Offbeat Hooligans was formed at the end of 2010 in Atlanta, GA by bassist/singer Ben Rickard, guitarist Austin Saxon, singer Boris Adamack, and drummer Chris Rickard. OBH started out as a cover band but later evolved into something completely unique. Later, in early 2011, the band was joined by friend Eric Jefferson on drums. The band currently resides in Atlanta, GA and plays all over the city in local clubs and bars. OBH has developed a tight knit loyal fan base in Atlanta that continues to grow. You better stay up to date with these guys, this is just the beginning!
We caught up with bassist/singer, Ben Rickard, to ask him some questions about his experience with OBH.
What is the strangest thing a fan has done for you? or at your show?
Well we have had some crazy stuff happen in the past. One of our first big shows, we had a fan come up on stage and dance to the tunes. Before we knew it he had tried to jump off one of the monitors in to the crowd. When he tried to jump his foot slipped on the monitor and he went diving head first into the crowd! He was a big dude so everyone in front of the stage kinda parted and he landed flat on his face. Needless to say he had to get rushed off in an ambulance and there was a huge bloody mess in front of the stage. It definitely sucked for that guy, but made the show pretty interesting.
What is the funniest moment you have had as an artist/band so far?
Well there is one situation in particular that kinda stands out to me. After one of our shows a while back we had a fan that wanted some of our merch but had no money. After explaining to us that she absolutely needed one of our shirts she continued to say she had 5 bucks and would lift her shirt for a half price t-shirt. Needless to say, we agreed.
Another funny moment was when we recently recorded one of our songs Permission To Board. The song has many sexual innuendos and is very humorous. You will have to get a copy of the CD to find out!
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
We like to keep it professionally humorous for sure. We don’t really have any pre-show rituals besides maybe getting our minds right.
If you could describe your music in one word, what would it be?
FunkyReggaeBlue Awesomeness
How do you connect with a crowd?
We are just some normal dudes that like to write about real stuff. Nothing is really sugar coated and we just try to keep it real. That goes a long way.
How did you come up with your band name?
Well if you listen to the music you can hear a heavy 311 and Red Hot Chili Peppers influence. Offbeat Bareass is a pretty popular 311 song as well. Hooligan is another word for Manchester’s street gangs. We by no means are gangsters, but just love to be dumb and have a good time. HOOLIGANS!
What is the best way to write music?
We don’t really have a set way to write music, but it mainly always starts with drums and bass with a sprinkle of guitar on top!
Come party with the Offbeat Hooligans for the album release party for Be Civilized at The Vinyl at Center Stage on March 2! Be Civilized will show off OBH’s roots with styles ranging from Reggae, Blues and Funk. The show starts at 9 p.m. and tickets will be $10 at the door.
