THE AQUABATS

THEH AQUABATS

Beginning as a zany eight-piece ska unit in the mid-'90s, Los Angeles County's the Aquabats were lauded for helping energize a fresh wave of ska-punk from such figures as the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Squirrel Nut Zippers. Dressed in matching masks and colored costumes inspired by Adam West's Batman from the '60s, the group made their debut with 1996's The Return of the Aquabats! as an eight-piece. A fluctuating lineup over the years was stabilized by the constant presence of lead vocalist Christian Jacabs -- known to fans as the MC Bat Commander -- and bassist Chad Larson, aka Crash McLarson. Coinciding with a reduced lineup in the early 2000s, they shifted from exuberant ska to playful, punky indie rock before recording 2005's Charge!! as a quintet. Part musical sketch comedy show and part campy, superhero adventure series, the band developed their own family-friendly TV series..The Aquabats! Super Show!, which aired in 2012 and 2013.