Dillinger Four (sometimes abbreviated as D4)[1] is an American punk rock band formed in 1994 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They have released four full-length studio albums. Since 1996,[4] the band's lineup has been Patrick Costello on bass guitar and vocals, Erik Funk and Bill Morrisette[5] on guitars and vocals, and Lane Pederson on drums.[6]
History
Dillinger Four was formed in 1994 by guitarist Erik Funk and bassist Patrick Costello. The two had previously played together in the Chicago-based hardcore band Angerhouse.[7]
The original lineup, which also included guitarist Sloan Lorsung and drummer Lane Pedersen, released the 1995 debut 7" single Higher Aspirations: Tempered and Dismantled. Lorsung was replaced by Bill Morrisette before the 1996 follow-up EP The Kids Are All Dead. A series of subsequent singles and compilation appearances were later collected on 1999's This Shit is Genius. In June 1998, Dillinger Four joined As Friends Rust and Discount on a leg of their American tour.[8][9]
The band was signed to California hardcore label Hopeless Records on the strength of what Hopeless founder Louis Posen called its "international following."[10] The label released Dillinger Four's first two full-length records, 1998's Midwestern Songs of the Americas and 2000's Versus God. The band moved to Fat Wreck Chords for 2002's Situationist Comedy and 2008's Civil War.[11]
Funk founded and co-owned the influential Minneapolis music venue Triple Rock Social Club, which opened in 1998 and closed in 2017. Dillinger Four played the venue's final concert in November 2017.[12]
Star honoring Dillinger Four on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue
Dillinger Four has been honored with a star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue,[13] recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue.[14]
