 The
story begins in 1995. After living in Norway for ten years, Arne moves back
to the United States. He then joins the Philly-based punk / oi! band, '2404',
as guitarist. The band records a 7" which features an early version
of "You Can't Get Us Down". The band breaks up soon after it's
release.
In the Spring of 1996, Arne recruits ex-'Self Divided' guitarist, Arthur,
ex-'Puzzlehead' drummer, Brett and Paul on Bass to form what was then
known as 'Spirit of '88'. After releasing two demos in the few months
that they had started, the group found themselves playing shows with such
hardcore favorites as 'Warzone', 'Madball', '25 Ta Life' and others.By
this time, Paul has decided to quit the band due to lack of interest.
Increasing in popularity, 'Spirit of '88' released two split 7"s.
One on Gut Punch Records and the other on Back Ta Basics. Arne plays bass
for both of these recordings. Soon after, James joins as bass player to
help out with some upcoming shows but leaves 'Spirit of '88' after three
weeks due to obligations with his other band, 'Thee Rotten Gnashers'.
A few weeks go by and bassist, Jaime, is found.
Refining their sound and writing more patriotic, Oi! inspired songs,
the band quickly released two demos under the name 'Red, White & Blue'.
Feeling left out and due to the change in music, Brett and Jaime left
the group. To fill the gap, James took over on bass, with a very young
Jesse on drums. Within a few months of rehearsing new material, 'Red,
White & Blue' records their first full-length CD in spring of 1998,
entitled "Patriotic Glory" for Pure Impact Records.
In the meantime, the band have two songs featured on the Trailer Park
Records release "Better Scene Than Heard" and one song on the
"United Worldwide" 7" put out by the French label, Disagree
Records. 'Red, White & Blue' soon release the mini-CD "Boots
of Pride" on Rock-O-Rama Records. This CD features remixed and remastered
versions of the band's seven demo songs. Jesse leaves the group shortly
after the CD is released. He is then replaced with ex-'(NJ) Brawlers'
drummer, Mike.
With this line-up, the band goes to the studio to record what will eventually
be the last songs ever produced by 'Red, White & Blue'. These two
songs, "Downfall of Society" and "Boys From Jersey"
have been released on a limited 7" by Pure Impact Records. Before
the band finally broke up, they had planned to record a second full length
CD for Pure Impact Records.
Unfortunately, politics, tension and disagreements within the members
of the group destroyed 'Red, White & Blue' before they had a chance
to do so. The fourteen new songs they had would have been the best songs
ever recorded by the band. Don't expect a 'Red, White & Blue' reunion...
chances are it will never happen.
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