The Thumbs were an American punk rock band from Baltimore, Maryland. They were active from 1995 until approximately 2002. They were known for having an intense touring ethic, having completed nine U.S. tours, and two Japanese tours between 1997 and 2001. The band was formed by Mike Hall, Bobby Borte, and Mark Minnig, however Hall and Borte remained the only constant members amidst constant drummer changes.
History
The Thumbs were formed when Mike Hall left his former band The Pee Tanks and Borte and Minnig left their former band Rubber Sole. While active, The Thumbs released records on their own Sneezeguard Records, as well as Soda Jerk Records, Adeline Records, and Snuffy Smile.
Members
Mike Hall - Vocals, Guitar (1995–1998), Vocals, Bass (1998–2003)
Bobby Borte - Vocals, Guitar (1995–2003)
Mark Minnig - Vocals, Bass (1995–1998)
Tom Fortwengler - Drums US Tour Sept 1998
Phil Spence - Drums (1996–1999), Sprague Dawley Rats recording (1996), Sweet Merciful Crap (1997), Make America Strong (1998)
Lee Ashlin - Drums scattered appearances in late 1990s, 2001-2003 Japan Tour No. 2 Sept 2001
Randy Rampage - Drums (1995–1996), self-titled 12-inch 1995, All Lesser Devils recording 1999, 2nd Snuffy Smile 7-inch recording 2001
Roman Kuebler- Drums (2000–2001) Last Match recording
Bug - Drums US/Japan Tour Sept 1999
Friendly Pat - Drums US Tour March 1999
Jason Gambrel - US Tour Jan-Mar 1997, Eldon recording 1999
Pat from Crispus Attucks - Eldon recording 1999
Discography
EPs
Sprague Dawley Rats - 7-inch EP Sneezeguard Records
Sweet Merciful Crap - 7-inch EP Soda Jerk Records
All Lesser Devils - 7-inch/CD EP Adeline Records
The Thumbs/The Urchin - Split 7-inch on Snuffy Smile
The Thumbs/Jack Palance Band - Split 7-inch on ADD records
The Thumbs/One Leaf - Split 7-inch on Snuffy Smile
LPs
The Thumbs - 12-inch LP Sneezeguard Records
Make America Strong - CD Soda Jerk Records
Last Match - CD/LP Adeline Records
Compilations
"Dropping Food On Their Heads Is Not Enough - GC Records - They Improve Ideas
52 Lessons on Life Reinforcement Records - They Improve Ideas
Every Dog Will Have Its Day, Adeline Records Comp.2 - Hour One
Fast Music Comp CD (Fast Music 2000) Song - "Drug Screamer"
Might As Well Can't Dance CD (Adeline 2000) Song - "Ribbon Men"
Dear Fred: Standby For The Next Objective CD (Sneezeguard, 1998.) Song - "I Don't"
A.D.D. Zine Comp CD (A.D.D. Records, 1999) Song - "John Staab Pants"
Letters From Punksville CD (Re-inforcement Records, 1998) Song - "Looking For The Cure"
Punx Just Want To Have Fun cassette comp (8TH DImension Records, 1998) Song - "Sasquatch"
Breathmint Comp CD (Breathmint Records, 1998) Song - "Happens All The Time" (recorded at WFMU OCT 97)
Punker Than Your Mother CD (Soda Jerk, 1998) Song - "Pilot Fish"
North American Takeover CD (Cloister Records, 1998) Songs - "Chrissy Snow", "Fall at Your Feet"
It Takes a Dummy to Know a Dummy CD (Dumb Ass Records, 1997) Song - "Sprague Dawley Rats"
If It's Not Punk, It's Junk CD (GFY Records, 1997) Song - "Shuck"
Exploitational Sampler CD (Creep Records, 1996) Song - "Chrissy Snow"
