and "High."[95][98][99][100] Subsequent releases were promotional. "Trip Along" appeared in 1996 as a CD promo single (catalog PRCD 7146-2). "Sonic Bloom," from the 1998 album Jesus Hits Like the Atom Bomb, was issued as a CD promo single (catalog PRCD 7896-2) in September 1998, receiving moderate rock radio airplay but no major chart entry.[101][102]| Title | Year | Label | Format | Peak Chart Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Blown Away / My Umbrella" | 1993 | Island Records | CD single | #3 (US Modern Rock, "My Umbrella") | Double A-side; catalog 422 854 042-2.[95][101] |
| "I Got a Girl" | 1995 | Island Records | 12" vinyl | #6 (US Alternative Airplay) | UK release; catalog 12IS 636; MTV video rotation.[96][97] |
| "Piranha" | 1995 | Island Records | 7" vinyl, CD single | #2 (US Modern Rock); #72 (UK) | B-sides "Creature," "High" on CD; catalogs (vinyl not specified, CD CID638).[95][98][99] |
| "Trip Along" | 1996 | Island Records | CD promo | — | Catalog PRCD 7146-2.[101] |
| "Sonic Bloom" | 1998 | Island Records | CD promo | — | Tied to Jesus Hits Like the Atom Bomb; catalog PRCD 7896-2.[102] |